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VERMILION COUNTY, ILLINOIS 



CONTAINING 



Full Page Portraits and Biographical Sketches of Prominent 
and Representative Citizens of the County, 

TOGETHER WITH 

PORTRAITS AND BIOGRAPHIES OF ALL THE GOVERNORS OF THE STATF, AND 
OF THE PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES. 



CHICAGO: 

CHAPMAN BROTHERS, 
1889. 



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QH§HE greatest of English historians, M icaulay, and oneof the most brilliant writers of 
ff[ the present century, has said: "The history of a country is best told in a record of the 
lives of its people." In conformity with this idea the Portrait and Biographical 
Album of this county has been prepared. Instead of going to must}- records, and 
taking therefrom dry statistical matter that can be appreciated by but few, our 
corps of writers have gone to the people, the men and women who have, by their 
enterprise and industry, brought the county to a rank second to none among those 
comprising this great and noble State, and from their lips have the story of their life 
struggles. No more interesting or instructive matter could be presented to an intelli- 
gent public. In this volume will be found a record of many whose lives are worthy the 
imitation of coming generations. Jt, tells how some, commencing life in poverty, by 
industry and economy have accumulated wealth. It tells how others, with limited 
advantages for securing an education, have become learned men and women, with an 
influence extending throughout the length and breadth of the laud. It tells of men who 
have risen from the lower walks of life to eminence as statesmen, and whose names have 
become famous. It tells of those in every walk in life who have striven to succeed, and 
records how that success has usually crowned their efforts. It tells also of many, very 
many, who, not seeking the applause of the world, have pursued "the even tenor of their way,'' content 
to have it said of them as Christ said of the woman performing a deed of mercy — "they have done what 
they could." It tells how that many in the pride and strength of young manhood left the plow and the 
anvil, the lawyer's ollice and the counting-room, left every trade and profession, and at their country's 
call went forth valiantly "to do or die," and how through their efforts the Union was restored and peace 
once more reigned in the land. In the life of every man and of every woman is a lesson that should not 
be lost upon those who follow after. 

Coming generations will appreciate this volume and preserve it as a sacred treasure, from the fact 
that it contains so much that would never find its way into public records, anil which would otherwise be 
inaccessible. Great care has been taken in the compilation of the work and every opportunity possible 
given to those represented to insure correctness in what has been written, and the publishers flatter them- 
selves that they give to their readers a work with few errors of consequence. In addition to the biograph- 
ical sketches, portraits of a number of representative citizens are given. 

The faces of some, and biographical sketches of many, will be missed in this volume. For this the 
publishers are not to blame. Not having a proper conception of the work, some refused to give the 
information necessary to compile a sketch, while others were indifferent. Occasionally some member of 
the family would oppose the enterprise, and em account of such opposition the support of the interested 

one would be withheld. In a few Lasts es men could never be found, though repeated calls were made 

at their residence or place of business. 

u . , iaftQ CHAPMAN BROS. 

Chicago, September, looi). 





10GRAPHIE 









OF THE, 



GOVERNORS of ILLINOIS, 



AND OF THE. 



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FIRST PRESIDENT. 



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HE Father of our Country was 
born in Westmorland Co., Va., 
Feb. 22, 1732. His parents 
were Augustine and Mary 
(Ball) Washington. The family 
to which lie belonged has not 
been satisfactorily traced in 
England. His great-grand- 
father, John Washington, em- 
igrated to Virginia about 1657, 
and became a prosperous 
planter. He had two sons, 
Lawrence and John. The 
former married Mildred Warner 
and had three children, John. 
Augustine and Mildred. Augus- 
tine, the father of Ceorge, fiist 
married fane Butler, who bore 
him four children, two of whom, 
Lawrence and Augustine, reached 
maturity. Of six children by his 
second marriage, George was the 
eldest, the others being Betty, 
Samuel, John Augustine, Charles 
and Mildred. 
Augustine Washington, the father of George, died 
in 1745, leaving a large landed property. To his 
eldest son, Lawrence, he bequeathed an estate on 
the Patomac, afterwards known as Mount Vernon, 
and to George he left the parental residence. George 
received only such education as the neighborhood 
schools afforded, save for a short time after he left 
school, when he received private instruction in 
mathei«at ; cs. His spelling was rather defective. 



Remarkable stories are told of his great physical 
strength and development at an early age. He was 
an acknowledged leader among his companions, and 
was early noted for that nobleness of character, fair- 
ness and veracity which characterized his whole life. 

When George was 14 years old he had a desire to go to 
sea, and a midshipman's warrant was secured for him, 
but through the opposition of his mother the idea was 
abandoned. Two years later he was appointed 
surveyor to the immense estate of Lord Fairfax. In 
this business he spent three years in a rough frontier 
life, gaining experience which afterwards proved very 
essential to him. In 1751, though only 19 years ot 
age, he was a|>i>ointed adjutant with the rank of 
major in the Virginia militia, then being trained for 
active service against the French and Indians. Soon 
after this he sailed to the West Indies with his brother 
Lawrence, who went there to restore his health. They 
soon returned, and in the summer of 1752 Lawrence 
died, leaving a large fortune to an infant daughter 
who did not long survive him. On her demise the 
estate of Mount Vernon was given to George. 

Upon the arrival of Robert Dinwiddie, as Lieuten- 
ant-Governor of Virginia, in 1752, the militia was 
reorganized, and the province divided into four mili- 
tary districts, of which the northern was assigned to 
Washington as adjutant general. Shortly after this 
a very perilous mission was assigned him and ac- 
cepted, which others had refused. This was lo pro- 
ceed to the French post near Lake Erie in North- 
western Pennsylvania. The distance to be traversed 
w.is between 500 and Coo miles. Winter was at hand, 
and the journey was to be made without military 
escort, through a territory occupied by Indians. The 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 



trip was a perilous one, and several limes he came near 
losing his life, yet he returned in safety and furnished 
a full and useful report of his expedition. A regiment 
of 300 men was raised in Virginia and put in com- 
mand of Col. Joshua Fry, and Major Washington was 
commissioned lieutenant-colonel. Active war was 
then begun against the French and Indians, in which 
Washington took a most important part. In the 
memorable event of July 9, 1755, known as Brad- 
dock's defeat, Washington was almost the only officer 
of distinction who escaped from the calamities of the 
day with life and honor. The other aids of Braddock 
were disabled early in the action, and Washington 
alone was left in that capacity on the field. In a letter 
to his brother he says : " I had four bullets through 
my coat, and two horses shot under me, yet I escaped 
unhurt, though death was leveling my companions 
on every side." An Indian sharpshooter said he was 
not born to be killed by a bullet, for he had taken 
direct aim at him seventeen times, and failed to hit 
him. 

After having been five years in the military service, 
and vainly sought promotion in the royal army, he 
look advantage of the fall of Fort Duquesne and the 
expulsion of the French from the valley of the Ohio, 
10 resign his commission. Soon after he entered the 
Legislature, where, although not a leader, he took an 
active and important part. January 17, 1759, he 
married Mrs. Martha (Dandridge) Custis, the wealthy 
widow of John Parke Custis. 

When the British Parliament had closed the port 
if Boston, the cry went up throughout the provinces 
that "The cause of Boston is the cause of us all." 
It was then, at the suggestion of Virginia, that a Con- 
gress of all the colonies was called to meet at Phila- 
delphia.Sept. 5, 1774, to secure their common liberties, 
peaceably if possible. To this Congress Col. Wash- 
ington was sent as a delegate. On May 10, 1775, the 
Congress re-assembled, when the hostile intentions of 
England were plainly apparent. The battles of Con- 
cord and Lexington had been fought. Among the 
first acts of this Congress was the election of a com- 
mander-in-chief of the colonial forces. This high and 
responsible office was conferred upon Washington, 
who was still a memberof the Congress. He accepted 
it on June 19, but upon the express condition that he 
receive no salary. He would keep an exact account 
of expenses and expect Congress, to pay them and 
nothing more. It is not the object of this sketch to 
trace the military acts of Washington, to whom the 
fortunes and liberties of the people of this country 
were so long confided. The war was conducted by 
him under ever)' possible disadvantage, and while his 
forces often met with reverses, yet he overcame every 
obstacle, and after seven years of heroic devotion 
and matchless skill he gained liberty for the grealest 
nation of earth. On Dec. 23, T7S3, Washington, in 
a parting address of surpassing beauty, resigned his 



commission as commander-in-chief of the army to 
to the Continental Congress sitting at Annapolis. He 
retired immediately to Mount Vernon and resumed 
his occupation as a farmer and planter, shunning all 
connection with public life. 

In February,i789, Washington was unanimously 
elected President. In his presidential career lit was 
subject to the peculiar trials incidental to a new 
government ; trials from lack of confidence on the part 
of other governments; trials from want of harmony 
between the different sections of our own country; 
trials from the impoverished condition of the country, 
owing to the war and want of credit; trials from the 
beginnings of party strife. He was no partisan. His 
clear judgment could discern the golden mean; and 
while perhaps this alone kept our government from 
sinking at the very outset, it left him exposed to 
attacks from both sides, which were often bitter and 
very annoying. 

At the expiration of his first term he was unani- 
mously re-elected. At the end of this term many 
were anxious that he be re-elected, but he absolutely 
refused a third nomination. On the fourth of March, 
1797, at the expiraton of his second term as Presi- 
dent, he returned lo his home, hoping to pass there 
his few remaining yeais free from the annoyances of 
public life. Later in the year, however, his repose 
seemed likely to be interrupted by war with France. 
At the prospect of such a war he was again urged to 
take command of the armies. He chose his sub- 
ordinate officers and left to them the charge of mat- 
ters in the field, which he superintended from his 
home. In accepting the command he made the 
reservation that he was not to be in the field until 
it was necessary. In the midst of these preparations 
his life was suddenly cut off. December 12, he took 
a severe cold from a ride in the rain, which, settling 
in his throat, produced inflammation, and terminated 
fatally on the night of the fourteenth. On the eiuh- 
teenth his body was borne wi'h military honors to its 
final resting place, and interred in the family vault at 
Mount Vernon. 

Of the character of Washington it is impossible to 
speak but in terms of the highest respect and ad- 
miration. The more we see of the operations of 
our government, and the more deeply we feel the 
difficulty of uniting all opinions in a common interest, 
the more highly we must estimate the force of his tal- 
ent and character, which have been able to challenge 
the reverence of all parties, and principles, and na- 
tions, and to win a fame as extended as the limits 
of the globe, and which we cannot but believe will 
be as lasting as the existence of man. 

The person of Washington was unusally tan, erect 
and well proportioned. His muscular strength was 
great. His features were of a beautiful symmetry. 
He commanded respect without any appearance of 
haughtiness, and ever serious without being dull. 




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SECOND PRESIDENT. 



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OHN ADAMS, the second 
SLPresident and tlie first Vice- 




President of the United States, 
was born in Braintree (now 
Ouincy ) Mass., and about ten 
miles from Boston, Oct. 19, 
1735. His great-grandfather, Henry 
Adams, emigrated from England 
about 1640, with a family of eight 
sons, and settled at Braintree. The 
parents of John were John and 
Susannah (Boylston) Adams. His 
father was a farmer of limited 
means, to which he added the bus- 
iness of shoemaking. He gave his 
eldest son, John, a classical educa- 
tion at Harvard College. John 
graduated in 1755, and at once took charge of the 
school in Worcester, Mass. This he found but a 
"school of affliction," from which he endeavored to 
gain relief by devoting himself, in addition, to the 
study of law. For this purpose he placed himself 
under the tuition of the only lawyer in the (own. He 
had thought seriously of the clerical profession 
but seems to have been turned from this by what he 
termed " the frightful engines of ecclesiastical coun- 
cils, of diabolical malice, and Calvanistic good nature,' - 
of the operations of which he had been a witness in 
his native town. He was well fitted for the legal 
profession, possessing a clear, sonorous voice, being 
ready and fluent of speech, and having quick percep- 
tive ]>owers. He gradually gained practice, and in 
1764 married Abigail Smith, a daughter of a minister, 
and a lady of superior intelligence. Shortly after his 
marriage, (1765), the attempt of Parliamentary taxa- 
tion turned him from law to politics. He took initial 
steps toward holdir. s a town meeting, and the resolu- 



tions he offered on the subject became veiy populai 
throughout the Province, and were adopted word for 
word by over forty different towns. He moved to Bos- 
ton in 1768, and became one of the most courageous 
and prominent advocatesof the [jopular cause, and 
was chosen a member ot the General Court (the I.eg- 
lislature) in 1770. 

Mr. Adams was chosen one of the first delegates 
from Massachusetts to the first Continental Congrets, 
which met in 1774. Here he distinguished himselt 
by his capacity for business and for debate, and ad- 
vocated the movement for independence against ti' t 
majority of the members. In May, 1776, he mcved 
and carried a resolution in Congress that the Colonies 
should assume the duties of self-government. He 
was a prominent member of the committee of iive 
appointed June 11, to prepare a declaration of inde- 
pendence. This article was drawn by Jefferson, but 
on Adams devolved the task of battling it through 
Congress in a three days debate. 

( )n the day after the I •eclaration of Independence 
was passed, while his soul was yet warm with tll3 
glow of excited feeling, he wrote a letter to his wile 
which, as we read it now, seems to have been dictated 
by the spirit of prophecy. " Yesterdaj ," he says, " the 
greatest question was decided that ever was debated 
in America; and greater, perhaps, never was or wil 
be decided among men. A resolution was passed 
without one Sissenting colony, 'that these lamed 
States are, and of right ought to be, free and inde- 
pendent states.' The day is passed. The fourth of 
July, 1776, will be a memorable e: cm h in the history 
of America. I am apt to believe it will be celebrated 
by succeeding generations, as the great anniversary 
festival. It ought to becommenioi led asthe day of 
deliverance by solemn acts of d itinn to Almighty 
God. It ought to be solemnized '.villi pomp, shows, 



24 



JOHN ADAMS. 



games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations 
from one end of the continent to the other, from this 
time forward for ever. You will think me transited 
with enthusiasm, but I am not. I am well aware of 
the toil, and blood and treasure, that it will cost to 
maintain this declaration, and support and defend 
these States; yet, through all the gloom, I can see the 
rays of light and glory. I can see that the end is 
worth more than all the means; and that posterity 
will triumph, although you and I may rue, which I 
hope we shall not." 

In November, 1777, Mr. Adams was appointed a 
delegate to Frame and to co-operate with Bemjamin 
Franklin and Arthur Lee, who were then in Paris, in 
the endeavor to obtain assistance in arms and money 
from the French Government. This was a severe trial 
to his patriotism, as it separated him from his home, 
compelled him to cross the ocean in winter, and ex- 
posed him to great peril of capture by the British cruis- 
ers, who were seeking him. He left France June 17, 
1779. In September of the same year he was again 
chosen to go to Paris, and there hold himself in readi- 
ness to negotiate a treaty of peace and of commerce 
with Great Britian, as soon as the British Cabinet 
might be found willing to listen to such proposels. He 
sailed for France in November, from there he went to 
Holland, where he negotiated important loans and 
formed important commercial treaties. 

Finally a treaty of peace with England was signed 
Jan. 21, 17S3. The re-action from the excitement, 
toil and anxiety through which Mr. Adams had passed 
threw him into a fever. After suffering from a con- 
tinued fever and becoming feeble and emaciated he 
was advised to goto England to drink the waters of 
Bath. While in England, still drooping anddes[»nd- 
ing, he received dispatches from his own government 
urging the necessity of his going to Amsterdam to 
negotiate another loan. It was winter, his health was 
delicate, yet he immediately set out, and through 
storm, on sea, on horseback and foot, he made the trip. 

February 24, 1785 Congress appointed Mr. Adams 
envoy to the Court of St. James. Here he met face 
to face the King of England, who had so long re- 
garded him as a traitor. As England did not 
condescend to appoint a minister to the United 
States, and as Mr. Adams felt that he was accom- 
plishing but little, he sought permission to return to 
his own country, where he arrived in June, 1788. 

When Washington was first chosen President, John 
Adams, rendered illustiious by his signal services at 
home and abroad, was chosen Vice President. Again 
at the second election of Washington as President, 
Adams was chosen Vice President. In 1796, Wash- 
ington retired from public life, and Mr. Adams was 
elected President, though not without much opposition. 
Serving in this office four years, he was succeeded by 
Mr. Jefferson, his opponent in politics. 

While Mr. Adams was Vice President the threat 



French Revolution shook the continent of Europe, 
and it was upon this point which he was at issue with 
the majority of his countrymen led by Mr. Jefferson. 
Mr. Adams felt no sympathy with the French people 
in their struggle, for he had no confidence in their 
power of self-government, and he utterly abhored the 
clas^of atheist philosophers who he claimed caused it. 
On the other hand Jefferson's sympathies were strongly 
enlisted in behalf of the French people. Hence or- 
iginated the alienation between these distinguished 
men, and two powerful parties were thus soon organ- 
ized, Adams at the head of the one whose sympathies 
were with England and Jefferson led the other in 
sympathy with France. 

The world has seldom seen a spectacle of more 
moral beauty and grandeur, than was presented by the 
old age of Mr. Adams. The violence of party feeling 
had died away, and he had begun to receive that just 
appreciation which, to most men, is not accorded till 
after death. No one could look upon his venerable 
form, and think of what he had done and suffered, 
and how he had given up all the prime and strength 
of his life to the public good, without the deepest 
emotion of gratitude and respect. It was his peculiar 
good fortune to witness the complete success of the 
institution which he had been so active in creating and 
supporting. In 1824, his cup of happiness was filled 
to the brim, by seeing his son elevated to the highest 
station in the gift of the people. 

The fourth of July, 1826, which completed the half 
century since the signing of the Declaration of Inde- 
pendence, arrived, and there were but three of the 
signers of that immortal instrument left upon the 
earth to hail its morning light. And, as it is 
well known, on that day two of these finished their 
earthly pilgrimage, a coincidence so remarkable as 
to seem miraculous. For a few days before Mr. 
Adams had been rapidly failing, and on the morning 
of the fourth he found himself too weak to rise from 
his bed. On being requested to name a toast for the 
customary celebration of the day, he exclaimed " In- 
dependence forever." When the day was ushered 
in, by the ringing of bells and the firing of cannons, 
he was asked by one of his attendants if he knew 
what day it was? He replied, "O yes; it is the glor- 
ious fourth of July — God bless it — God bless you all." 
In the course of the day he said, "It is a great and 
glorious day." The last words he uttered were, 
"Jefferson survives." But he had, at one o'clock, re- 
signed his spiiit into the hands of his God. 

The personal appearance and manners of Mr. 
Adams were not particularly prepossessing. His face, 
as his portrait manifests.was intellectual and expres- 
sive, but his figure was low and ungraceful, and his 
manners were frequently abrupt and uncourteous. 
He had neither the lofty dignity of Washington, nor 
the engaging elegance and gracefulness which marked 
the manners and address of Tefferson. 





^^^71^ 



THIRD PRESIDENT. 



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HOMAS JEFFERSON was 

bom April 2, 1743, at Shad- 

|pwell, Albermarle county, Va. 

His parents were Peter and 
Jane (Randolph) Jefferson, 
the former a native of Wales, 
and the latter born in Lon- 
don. To them were born six 
daughters and two sons, of 
whom Thomas was the elder. 
When ra years of age his 
father died. He received a 
most liberal education, hav- 
ing been kept diligently at school 
from the time he was five years of 
age. In 1760 he entered William 
and Mary College. Williamsburg was then the seat 
of the Colonial Court, and it was the obodeof fashion 
a.id splendor. Young Jefferson, who was then r7 
years old, lived somewhat expensively, keeping fine 
horses, and much caressed by gay society, yet he 
was earnestly devoted to his studies, and irreproacha- 
able in his morals. It is strange, however, under 
such influences, that he was not ruined. In the sec- 
ond year of his college course, moved by some un- 
explained inward impulse, he discarded his horses, 
society, and even his favorite violin, to which he had 
previously given much time. He often devoted fifteen 
hours a day to hard study, allowing himself for ex- 
ercise only a run in the evening twilight of a mile out 
of the city and back again. He thus attained very 
high intellectual culture, alike excellence in philoso- 
phy and the languages. The most difficult Latin and 
Greek authors he read with facility. A Store finished 
scholur has seldom gone forth from college halls; and 



there was not to be found, perhaps, in all Virginia, a 
more pureminded, upright, gentlemanly young man. 

Immediately upon leaving college he began the 
study of law. For the short time he continued in the 
practice of his profession he rose rapidly and distin- 
guished himself by his energy and accuteness as a 
lawyer. But the times called for greater action. 
The policy of England had awakened the spirit of 
resistance of the American ( 'olonies, and the enlarged 
views which Jefferson had ever entertained, soon led 
him into active political life. In 1769 he was chosen 
a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses. In 
1772 he married Mrs. Martha Skelton, a very beauti- 
ful, wealthy and highly accomplished young widow. 

Upon Mr. Jefferson's large estate at Shadwell, there 
was a majestic swell of land, called Monticello, which 
commanded a prospect of wonderful extent and 
beauty. This spot Mr. Jefferson selected for his new 
home; and here he reared a mansion of modest yet 
elegant architecture, which, next to Mount Vernon, 
became the most distinguished resort in our land. 

In 1775 he was sent to the Colonial Congress, 
where, though a silent member, his abilities as a 
writer and a reasoner soon become known, and he 
was placed upon a number of important committees, 
and was chairman of the one appointed for the draw- 
ing up of a declaration of independem e This com- 
mittee consisted of Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, 
Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman and Robert R. 
Livingston. Jefferson, as chairman, was appointee' 
to draw up the paper. Franklin and Adams suggested 
a few verbal changes before it was submitted to Con- 
gress. On June 28, a few slight changes were made 
in it by Congress, and it was passed and signed July 
4, 1776. What must have been the feelings of that 



28 



THOMAS JEFFERSON. 



man — what the emotions that swelled his breast — 
who was charged with the preparation of that Dec- 
laration, which, while it made known the wrongs of 
America, was also to publish her to the world, free, 
GOVerign and independent. It is one of the most re- 
markable papers ever written ; and did no other effort 
uf the mind of its author exist, that alone would be 
sufficient to stamp his name with immortality. 

In 1779 Mr. Jefferson was elected successor to 
Patrick Henry, as Governor of Virginia. At one time 
the British officer, Tarleton, sent a secret expedition to 
Monticello, to capture the Governor. Scarcely five 
minutes elapsed after the hurried escape of Mr. Jef- 
ferson and his family, ere his mansion was in posses- 
sion of the British troops. His wife's health, never 
very good, was much injured by this excitement, and 
in the summer of 1782 she died. 

Mr. Jefferson was elected to Congress in T783. 
Two years later he was appointed Minister Plenipo- 
tentiary to France. Returning to the United States 
in September, 1789, he became Secretary of State 
in Washington's cabinet. This position he resigned 
Jan. r, 1794. In 1797,11c was chosen Vice Presi- 
dent, and four years later was elected President over 
Mr. Adams, with Aaron Burr as Vice President. In 
1804 he was re-elected with wonderful unanimity, 
and George Clinton, Vice President. 

The early part of Mr. Jefferson's second adminstra- 
tion was disturbed by an event which threatened the 
tranquility and peace of the Union; this was the con- 
spiracy of Aaron Burr. Defeated in the late election 
to the Vice Presidency, and led on by an unprincipled 
ambition, this extraordinary man formed the plan of a 
military expedition into the Spanish territories on our 
southwestern frontier, for the purpose of forming there 
a new republic. This has been generally supposed 
was a mere pretext ; and although it has not been 
generally known what his real plans were, there is no 
doubt that they were of a far more dangerous 
character. 

In 1809, at the expiration of the second term for 
which Mr. Jefferson had been elected, he determined 
to retire from political life. For a period of nearly 
forty years, he had been continually before the pub- 
lic, and all that time had been employed in offices of 
the greatest trust and responsibility. Having thus de- 
voted the best part of his life to the service of his 
country, he now felt desirous of that rest which his 
declining years required, and u[K>n the organization of 
the new administration, in March, 1809, he bid fare- 
well forever to public life, and retired to Monticello. 

Mr. Jefferson was profuse in his hospitality. Whole 
families came in their coaches with their horses, — 
fathers and mothers, boys and girls, babies and 
nurses, — and remained three and even six months. 
Life at Monticello, for years, resembled that at a 
fashionable watering-place. 

The fourth of July, 1826, being the fiftieth anniver- 



sary of the Declaration of American Independence, 
great preparations were made in every part of the 
Union for its celebration, as the nation's jubilee, and 
the citizens of Washington, to add to the solemnity 
of the occasion, invited Mr. Jefferson, as the frame 1 
and one of the few surviving signers of the Declara- 
tion, to participate in their festivities. But an ill- 
ness, which had been of several weeks duration, and 
had been continually increasing, compelled him to 
decline the invitation. 

On the second of July, the disease under which 
he was laboring left him, but in such a reduced 
state that his medical attendants, entertained no 
hope of his recovery. From this time he was perfectly 
sensible that his last hour was at hand. On the next 
day, which was Monday, he asked of those around 
him, the day of the month, and on being told it was 
the third of July, he expressed the earnest wish that 
he might be permitted to breathe tie airof the fiftieth 
anniversary. His prayer was heard — that day, whose 
dawn was hailed with such rapture through our land, 
burst upon his eyes, and then they were closed for- 
ever. And what a noble consummation of a noble 
life! To die on that day, — the birthday of a nation, - 
the day which his own name and his own act had 
rendered glorious; to die amidst the rejoicings and 
festivities of a whole nation, who looked up to him, 
as the author, under God, of their greatest blessings, 
was all that was wanting to till up the record his life. 

Almost at the same hour of his death, the kin- 
dred spirit of the venerable Adams, as if to bear 
him company, left the scene of his earthly honors. 
Hand in hand they had stood forth, the champions of 
freedom ; hand in hand, during the dark and desper- 
ate struggle of the Revolution, they had cheered and 
animated their desponding countrymen; for half a 
century they had labored together for t lie good of 
the country; and now hand in hand they depart. 
In their lives they had been united in the same great 
cause of liberty, and in their deaths they were not 
divided. 

In person Mr. Jefferson was tall and thin, rather 
above six feet in height, but well formed; his eyes 
were light, his hair originally red, in after life became 
white and silvery; his complexion was fair, his fore 
head broad, and his whole countenance intelligent and 
thoughtful. He possessed great fortitude of mind as 
well as personal courage; and his command of tem- 
per was such that his oldest and most intimate fiiends 
never recollected to have seen him in a passion. 
His manners, though dignified, were simple and un- 
affected, and his hospitality was so unbounded that 
all found at his house a ready welcome. In conver- 
sation he was fluent, eloquent and enthusiastic; and 
his language was remarkably pure and correct. He 
was a finished classical scholar, and in his writings is 
discemable the care with which he formed his style 
upon the best models of antiquity. 



■' 




/ cZyoc^^ 4sl>C ti^x^H &\. 



FOURTH PRESIDENT. 



3' 



pri)ES idjdisoi}. 





AMES MADISON, "Father 
of the Constitution, ' and fourth 
pPresident of the United States, 
was horn March 16, 1757, and 
a died at his home in Virginia, 
® June 28, 1836. The name of 
James Madison is inseparably con- 
nected with most of the important 
events in that heroic period of our 
country during which the founda- 
tions of this great republic were 
laid. He was the last of ihe founders 
of the Constitution of the United 
States to be called to his eternal 
reward. 

The Madison family were among 
the early emigrants to the New World, 
landing upon the shores of the Chesa- 
peake but 15 years after the settle- 
ment of Jamestown. The father of 
James Madison was an opulent 
planter, residing upon a very fine es- 
tate called " Montpelier," Orange Co., 
Va. 'The mansion was situated in 
the midst ot scenery highly pictur- 
esque and romantic, on the west side 
of South-west Mountain, at the foot of 
Blue Ridge. It was but 25 miles from the home of 
Jefferson at Monticello. The closest personal and 
political attachment existed between these illustrious 
men, from their early youth until death. 

Tlte early education of Mr. Madison was conducted 
mostly at home under a private tutor. At the age of 
[8 he was sent to Princeton College, in New Jersey. 
Here he applied himself to study with the most im- 




prudent zeal; allowing himself, for months, but three 
hours' sleep out of the 24. His health thus became so 
seriously impaired that he never recovered any vigor 
of constitution. He graduated in 177 1, with a feeble 
body, with a character of utmost purity, and with a 
mind highly disciplined and richly stored with learning 
which embellished and gave proficiency to his subsr 
quent career. 

Returning to Virginia, he commenced the study of 
law and a course of extensive and systematic reading. 
This educational course, the spirit of the times in 
which he lived, and the society with which he asso- 
ciated, all combined to inspire him with a strong 
love of liberty, and to train him for his life-work ot 
a statesman. Being naturally of a religious turn of 
mind, and his frail health leading him to think that 
his life was not to be long, he directed especial atten- 
tion to theological studies. Endowed with a mind 
singularly free from passion and prejudice, and with 
almost unequalled powers of reasoning, he weighed 
all the arguments for and against revealed religion, 
until his faith became so established as never to 
be shaken. 

In the spring of 1776, when 26 years of age, he 
was elected a member of the Virginia Convention, to 
frame the constitution of the State. The next year 
(1777), he was a candidate for the General Assembly. 
He refused to treat the whisky-loving voters, and 
consequently lost his election ; but those who had 
witnessed the talent, energy and public spirit of the 
modest young man, enlisted themselves in his behalf, 
and he was appointed to the Executive Council. 

Both Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson were 
Governorsof Virginia while Mr. Madison remained 
member of the Council ; and their appreciation of his 



3* 



JAMES MADISON. 



intellectual, social and moral worth, contributed not 
a little to his subsequent eminence. In the year 
1780, he was elected a member of the Continental 
Congress. Here he met the most illustrious men in 
our land, and he was immediately assigned to one of 
the most conspicuous positions among them. 

For three years Mr. Madison continued in Con- 
gress, one of its most active and influential members. 
In the year 1784, his term having expired, he was 
elected a member of the Virginia Legislature. 

No man felt more deeply than Mr. Madison the 
utter inefficiency of (he old confederacy, with no na- 
tional government, with no power to form treaties 
which would be binding, or to enforce law. There 
was not any State more prominent than Virginia in 
the declaration, that an efficient national government 
must be formed. In January, 1786, Mr. Madison 
carried a resolution through the General Assembly of 
Virginia, inviting the other States to appoint commis- 
sioners to meet in convention at Annapolis to discuss 
this subject. Five States only were represented. The 
convention, however, issued another call, drawn up 
by Mr. Madison, urging all the States to send their 
delegates to Philadelphia, in May, 1787, to draft 
a Constitution for the United States, to take the place 
of that Confederate League. The delegates met at 
the time appointed. Every State but Rhode Island 
was represented. George Washington was chosen 
president of the convention; and the present Consti- 
tution of the United States was then and there formed. 
There was, perhaps, no mind and no pen more ac- 
tive in framing this immortal document than the mind 
and the pen of James Madison. 

The Constitution, adopted by a vote 81 to 79, was 
to be presented to the several States for acceptance. 
I tut grave solicitude was felt. Should it be rejected 
we should be left but a conglomeration of independent 
States, with but little ]»wer at home and little respect 
abroad. Mr. Madison was selected by the conven- 
tion to draw up an address to the people of the United 
States, expounding the principles of the Constitution, 
and urging its adoption. There was great opposition 
lo it at first, but it at length triumphed over all, and 
went into effect in 1789. 

Mr. Madison was elected to the House of Repre- 
sentatives in the first Congress, and soon became the 
avowed leader of the Republican party. While in 
New York attending Congress, he met Mrs Todd, a 
young widow of remarkable ]>ower of fascination, 
whom he married. She was in person and character 
queenly, and probably no lady has thus far occupied 
so prominent a position in the very peculiar society 
which has constituted our republican court as Mrs. 
Madison. 

Mr. Madison served as Secretary of State under 
Jefferson, and at the close of his administration 
was chosen President. At this time the encroach- 
ments of England had brought us to the verge of war. 



British orders in council destioyed our commerce, and 
our flag was exposed to constant insult. Mr. Madison 
was a man of peace. Scholarly in his taste, retiring 
in his disposition, war had no charms for him. But the 
meekest spirit can be roused. It makes one's blood 
boil, even now, lo think of an American ship brought 
to, upon the ocean, by the guns of an English cruiser. 
A young lieutenant steps on board and orders the 
crew to be paraded before him. With great nonchal- 
ance he selects any number whom he may please to 
designate as British subjects ; orders them down the 
ship's side into his boat; and places them on the gun- 
deck of his man-of-war, to fight, by compulsion, the 
battles of England. This right of search and im- 
pressment, no efforts of our Government could induce 
the British cabinet to relinquish. 

On the iSth of June, 1812, President Madison gave 
his appioval to an act of Congress declaring war 
against Great Britain. Notwithstanding the bitter 
hostility of the Federal parly to the- war, the country 
in general approved; and Mr. Madison, on the 4th 
of March, 1813, was re-elected by a large majority, 
and entered upon his second term of office. This is 
not the place to describe the various adventures of 
this war on the land and on the water. Our infant 
navy then laid the foundations of its renown in grap- 
pling with the most formidable power which ever 
swept the seas. The contest commenced in earnest 
by the appearance of a British fleet, early in February, 
1813, in Chesapeake Bay, declaring nearly the whole 
coast of the United States under blockade. 

The Emperor of Russia offered his services as me 
ditator. America accepted; England refused. A Brit- 
ish force of five thousand men landed on the banks 
of the Patuxet River, near its entrance into Chesa- 
peake Bay, and marched rapidly, by way of Bladens- 
burg, upon Washington. 

The straggling little city of Washington was thrown 
into consternation. The cannon of the brief conflict 
at Bladensburg echoed through the streets of the 
metropolis. The whole population fled from the city. 
The President, leaving Mrs. Madison in the White 
House, with her carriage drawn up at the door to 
await his speedy return, hurried to meet the officers 
in a council of war. He met our troops utterly routed, 
and he could not go back without danger of being 
captured. But few hours elapsed ere the Presidential 
Mansion, the Capitol, and all the public buildings in 
Washington were in flames. 

The war closed after two years of fighting, and on 
Feb. 13, r 8 1 5 , the treaty of peace was signed at Ghent. 

On the 4th of March, 1817, his second term of 
office expired, and he resigned the Presidential chair 
to his friend, James Monroe. He retired to his Leau- 
t i t til home at Montpelier, and there passed the re- 
mainder of his days. On June 28, 1836, then at the 
age of 85 years, he fell asleep in death. Mrs. Madi 
son died July T2, 1849. 




^^ 



FIFTH PRESIDENT. 



35 




AMES MONROE, the fifth 
residentof The United States, 
was born in Westmoreland Co., 
Va., April 28, 1758. His early 
life was passed at the place of 
nativity. His ancestors had for 
p i t f y» ji many years resided in the prov- 
ince in which he was born. When, 
at 17 years of age, in the process 
ffSl *' °f completing his education at 
William and Mary College, the Co- 
lonial Congress assembled at Phila- 
delphia to deliberate upon the un- 
just and manifold oppressions of 
Great liritian, declared the separa- 
tion of the Colonies, and promul- 
I ' 

gated the Declaration of Indepen- 
dence. Had he been born ten years before it is highly 
probable that be would have been one of the signers 
ol that celebrated instrument. At this time he left 
school and enlisted among the patriots. 

He joined the army when everything looked hope- 
less and gloomy. The number of deserters increased 
from day to day. The invading armies came pouring 
i.i ; and the tovies not only favored the cause of the 
mother country, but disheartened the new recruits, 
who were sufficiently terrified at the prospect of con- 
tending with an enemy whom they had been taught 
to deem invincible. To such brave spirits as James 
Monroe, who went right onward, undismayed through 
difficulty and danger, the United States owe their 
political emancipation. The young cadet joined the 
ranks, and espoused the cause of his injured country , 
with a firm determination to live or die with her strife 



for liberty. Firmly yet sadly he shared in the mel- 
ancholy retreat from Harleam Heights and White 
Plains, and accompanied the dispirited army as it fled 
before its foes through New Jersey. In four months 
after the Declaration of Independence, the patriots 
had been beaten in seven battles. At the battle of 
Trenton he led the vanguard, and, in the act of charg- 
ing upon the enemy he received a wound in the left 
shoulder. 

As a reward for his bravery, Mr. Monroe was pro- 
moted a captain of infantry; and, having recovered 
from his wound, he rejoined the army. He, however, 
receded from the line of promotion, by becoming an 
offii er in the staff of Lord Sterling. During the cam- 
paigns of 1777 and 1778, in the actions of Brandy- 
wine, C.ermantown and Monmouth, he continued 
aid-decamp; but becoming desirous to regain his 
position in the army, he exerted himself to collect a 
regiment for the Virginia line. This scheme failed 
owing to the exhausted condition of the State. Upon 
this failure he entered the office of Mr. Jefferson, at 
that period Governor, and pursued, with considerable 
ardor, the study of common law. He did not, however, 
entirely lay aside the knapsack for the green bag; 
but on the invasions of the enemy, served as a volun- 
teer, during the two years of his legal pursuits. 

In 17S2, he was elected from King George county, 
a member of the Leglislature of Virginia, and by that 
body he was elevated to a scat in the Executive 
Council. He was thus honored with the confidence 
of his fellow citizens at 23 years of age; ami having 
at this early period displayed some of that ability 
and aptitude for legislation, which were afterwards 
employed with unremittirgenergy for the public good, 



36 



JAMES MONROE. 



lie was in the succeeding year chosen a member of 
the Congress of the United States. 
Deeply as Mr. Monroe felt the imperfections of the old 
Confederacy, he was opposed to the new Constitution, 
ihinking, with many others of the Republican parly, 
that it gave too much power to the Central Government, 
and not enough to the individual States. Still he re- 
tained the esteem of his friends who were its warm 
supporters, and who, notwithstanding his opposition 
secured its adoption. In 1789, he became a member 
of the United States Senate; which office he held for 
four years. Every month the line of distinction be- 
tween the two great parties which divided the nation, 
the Federal and the Republican, was growing more 
distinct. The two prominent ideas which now sep- 
arated them were, that the Republican party was in 
sympathy with France, and also in favor of such a 
strict construction of the Constitution as to give the 
Central Government as little power, and the State 
Governments as much power, as the Constitution would 
warrant. The Federalists sympathized with England, 
and were in favor of a liberal construction of the Con- 
stitution, which would give as much power to the 
Central Government as that document could possibly 
authorize. 

The leading Federalists and Republicans were 
alike noble men, consecrating all their energies to the 
good of the nation. Two more honest men or more 
pure patriots than John Adams the Federalist, and 
James Monroe the Republican, never breathed. In 
building up this majestic nation, which is destined 
to eclipse all Grecian and Assyrian greatness, the com- 
bination of their antagonism was needed to create the 
light equilibrium. And yel each in his day was de- 
nounced as almost a demon. 

Washington was then President. England had es- 
poused the cause of the Bourbons against the princi- 
ples of the French Revolution. All Europe was drawn 
into the conflict. We were feeble and far away. 
Washington issued a proclamation of neutrality be- 
tween these contending powers. France had helped 
us in the struggle for our liberties. All the despotisms 
of Europe were now combined to prevent the French 
from escaping from a tyranny a thousand-fold worse 
than that which we had endured Col. Monroe, more 
magnanimous than prudent, was anxious that, at 
whatever hazard, we should help our old allies in 
their extremity. It was the impulse of a generous 
and noble nature. He violently opposed the Pres- 
ident's proclamation as ungrateful and wanting in 
magnanimity. 

Washington, who could appreciate such a character, 
developed his calm, serene, almost divine greatness, 
by appointing that very James Monroe, who was de- 
nouncing the policy of the Government, as the minister 
of that Government to the Republic of France. Mr. 
Monroe was welcomed by the National Convention 
in France witn the most enthusiastic demonstrations. 



Shortly after his return to this country, Mr. Mon- 
roe was elected Governor of Virginia, and held the 
office for three yeais. He was again sent to France to 
co-operate with Chancellor Livingston in obtaining 
the vast territory then known as the Province of 
Louisiana, which France had but shortly before ob- 
tained from Spain. Their united efforts were sue 
cessful. For the comparatively small sum of fifteen 
millions of dollars, the entire territory of Orleans and 
district of Louisiana were added to the United Slates. 
This was probably the largest transterof real estate 
which was ever made in all the history of the world 

From France Mr. Monroe went to England to ob- 
tain from that country some recognition of 0111 
rights as neutrals, and to remonstrate against those 
odious impressments of our seamen. but Eng- 
land was unrelenting. He again returned to Eng- 
land on the same mission, but could receive no 
redress. He returned to his home and was again 
chosen Governor of Virginia. This he soon resigned 
to accept the position of Secretary of State under 
Madison. While in this office war with England was 
declared, the Secretary of War resigned, and during 
these trying times, the duties of the War Department 
were also put upon him. He was truly the armor- 
bearer of President Madison, and the most /efficient 
business man in his cabinet. Upon the return ol 
peace he resigned the Department of War, but con- 
tinued in the office of Secretary of State until ilie ex- 
piration of Mr. Madison's adminstration. At the elei 
lion held the previous autumn Mr. Monroe himself had 
been chosen President with but little opposition, and 
upon March 4, 1817, was inaugurated. Four years 
later he was elected for a second term. 

Among the important measures of his Presidency 
were the cession of Florida lo the Uniled States; the 
Missouri Compromise, and the " Monroe doctrine.' 

This famous doctrine, since known as I he " Monroe 
doctrine," was enunciated by him in 1823. At thai 
time the United States had recognized the independ- 
ence of the South American slates, and did not wish 
to have European powers longer attempting to sub- 
due portions of the American Continent. The; doctrine 
is as follows: "That we should consider any attempt 
on the part of European powers to extend their sys- 
tem to any portion of this hemisphere as dangerous 
to our peace and safety," and "that we could not 
view any interposition for the purpose of oppressing 
or controlling American governments or provinces in 
any other light than as a manifestation by European 
powers of an unfriendly disposition toward the United 
States." This doctrine immediately affected the course 
of foreign governments, and has become the approved 
sentiment of the United States. 

At the end of his fecond term Mr Monroe retired 
to his home in Virginia, where he lived until 1830, 
when he went to New York lo live with his son-in 
law. In that city he died,on the 4th of July, 1831 




J, 2, At 



dJYt^, 



SIXTH PRESIDENT. 



39 




> ;;& 



,\i/, ji* 



30^1) QUIQ8Y WW$- 




OHN QUINCY ADAMS, the 
sixth President of the United 
instates, was horn in the rural 
home of his honored father, 
John Adams, in Quinc'y, Mass., 
on the i i tli cf July, 1767. His 
mother, a woman of exalted 
worth, watched over his childhood 
during the almost constant ab- 
sence of his father. When but 
'ijl eight years of age, he stood with 
\ ^ his mother on an eminence, listen- 
ing to the booming of the great bat- 
tle on Bunker's Hill, and gazing on 
upon the smoke and flames billow- 
ing up from the conflagration of 
Charlestown. 

When but eleven years old he 
took a tearful adieu of his mother, 
to sail with his fattier for Europe, 
through a fleet of hostile British cruisers. The bright, 
animated boy spent a year and a half in Pan's, where 
his father was associated with Franklin and Lee as 
minister plenipotentiary. His intelligence attracted 
the notice of these distinguished men, and he received 
from them flattering marks of attention. 

Mr. John Adams had scarcely leturned to this 
country, in 1779, ere he was again sent abroad. Again 
fo'f.n Quincy accompanied his father. At Paris he 
applied himself with great diligence, for six months, 
to ..'udy; then accom pained his father to Holland, 
where he entered, first a school in Amsterdam, then 
the University at Leyden. About a year from this 
time, in 1781, when the manly 1 oy was but fourteen 
yea'; of age, he was selected by Mr. Dana, our min- 
ister to the Russian court, as his private secretary. 

In this school of incessant labor and of enobling 
culture he spent fourteen months, and then returned 
to Holland through Sweden, Denmark, Hamburg and 
Bremen. This long journey he took alone, in the 
winter, when in his sixteenth year. Aeaill he resumed 
his studies, under a private tutor, at Hague. Thence, 



in the spring of 1782, he accompanied his father to 
Paris, traveling leisurely, and forming acquaintance 
with the most distinguished men on the Continent; 
examining architectural remains, galleries of paintings, 
and all renowned works of art. At Paris he again 
became associated with the most illustrious men of 
all lands in the contemplations of the loftiest temporal 
themes which can engross the human mind. After 
a short visit to England he returned to Paris, and 
consecrated all his energies to study until May, 1785, 
when he returned to America. To a brilliant young 
man of eighteen, who had seen much of the world, 
and who was familiar with the etiquette of courts, a 
residence with his father in London, under sui h cir- 
cumstances, must have been extremely attractive; 
but with judgment very rare in one of his age, he pre- 
ferred to return to America to complete his edu< at ion 
in an American college. He wished then to stud) 
law, that with an honorable profession, he might be 
able to obtain an independent support. 

Upon leaving Harvard College, at the age of twenty, 
he studied law for three years. In June, :70a, be- 
ing then but twenty-seven years of age, he was ap- 
pointed by Washington, resident minister at the 
Netherlands. Sailing from Boston in July, he reached 
London in October, where he was immediately admit- 
ted to the deliberations of Messrs. [ay and I'incknev, 
assisting them in negotiating a commercial treaty with 
Gieat Britian. After thus spending a fortnight in 
London, he proceeded to the Hague. 

In July, 1797, he left the Hague to go to Portugal as 
minister plenipotentiary. On his waj to Portugal, 
upon arriving in London, he met with despatches 
directing him to the court of Berlin, but requesting 
him to remain in London until he should receive his 
instructions. While waiting he was married to an 
American lady to whom he had been previously en- 
gaged, — Miss Louisa Catherine Johnson, daughter 
of Mr. Joshua Johnson, American consul in Iondon; 
a lady endownd with that beauty and those Accom- 
plishment which eminently fitted her I o move in the 
elevated sphere for which she was destined. 



40 



JOHN QUINCY ADAMS. 



He reached Berlin with his wife in November, 1797 ; 
where he remained until July, 1799, when, having ful- 
filled all the purposes of his mission, he solicited his 
recall. 

Soon after his return, in 1802, he was chosen to 
the Senate of Massachusetts, from Boston, and then 
was elected Senator of the United States for six years, 
from the 4th of March, 1804. His reputation, his 
ability and his experience, placed him immediately 
among the most prominent and influential members 
of that body. Especially did he sustain the Govern- 
ment in its measures of resistance to the encroach- 
ments of England, destroying our commerce and in- 
sulting our flag. There was no man in America more 
familiar with the arrogance of the British court upon 
these points, and no one more resolved to present 
a firm resistance. 

In [S09, Madison succeeded Jefferson in the Pres- 
idential chair, and he immediately nominated John 
Quincy Adams minister to St. Petersburg. Resign- 
ing his professorship in Harvard College, he embarked 
at Boston, in August, 1809. 

While in Russia, Mr. Adams was an intense stu- 
dent. He devoted his attention to the language and 
history of Russia; to the Chinese trade; to the 
European system of weights, measures, and coins ; to 
the climate and astronomical observations ; while he 
Kept up a familiar acquaintance with the Greek and 
Latin classics. In all the universities of Europe, a 
more accomplished scholar could scarcely be found. 
All through life the Bible constituted an important 
part of his studies. It was his rule to read five 
chapters every day. 

On the 4th of March, 1S17, Mr. Monroe took the 
Presidential chair, and immediately appointed Mr. 
Adams Secretary of State. Taking leave of his num- 
erous friends in public and private life in Europe, he 
sailed in June, 1819, for the United States. On the 
i8th of August, he again crossed the threshold of his 
home in Quincy. During the eight yearsof Mr. Mon- 
roe's administration, Mr Adams continued Secretary 
Of Stair. 

Some time before the close of Mr. Monroe's second 
term of office, new candidates began to be presented 
for the Presidency. The friends of Mr. Adams brought 
forward his name. It was an exciting campaign. 
Party spirit was never more bitter. Two hundred and 
sixty electoral votes were cast. Andrew Jackson re- 
ceived ninety-nine; John Quincy Adams, eighty-four; 
William H. Crawford, forty-one; Henry Clay, thirty- 
se/en. As there was no choice by the people, the 
question went to the House of Representatives. Mr. 
("lay gave the vote of Kentucky to Mr. Adams, and 
he was elected. 

The friends of all the disappointed candidates now 
combined in a venomous and persistent assault upon 
Mr. Adams. There is nothing more disgraceful in 
*'• ■■■■. hki history of our country than the abuse which 



was poured in one uninterrupted stream, upon this 
high-minded, upright, patriotic man. There never was 
an administration more pure in principles, more con- 
scientiously devoted to the best interests of the coun- 
try, than that of John Quincy Adams; and never, per- 
haps, was there an administration more unscrupu- 
lously and outrageously assailed. 

Mr. Adams was, to a very remarkable degree, ab- 
stemious and temperate in his habits; always rising 
early, and taking much exercise. When at his home in 
Quincy, he has been known to walk, before breakfast, 
seven miles to Boston. In Washington, it was said 
that he was the first man up in the city, lighting his 
own fire and applying himself to work in his library 
often long before dawn. 

On the 4th of March, 1829, Mr. Adams retired 
from the Presidency, and was succeeded by Andrew 
Jackson. John C. Calhoun was elected Vice '-'resi- 
dent. The slavery question now began to assume 
portentous magnitude. Mr. Adams returned to 
Quincy and to his studies, which he pursued with un- 
abated zeal. But he was not long permitted to re- 
main in retirement. In November, 1830, he was 
elected representative to Congress. For seventeen 
years, until his death, he occupied the post as repre- 
sentative, towering above all his peers, ever ready to 
do brave battle' for freedom, and winning the title of 
"the old man eloquent." \ Upon taking his seat in 
the House, he announced that he should hold him- 
self bound to no party. Probably there never was a 
member more devoted to his duties. He was usually 
the first in his place in the morning, and the last to 
leave his seat in the evening. Not a measure could 
be brought forward and escape his scrutiny. The 
battle which Mr. Adams fought, almost singly, against 
the proslavery party in the Government, was sublime 
in its moral daring and heroism. For persisting in 
presenting petitions for the abolition of slavery, he 
was threatened with indictment by the grand jury, 
with expulsion from the House, with assassination ; 
but no threats could intimidate him, and his final 
triumph was complete. 

It has been said of President Adams, that when his 
body was bent and his hair silvered by the lapse of 
fourscore years, yielding to the simple faith of a little 
child, he was accustomed to repeat every night, before 
he slept, the prayer which his mother taught him in 
his infant years. 

On the 2 1 st of February, 1848, he rose on the floor 
of Congress, with a paper in his hand, to address the 
speaker. Suddenly he fell, again stricken by paraly- 
sis, and was caught in the arms of those around him. 
For a time he was senseless, as he was conveyed to 
the sofa in the rotunda. With reviving conscious- 
ness, he opened his eyes, looked calmly around and 
said " This is the end of earth .-"then after a moment's 
pause he added, "Jam content" These were the 
last words of the grand "Old Man Eloquent/ 



SEVENTH PRESIDENT. 



43 






■ ****** I** 



i-\C£&27@i@"'S'*' s ' I «' '-"--.#' J-,; ,/' 5 





" ■'■•s^*»*&&8>rf>VV*»- >Sf*?j 



- »> 



■ ■.■.-••' 




NDREW JACKSON, the 
seventh President of the 
■^United States, was horn in 
Waxhaw settlement, N. (:., 
March 15, 1767, a few days 
after his father's death. His 
parents were poor emigrants 
from Ireland, and took up 
their abode in Waxhaw set- 
tlement, where they lived in 
deepest poverty. 
Andrew, or Andy, as he was 
universally called, grew up a very 
rough, rude, turbulent boy. His 
features were coarse, his form un- 
gainly ; and there was but very 
little in his character, made visible, which was at- 
tractive. 

When only thirteen years old he joined the volun- 
teers of Carolina against the British invasion. In 
17 H 1, he and his brother Robert were captured and 
imprisoned for a time at Camden. A British officer 
ordered him to brush his mud-spattered boots. " I am 
a prisoner of war, not your servant," was the reply of 
the dauntless boy. 

The brute drew his sword, and aimed a desperate 
flow at the head of the helpless young prisoner. 
Andrew raised his hand, and thus received two tear- 
ful gashes, — one on the hand and the other upon the 
head. The officer then turned to his brother Robert 
with the same demand. He also refused, and re- 
ceived a blow from the keen-edged sabre, which quite 
disabled him, and which probably soon after caused 
his death. They suffered much other ill-treatment, and 
were finally stricken with the small-pox. Their 
mother was successful in obtaining their exchange, 



and took her sick boys home. After .1 long illness 
Andrew recovered, and the death of his mother soon 
left him entirely friendless. 

Andrew supported himself in various ways, s rr'n as 
working at the saddler's trade, teaching school and 
clerking in a general store, until 17S4, when he 
entered a law office at Salisbury, N. C. He, however, 
gave more attention to the wild amusements of the 
times than to his studies. In 1 7S8, he was appointed 
solicitor for the western district of North Carolina, of 
which Tennessee was then a part. This involved 
many long and tedious journeys amid dangers of 
every kind, but Andrew Jackson never knew fear, 
and the Indians had no desire to repeat a skirmish 
with the Sharp Knife. 

In 179 1, Mr. Jackson was married to a woman who 
supposed herself divorced from her former husband. 
Great was the surprise of both parties, two years later, 
to find that the conditions of the divorce had just been 
definitely settled by the first husband. The marriage 
ceremony was performed a second time, but the occur- 
rence was often used by his enemies to bring Mr 
Jackson into disfavor. 

During these years he worked hard at his profes- 
sion, and frequently had one or more duels on hand, 
one of which, when he killed Dickenson, was espec- 
ially disgraceful. 

In January, 1796, the Territory of Tennessee then 
containing nearly eighty thousand inhabitants, the 
people met in convention at Rnowille to frame a con- 
stitution. Five were sent from each of the el 
counties. Andrew Jackson was one of tile delegates. 
The new State was entitled to but one member in 
the National House of Representatives. Andrew Jack- 
son was chosen that member. Mounting his horse he 
rode to Philedelphin, where Congress then held its 



44 



ANDRE IV JACKSON. 



sessions, — a distance of about eight hundred miles. 

Jackson was an earnest advocate of the Demo- 
cratic party. Jefferson was his idol. lie admired 
Bonaparte, loved France and hated England. As Mr. 
|a« kson took his seat, Gen. Washington, whose 
second term of office was then expiring, delivered his 
last speech to Congress. A committee drew up a 
complimentary address in reply. Andrew Jackson 
did not approve of the address, and was one oi the 
twelve who voted against it. He was not willing to 
say that Gen. Washington's adminstration had been 
" wise, firm and patriotic." 

Mr. Jackson was elected to the United States 
Senate in 1797, but soon resigned and returned home. 
Soon after he was chosen Judge of the Supreme Court 
of his State, which position he held Gr six years. 

When the war of 1812 with Great Britian com- 
menced, Madison occupied the Presidential chair 
Aaron Burr sent word to the President that there was 
An unknown man in the West, Andrew Jackson, who 
would do credit to a commission if one were con- 
ferred upon him. lust at that time Gen. Jackson 
offered his services and those of twenty-five hurdred 
volunteers. His offer was accepted, and the troops 
were assembled at Nashville. 

As the British were hourly expected to make an at- 
tack upon New Orleans, where Gen. Wilkinson was 
in command, he was ordered to descend the river 
with fifteen hundred troops to aid Wilkinson. The 
expedition reached Natchez; and after a delay of sev- 
eral weeks there, without accomplishing anything, 
the men were ordered back to their homes. But the 
energy Gen. Jackson had displayed, and his entire 
devotion to the comrfort ot his soldiers, won him 
golden opinions ; and he became the most popular 
man in the Stale. It was in this expedition that his 
toughness gave him the nickname of "Old Hickory." 

Soon after this, while attempting to horsewhip Col. 
Thomas H. Benton, for a remark that gentleman 
nude about his taking a part as second in a duel, in 
which a younger brother of Benton's was engaged, 
he received two severe pistol wounds. While he was 
lingering upon a bed of suffering news came that the 
Indians, who had combined under Tecumseh from 
Florida to the Lakes, to exterminate I he white set- 
ters, were committing the most awful ravages. De- 
i isive action became necessary. Gen. Jackson, with 
his fractured bone just beginning to heal, his arm in 
a sling, and unable to mount his horse without assis- 
tance, gave his amazing energies to the raising of an 
army to rendezvous at Fayettesville, Alabama. 

The Creek Indians had established a strong fort on 
one of the bends of the Tallapoosa River, near the cen- 
ter of Alabama, about fifty miles below Fort Strother. 
Willi an army of two thousand men, Gen. Jackson 
traversed the pathless wilderness in a march of eleven 
davs. He reached their fort, called Tohopeka or 
Horse-shoe, on the 27th of March. 1814. The bend 



of the river enclosed nearly one hundred acres ot 
tangled forest and wild ravine. Across the nanow 
neck the Indians had constructed a formidable bn a.\l- 
work of logs and brush. Here nine hundred warriors, 
with an ample suplyof arms were assembled. 

The fort was stormed. The fight was utterly des- 
perate. Not an Indian would accept of quarter. When 
bleeding and dying, they would fight those who en- 
deavored to spare their lives. From ten in the morn- 
ing until dark, the battle raged. The carnage was 
awful and revolting. Some threw themselves into the 
river; but the unerring bullet struck their heads as 
they swain. Nearly everyone of the nine hundred war- 
rios were killed A few probably, in the night, swam 
the river and escaped. This ended the war. The 
l>ower of the Creeks was broken forever. This I old 
plunge into the wilderness, with itsterriffic slaughter, 
so appalled the savages, that the haggard remnants 
of the bands came to the camp, begging lor peace. 

This closing of the Creek war enabled us to con- 
centrate all our militia upon the British, who were the 
allies of the Indians No man of less resolute will 
than Cen. Jackson could have conducted this Indian 
campaign to so successful an issue Immediately he 
was appointed major-general. 

bale in August, with an army of two thousand 
men, on a rushing march, Gen. Jackson > ame to 
Mobile. A British fleet came from Pensacola, landed 
a force upon the beach, anchored near the little fort, 
and from both ship and shore commenced a furious 
assault. The battle was long and doubtful. At length 
one of the ships was blown up and the rest retired. 

Garrisoning Mobile, where he had taken his little 
army, he moved his troops to New Orleans, 
And the battle of New Orleans which soon ensued, 
was in reality a very arduous campaign. This won 
for Cen. Jackson an imperishable name. Here his 
troops, which numbered about four thousand men, 
won a signal victory over the British army of about 
nine thousand. His loss was but thirteen, while the 
loss of the British was two thousand six hundred. 

The name of Gen. Jackson soon began to be men- 
tioned in connection with the Presidency, but, in 1S24, 
he was defeated by Mr. Adams. He was, however, 
successful in the election of 1.S28, and was re-elected 
for a second term in 1832. In 1S29, just before he 
assumed the reins of the government, he met with 
the most terrible affliction of his life in the death of 
his wife, whom he had loved with a devotion which has 
perhaps never been surpassed. From the shock of 
her death he never recovered. 

His administration was one of the most memorable 
in the annals of our country; applauded by one parly, 
condemned by the other. No man had more bitter 
enemies or warmer friends. At the expiration of his 
two terms of office he retired to the Hermitage, where 
he died June 8, 1845. The last years of Mr. Jack- 
son's life were that of a devoted Christian man. 




Ol^-^zJa^ 




EIGHTH PRESIDENT. 



47 





IOTHI} V^I] MItEl). 



^\X ~r- >: ■•> 



c 3p 





ARTIN VAN BUREN, the 
eighth President of the 
United States, was born at 
Kinderhook, N. Y., Dec. 5, 
17S2. He died at the same 
place, July 24, 1862. His 
body rests in the cemetery 
at Kinderhook. Above it is 
a plain granite shaft fifteen feet 
high, bearing a simple inscription 
about halt way up on one face. 
The lot is unfenced, unbordered 
or unbounded by shrub or flower. 

There is but little in the life of Martin Van Buren 
ol romantic interest. He fought no battles, engaged 
in no wild adventures. Though his life was stormy in 
political and intellectual conflicts, and he gained many 
signal victories, his days passed uneventful in those 
1111 idents which give /.est to biography. His an- 
cestors, as his name indicates, were ol Dutch origin, 
and were among the earliest emigrants from Holland 
to the banks of the Hudson. His father was a farmer, 
residing in the old town of Kinderhook. His mother, 
also of Dutch lineage, was a woman of superior intel- 
ligeni e and exemplary piety. 

He was decidedly a precocious boy, developing un- 
usual activity, vigor and strength of mind. At the 
age of fourteen, he had finished his academic studies 
in his native village, and commenced the study of 
law A.S he had not a collegiate education, seven 
years of study in a law-office were required of him 
before lie could be admitted to the bar. Inspired with 
a lofty ambition, and conscious of his powers, lie pur- 
sued his studies with indefatigable industry. After 
spending six years in an office in his native village, 



he went to the city of New York, and prosecuted his 
studies for the seventh year. 

In 1803, Mr. Van Buren, then twenty-one \eais of 
age, commenced the practice of law in his native vil- 
lage. The great conflict between the Federal and 
Republican party was then at its height. Mr. Van 
Buren was from the beginning a politician. He hail, 
perhaps, imbibed that spirit while listening to the 
many discussions which had been carried on in his 
father's hotel. He was in cordial sympathy with 
Jefferson, and earnestly and eloquently espoused the 
cause of State Rights; though at that time the Fed- 
eral party held the supremacy both in his town 
and State. 

His success and increasing ruputation led him 
after six years of practice, to remove to Hudson, ill. 
county seat of his county. Here he spent seven yen 
constantly gaining strength by contending in tin. 
courts with some of the ablest men who have adorned 
the bar of his State. 

Just before leaving Kinderhook for Hudson, Mi. 
Van Buren married a lady alike distinguished for 
beauty and accomplishments. After twelve short 
years she sank into the grave, the victim ol , onsump- 
tion, leaving her husband and four sons to weep over 
her loss. For twenty-five years, Mr. Van Buren was 
an earnest, successful, assiduous lawyer. The re< ord 
of those years is barren in items of public interest. 
In 181 2, when thirty years of age, he w en to 

the State Senate, and gave his strenuous support to 
Mr. Madison's adminstration. In 1815, he was ap- 
pointed Attorney-General, and the next year moved 
to Albany, the capital of the State. 

While he was acknowledged as one of the most 
prominent leaders of the Democratic party, he had 



4§ 



MARTIN VAN BUREN. 



the moral courage to avow that true democracy did 
not require that " universal suffrage" which admits 
the vile, the degraded, the ignorant, to the right of 
governing the State. In true consistency with his 
democratic principles, he contended that, while the 
path leading to the privilege of voting should be open 
to every man without distinction, no one should be 
invested with that sacred prerogative, unless he were 
in some degree qualified for it by intelligence, virtue 
and some property interests in the welfare of the 
State. 

In 1S21 he was elected a member of the United 
States Senate; and in the same year, he took a seat 
in the convention to revise the constitution of his 
native State. His course in this convention secured 
the approval of men of all parties. No one could 
doubt the singleness of his endeavors to promote the 
interests of all classes in the community. In the 
Senate of the United States, he rose at once to a 
conspicuous position as an active and useful legislator. 

In 1827, John Quincy Adams being then in the 
Presidential chair, Mr. Van Buren was re-elected to 
the Senate. He had been from the beginning a de- 
termined opposer of the Administration, adopting the 
"State Rights" view in opposition to what was 
deemed the Federal proclivities of Mr. Adams. 

Soon after this, in 182S, he was chosen Governorof 
the State of New York, and accordingly resigned his 
seat in the Senate. Probably no one in the United 
States contributed so much towards ejecting John Q. 
Adams from the Presidential chair, and placing in it 
Andrew Jackson, as did Martin Van Buren. Whether 
entitled to the reputation or not, he certainly was re- 
garded throughout the United States as one of the 
most skillful, sagacious and cunning of politicians. 
It was supposed that no one knew so well as he how 
to touch the secret sptings of action; how to pull all 
the wires to put his machinery in motion ; and how to 
organize a political army which would, secredy and 
stealthily accomplish the most gigantic results. By 
these powers it is said that he outwitted Mr. Adams, 
Mr. Clay, Mr. Webster, and secured results which 
(n\\ thought then could be accomplished. 

When Andrew Jackson was elected President he 
appointed Mr. Van Buren Secretary of State. This 
position he resigned in 1831, and was immediately 
appointed Minister to England, where he went the 
same autumn. The Senate, however, when it met, 
refused to ratify the nomination, and he returned 



home, apparently untroubled ; was nominated Vice 
President in the place of Calhoun, at the reelection 
of President Jackson; and with smiles for all and 
ftowns for none, he took his place at the head of that 
Senate which had refused to confirm his nomination 
as ambassador. 

H;s rejection by the Senate roused al! the zeal of 
President Jackson in behalf of his repudiated favor- 
ite; and this, probably more than any other cause, 
secured his elevation to the chair of the Chief Execu- 
tive. On the 20th of May, 1836, Mr. Van buren le- 
ceived the Democratic nomination to succeed Gen. 
Jackson as President of the United States lie was 
elected by a handsome majority, to the delight of the 
retiring President. " Leaving New York out of the 
canvass," says Mr. Parton, '"the election of Mr. Van 
Buren to the Presidency was as much the act of den. 
Jackson as though the Constitution hsd conferred 
upon him the power to appoint a successor." 

His administration was filled with ex< iting events. 
The insurrection in Canada, which threatened to in 
volve this country in war with England, the agitation 
of the slavery question, and finally the great commer- 
cial panic which spread over the country, all were 
trials to his wisdom. The financial distress was at- 
tributed to the management of the Democratic party, 
and brought the President into such disfavor that he 
tailed of re-election. 

With the exception of being nominated lor the 
Presidency by the "Free Soil" Democrats, in [848, 
Mr. Van Buren lived quietly upon his estate until 
his death. 

He had ever been a prudent man, of frugal habits, 
and living within his income, had now fortunately a 
competence for his declining years. His unblemished 
character, his commanding abilities, his unquestioned 
patriotism, and the distinguished positions which he 
had occupied in the government of our country, se- 
cured to him not only the homage of his party, but 
the respect ot the whole community. It was on the 
4th of March, 1841, that Mr. Van Buren retired from 
the presidency. From his fine estate at Lindenwald, 
he still exerted a powerful influence upon the politics 
of the country. From this time until his death, on 
the 24th of July, 1862, at the age of eighty •ears, he 
resided at Lindenwald, a gentleman of leisure, of 
culture and of wealth; enjoying in a healthy old 
age, probably far more happiness than he had before 
experienced amid the stormy scenes of his active life. 







fa. fcfr&VL^ft 



n^y 



NINTH PRESIDENT. 



5< 




WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON. 






^smr^; 



I 






ILLIAM HENRY HARRI- 
SON, the ninth President of 
the United States, was born 
at Berkeley, Va., Feb. 9, 1773. 
His father, Benjamin Harri- 
son, was in comparatively op- 
ulent circumstances, and was 
one of the most distinguished 
men of his day. He was an 
intimate friend of George 
Washington, was early ele< ted 
a member of the Continental 
Congress, and was conspicuous 
among the patriots of Virginia in 
resisting the encroachments of the 
British crown. In the celebrated 
Congress of 1775, Benjamin Har- 
rison and John Hancock were 
both candidates for the office of 
speaker. 

Mr Harrison was subsequently 
chosen Governor of Virginia, and 
was twice re-elected. His son, 
William Henry, of course enjoyed 



I 

i 

in childhood all the advantages which wealth and 
intellectual and cultivated society could give. Hav- 
ing re< eived .1 thorough common-school education, he 
entered Hampden Sidney College, where lie graduated 
with honor soon after the death of his father. He 
\ien repaired to Philadelphia to study medicine under 
the instructions of Dr. Rush and the guardianship of 
Robert Morris, both of whom were, with his father, 
signers of the Declaration of Independence. 

Upon the outbreak of the Indian troubles, and not- 
withstanding the remonstrances of his friends, lie- 
abandoned his medical studies and entered the army, 
having obtained a commission of Ensign from Presi- 



dent Washington. He was then but 19 years old. 
From that time he passed gradually upward in rank 
until he became aid to General Wayne, after whose 
death he resigned his commission. He was then ap- 
pointed Secretary of the North-western Territory. This 
Territory was then entitled to but one member in 
Congress and Capt. Harrison was chosen to fill that 
position. 

In the spring of 1800 the North-western Territory 
was divided by Congress into two portions. The 
eastern portion, comprising the region now embraced 
in the State of Ohio, was called '' The Territory 
north-west of tlie Ohio." The western portion, which 
included what is now called Indiana, Illinois and 
Wisconsin, was called the "Indiana Territory." Wil- 
liam Henry Harrison, then 27 years of age, was ap- 
pointed by John Adams, Governor of the Indiana 
Territory, and immediately after, also Governor of 
Upper Louisiana. He was thus ruler over almost as 
extensive a realm as any sovereign upon the globe. He 
was Superintendent of Indian Affairs, and was in- 
vested with powers nearly dictatorial over the now 
rapidly increasing white population. The ability and 
fidelity with which he discharged these responsible 
duties may be inferred from the fact that he was four 
times appointed to this office — first by John Adams, 
twice by Thomas Jefferson and afterwards by Presi- 
dent Madison. 

When he began his adminstration there were but 
threewhite settlements in that almost boundle 1 gion, 
now crowded with cities and resounding with all the 
tumult of wealth and traffic. One of these settlements 
was on the Ohio, nearly opposite Louisville; one at 
Vincennes, on the Wabash, and the third a French 
settlement. 

The vast wilderness over which Gov. Harrison 
reigned was filled with many tribes of Indians. About 



5 2 



WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON. 



the year 1806, two extraordinary men, twin brothers, 
of the Shawnese tribe, rose among them. One of 
these was called Tecumseh, or " The Crouching 
Panther;" the other, Olliwacheca, or "The Prophet." 
Tecumseh was not only an Indian warrior, but a man 
of great sagacity, far-reaching foresight and indomit- 
able perseverance in any enterprise in which he might 
engage. He was inspired with the highest enthusiasm, 
and had long regarded with dread and with hatred 
the encroachment of the whites upon the hunting- 
grounds of his fathers. His brother, the Prophet, was 
an orator, who could sway the feelings of the untutored 
Indian as the gale tossed the tree-tops beneath which 
they dwelt. 

But the Prophet was not merely an orator: he was, 
in the superstitious minds of the Indians, invested 
with the superhuman dignity of a medicine-man or a 
magician. With an enthusiasm unsurpassed by Peter 
the Hermit rousing Europe to the crusades, lie went 
from tribe to tribe, assuming that he was specially sent 
by the Great Spirit. 

Gov. Harrison made many attempts to conciliate 
the Indians, but at last the war came, and at Tippe- 
canoe the Indians were routed witli great slaughter. 
October 28, 18 12, his army began its march. When 
near the Prophet's town three Indians of rank made 
their appearance and inquired why Gov. Harrison was 
approaching them in so hostile an attitude. After a 
short conference, arrangements were made fora meet- 
ing the next day, to agree U[>on terms of peace. 

But Gov. Harrison was loo well acquainted with 
the Indian character to be deceived by such protes- 
tations. Selecting a favorable spot for his night's en- 
campment, lie took every precaution against surprise 
His troops were posted in a hollow square, and slept 
upon their arms. 

The troops threw themselves upon the ground for 
rest; but every man had his accoutrements on, his 
loaded musket by his side, and his bayonet fixed. The 
wakeful Governor, between three and four o'clock in 
the morning, had risen, and was sitting in conversa- 
tion with his aids by the embers of a waning fire. It 
was a chill, cloudy morning with a drizzling rain. In 
the darkness, the Indians had crept as near as possi- 
ble, and just then, with a savage yell, rushed, with all 
the desperation which superstition and passion most 
highly inflamed could give, upon the left flank of the 
little army. The savages had been amply provided 
with guns and ammunition by the English. Their 
war-whoop was accompanied by a shower of bullets. 

The camp-fires were instantly extinguished, as the 
light aided the Indians in their aim. With hide- 
cus yells, the Indian bands rushed on, not doubting a 
speedy and an entire victory. But Gen. Harrison's 
troops stood as immovable as the rocks around them 
until day dawned : they then made a simultaneous 
charge with the bayonet, and swept every thing be- 
fore them, and completely routing tlif foe. 



Gov. Harrison now had all his energies tasked 
to the utmost. The British descending from the Can - 
adas, were of themselves a very formidable force ; but 
with their savage allies, rushing like wolves from the 
forest, searching out every remote farm-house, burn- 
ing, plundering, scalping, torturing, the wide frontier 
was plunged into a state of consternation which even 
the most vivid imagination can but faintly conceive. 
The war-whoop was resounding everywhere in the 
forest. The horizon was illuminated with the conflagra- 
tionofthe cabins of the settlers. Gen Hull had made 
the ignominious surrender of his forces at Detroit. 
Under these despairing circumstances, Gov. Harrison 
was appointed by President Madison commander-in- 
chief of the North-western army, with orders to retake 
I (etroit, and to protect the frontiers. 

It would be difficult to place a man in a situation 
demanding more energy, sagacity and courage; but 
General Harrison was found equal to the position, 
and nobly and triumphantly did he meet all the re 
sponsibilities. 

He won the love of his soldiers by always sharing 
with them their fatigue. His whole baggage, while 
pursuing the foe up the Thames, was carried in a 
valise; and his bedding consisted of a single blanket 
lashed over his saddle Thirty-five British officers, 
his prisoners of war, supped with him after the battle. 
The only fare he could give them was beef roasted 
before the lire, without bread or salt. 

In iS 16, Gen. Harrison was chosen a member of 
the National House of Representatives, to represent 
the District of Ohio. In Congress he proved an 
active member; and whenever he spoke, it was with 
force of reason and powerof eloquence, which arrested 
the attention of all the members. 

In 1X10, Harrison was elected to the Senate of 
Ohio; and in 1824, as one of the presidential electors 
of that State, lie gave his vote for Henry Clay. The 
same year he was chosen to the United States Senate. 

In 1836, the friends of Gen. Harrison brought him 
forward as a candidate for the Presidency against 
Van Buren, but he was defeated. At the close of 
Mr. Van Buren's term, he was re -nominated by his 
party, and Mr. Harrison was unanimously nominated 
by the Whigs, with |ohn Tyler tor the Vice Presidency. 
The contest was very animated. Gen Jackson gave 
all his influence to prevent Harrison's election ; but 
his triumph was signal. 

The cabinet which he formed, with Daniel Webster 
at its head as Secretary of State, was one of the most 
brilliant with which any President had ever been 
surrounded. Never were the prospects of an admin- 
istration more flattering, or the hopes of the country 
more sanguine. In the midst of these bright and 
joyous prospects, Gen. Harrison was seized by a 
pleurisy-fever and after a few days of violent sick- 
ness, died on the 4th of April ; just one month after 
his inauguration as President of the United Stales. 



TENTH PRESIDENT. 





OHN TYLER, the tenth 
JL Presidentof the United States. 
He was born in Charles-city 
Co., Va., March 29, 1790. He 
was the favored child of af- 
fluence and high social po- 
sition. At the early age of 
twelve, John entered William 
and Mary College and grad- 
uated with much honor when 
hut seventeen years old. After 
graduating, he devoted him- 
self with great assiduity to the 
study of law, partly with his 
father and partly with Edmund 
Randolph, one of. the most distin- 
guished lawyers of Virginia. 

At nineteen years of age, lie 
commenced the practice of law. 
His success was rapid and aston- 
ishing. It is said that three- 
months had not elapsed ere there 
was scarcely a case on the dock- 
et of the court in which he was 
not retained. When but twenty-one years of age, he 
was almost unanimously elected to a seat in the State 
Legislature. He connected himself with the Demo- 
cratic party, and warmly advocated the measures of 
fefferson and Madison. For five successive years he 
was elected to the Legislature, receiving nearly the 
unanimous vote or his county. 

When but twenty-six years of age, he was elected 
a member of Congress. Here he acted earnestly and 
ably with the Democratic party, opposing a national 
bank, internal improvements by the General Govern- 



ment, a protective tariff, and advocating a strict con- 
struction of the Constitution, and the most careful 
vigilance over State rights. His labors in Congress 
were so arduous that before the close of his second 
term he found it necessary to resign and retire to his 
estate in Charles-city Co., to recruit his health. He, 
however, soon after consented to take his seat in the 
State Legislature, where his influence was powerful 
in prompting public works of great utility. With a 
reputation thus canstantly increasing, he was chosen 
by a very large majority of votes. Governor of his 
native State. His administration was signally a suc- 
cessful one. His popularity secured his re-election. 

John Randolph, a brilliant, erratic, half-crazed 
man, then represented Virginia in the Senate of the 
United States. A portion of the Democratic party 
was displeased with Mr. Randolph's wayward course, 
and brought forward John Tyler as his opponent, 
considering him the only man in Virginia of sufficient 
popularity to succeed against the renowned orator of 
Roanoke. Mr. Tyler was the victor. 

In accordance with his professions, upon taking his 
seat in the Senate, he joined the ranks of the opposi- 
tion. He opposed the tariff; he spoke against and 
voted against the bank as unconstitutional; he stren- 
uously opposed all restrictions upon slavery, resist- 
ing all projects of internal improvements by the Gen- 
eral Government, and avowed his sympathy with Mr. 
Calhoun's view of nullification ; he declared thai <"■: 
Jai kson, by his opposition to the nullifiers, had 
abandoned the principles of the Democratii party. 
Such was Mr. Tyler's record in Congress, — a reionl 
in perfect accordance with the principles which he 
had always avowed. 

Returning lo \ irgima, he resumed the practice of 
his profession. There was a rplit in the Democratii. 



56 



JOHN TYLER. 



party. His friends still regarded him as a true Jef- 
fersonian, gave him a dinner, and showered compli- 
ments upon him. He had now attained the age of 
forty-six. His career had been very brilliant. In con- 
sequence of his devotion to public business, his pri- 
vate affairs had fallen into some disorder; audit was 
not without satisfaction that he resumed the practice 
of law, and devoted himself to the culture of his plan- 
tation. Soon after this he removed to Williamsburg, 
for the better education of his children ; and he again 
took his seat in the Legislature of Virginia. 

By the Southern Whigs, he was sent to the national 
convention at Harrisburg to nominate a President in 
1839. The majority of votes were given to Gen. Har- 
rison, a genuine Whig, much to the disappointment of 
the South, who wished for Henry Clay. To concili- 
ate the Southern Whigs and to secure their vote, the 
convention then nominated John Tyler for Vice Pres- 
ident. It was well known that he was not in sympa- 
thy with the Whig party in the Notth: but the Vice 
President has but very little power in the Govern- 
ment, his main and almost only duty being to pre- 
side over the meetings of the Senate. Thus it hap- 
pened that a Whig President, and, in reality, a 
Democratic Vice President were chosen. 

In 1S41, Mr. Tyler was inaugurated Vice Presi- 
dent of the United States. In one short month from 
that time, President Harrison died, and Mr. Tyler 
thus found himself, to his own surprise and that ot 
the whole Nation, an occupant of the Presidential 
chair. This was a new test of the stability of our 
institutions, as it was the first time in the history of our 
country that such an event had occured. Mr. Tyler 
was at home in Williamsburg when he received the 
unexpected tidings of the death of President Hani- 
son. He hastened to Washington, and on the 6th of 
April was inaugurated to the high and responsible 
office. He was placed in a position of exceeding 
delicacy and difficulty. All his long life he had been 
opposed to the main principles of the party which had 
brought him into power. He had ever been a con- 
sistent, honest man, with an unblemished record. 
Gen. Harrison had selected a Whig cabinet. Should 
he retain them, and thus surround himself with coun- 
sellors whose views were antagonistic to his own? or, 
on the other hand, should he turn against the party 
which had elected him and select a cabinet in har- 
mony with himself, and which would oppose all those 
views which the Whigs deemed essential to the pub- 
lic welfare? This was his fearful dilemma. He in- 
vited the cabinet which President Harrison had 
selected to retain their seats. He reccommended a 
day of fasting and prayer, that God would guide and 
bless us. 

The Whigs carried through Congress a bill for the 
incorporation of a fiscal bank of the United States. 
The President, after ten days' delay, returned it with 
his veto. He suggested, however, that he would 



approve of a bid drawn up upon such a plan as he 
proposed. Such a bill was accordingly prepared, and 
privately submitted to him. He gave it his approval. 
It was passed without alteration, and he sent it back 
with his veto. Here commenced the open rupture. 
It is said that Mr. Tyler was provoked to this meas- 
ure by a published letter from the Hon. John M. 
Botts, a distinguished Virginia Whig, who severely 
touched the pride of the President. 

The opposition now exultingly received the Presi- 
dent into their arms. The party which elected him 
denounced him bitterly. All the members of his 
cabinet, excepting Mr. Webster, resigned. The Whigs 
of Congress, both the Senate and the House, held a 
meeting and issued an addiess to the people of the 
United States, proclaiming that all political alliance 
between the Whigs and President Tyler were at 
an end. 

Still the President attempted to conciliate. He 
appointed a new cabinet of distinguished Whigs and 
Conservatives, carefully leaving out all strong party 
men. Mr. Webster soon found it necessary to resign, 
forced out by the pressure of his Whig friends. Thus 
the four years of Mr. Tyler's unfortunate administra- 
tion passed sadly away. No one was satisfied. The 
land was filled with murmurs and vituperation. Whigs 
and Democrats alike assailed him. More and more, 
however, he brought himself into sympathy with his 
old friends, the Democrats, until at the close of his term, 
he gave his whole influence to the support of Mr. 
Polk, the Democratic candidate for his successor. 

On the 4th of March, 1845, he retired from the 
harassments of office, tothe regret of neither party, and 
probably to his own unspeakable lelief. His first wife, 
Miss Letitia Christian, died in Washington, in 1842; 
and in June, 1844, President Tyler was again married, 
at New York, to Miss Julia Gardiner, a young lady of 
many personal and intellectual accomplishments. 

The remainder of his days Mr. Tyler passed mainly 
in retirement at his beautiful home, — Sherwood For- 
est, Charles-city Co., Va. A polished gentleman in 
his manners, richly furnished with information from 
books and experience in the world, and possessing 
brilliant powers of conversation, his family circle was 
the scene of unusual attractions. With sufficient 
means for the exercise of a generous hospitality, he 
might have enjoyed a serene old age with the few 
friends who gathered around him, were it not for the 
storms of civil war which his own principles and 
policy had helped to introduce. 

When the great Rebellion rose, which the State- 
rights and nullifying doctrines of Mr. John C. Cal- 
houn had inaugurated, President Tyler renounced his 
allegiance to the United States, and joined the Confed- 
erates. He was chosen a member of their Congress; 
and while engaged in active measures to desiroy, by 
force of arms, the Government over which he had 
once presided, he was taken sick and soon died. 




^ 



■*3 



OC 



«j?C- 



*o-*^s*C- 



ELEl EA'/7f PRESIDENT. 



59 




"§Sv1S 



AMES K. POLK, the eleventh 
^President of the United States, 
was born in Mecklenburg Co., 
N. C, Nov. 2, 1795. His par- 
ents weie Samuel and Jane 
(Knox) Polk, the former a son 
of Col. Thomas Polk, who located 
at the above place, as one of the 
first pioneers, in 1735. 

In the year 1806, with his wife 
and children, and soon after fol- 
lowed by most of the members of 
the Polk l.imlv, Samuel Polk emi- 
grated some two or three hundred 
miles farther west, to the rich valley 
of the Duck River. Here in the 
midst of the wilderness, in a region 
which was subsequently called Mau- 
ry Co., they reared their log huts, 
and established their homes. In the 
hard toil of a new farm in the wil- 
derness, lames K. Polk spent the 
early years of his childhood and 
youth. His father, adding the pur- 
suit of a surveyor to that of a farmer, 
gradually increased in wealth until 
he became one of the leading men of the region. His 
mother was a superior woman, of strong common 
sense and earnest piety. 

Very early in life, James developed a taste for 
reading and expressed the strongest desire to obtain 
a liberal education. His mother's training had made 
i i i 111 methodical in his habits, had taught him punct- 
uality and industry, and had inspired him with lofty 
principles of morality. His health was frail ; and his 
father, fearing that he might not be able to endure a 



sedentary life, got a situation for him behind the 
counter, hoping to fit him for commercial pursuits. 

This was to James a bitter disappointment. He 
had no taste for these duties, and his daily tasks 
were irksome in the extreme. He remained in this 
uncongenial occupation but a few weeks, when at his 
earnest solicitation his father removed him, and made 
arrangements for him to prosecute his studies. Soon 
after he sent him to Murfreesboro Academy. With 
ardor which could scarcely be surpassed, he pressed 
forward in his studies, and in less than two and a half 
years, in the autumn of 1S15, entered the sophomore 
class in the University of North Carolina, at Chapel 
Hill. Here he was one of the most exemplary of 
scholars, punctual in every exercise, never allowing 
himself to be absent from a recitation or a religious 
service. 

He graduated in 1818, with the highest honors, be- 
ing deemed the best scholar of his class, both in 
mathematics and the classii --. lie was then twenty- 
three 5 ears of age. Mr. Polk's health was at this 
lime much impaired by the assiduity with whic h he 
had prosecuted his studies. Alter a short season of 
relaxation he went to Nashville, and entered the 
office of Felix Grundy, to study law. Here Mr. Polk 
renewed his acquaintance with Andrew Jackson, who 
resided on his plantation, the Hermitage, but a few 
miles from Nashville. They had probably 
slightly .11 quainted before. 

Mr. Polk's father was a Jeffersonian Republican, 
and James K. Polk ever adhered to the same politi- 
cal faith. He was a popular public speaker, and was 
constantly called upon to address the meetings ol hi 
party friend--. His skill kei was such thai 

he was popularly called the Napoh on ol Ih itump. 
He was a man of unblemished morals, genir.l nrd 



Go 



JAMES K. POLK. 



courteous in his bearing, and with that sympathetic 
nature in the joys and griefs of others which ever gave 
him troops of friends. In 1823, Mr. Polk was elected 
to the Legislature of Tennessee. Here he gave his 
strong influence towards the election of his friend, 
Mi. Jackson, to the Presidency of the United States. 

In January, 1824, Mr. Polk married Miss Sarah 
Childress, of Rutherford Co., Tenn. His bride was 
altogether worthy of him, — a lady of beauty and cul- 
ture. In the fall of 1825, Mr. Polk was chosen a 
member of Congress. The satisfaction which he gave 
to his constituents may be inferred from the fact, that 
for fourteen successive years, until 1839, he was con- 
tinued in that office. He then voluntarily withdrew, 
only that he might accept the Gubernatorial chair 
of Tennessee. In Congress he was a laborious 
member, a frequent and a popular speaker. He was 
always in his seat, always courteous; and whenever 
he spoke it was always to. the point, and without any 
ambitious rhetorical display. 

During five sessions of Congress, Mr. Polk was 
Speaker of the House. Strong passions were roused, 
and stormy scenes were witnessed ; but Mr. Polk per- 
formed his arduous duties to a very general satisfac- 
tion, and a unanimous vote of thanks to him was 
passed by the House as he withdrew on the -4th of 
March, 1839. 

In accordance with Southern usage, Mr. Polk, as a 
candidate for Governor, canvassed the State. He was 
elected by a large majority, and on the 14th of Octo- 
ber, iS39,took the oath of office at Nashville. In 1841, 
his term of office expired, and he was again the can- 
didate of the Democratic party, but was defeated. 

On the 4th of March, 1845, Mr. Polk was inaugur- 
ated President of the United States. The verdict of 
the country in favor of the annexation of Texas, exerted 
its influence upon Congress ; and the last act of the 
administration of President Tyler was to affix his sig- 
nature to a joint resolution of Congress, passed on the 
3d of March, approving of the annexation of Texas to 
the American Union. As Mexico still claimed Texas 
as one of her provinces, the Mexican minister, 
Almonte, immediately demanded his passports and 
left the country, declaring the act of the annexation 
to be an act hostile to Mexico. 

In his first message, President Polk urged that 
Texas should immediately, by act of Congress, be re- 
ceived into the Union on the same footing with the 
other States. In the meantime, Gen. Taylor was sent 



with an army into Texas to hold the country. He was 
sent first to Nueces, which the Mexicans said was the 
western boundary of Texas. Then he was sent nearly 
two hundred miles further west, to the Rio Grande, 
where he erected batteries which commanded the 
Mexican city of Matamoras, which was situated on 
the western banks. 

The anticipated collision soon took place, and war 
wis declared against Mexico by President Polk. The 
war was pushed forward by Mr. Polk's administration 
with great vigor. Gen. Taylor, whose army was first 
called one of "observation,"' then of "occupation," 
then of " invasion, "was sent forward to Monterey. The 
feeble Mexicans, in every encounter, were hopelessly 
and awfully slaughtered. The day of judgement 
alone can reveal the misery which this war caused. 
[t was by the ingenuity of Mr. Polk's administration 
that the war was brought on. 

'To the victors belong the spoils." Mexico was 
prostrate before us. Her capital was in our hands. 
We now consented to peace upon the condition that 
Mexico should surrender to us, in addition to Texas, 
all of New Mexico, and all of Upper and Lower Cal- 
ifornia. This new demand embraced, exclusive of 
Texas, eight hundred thousand square miles. This 
was an extent of territory equal to nine States of the 
size of New York. Thus slavery was securing eighteen 
majestic States to be added to the Union. There were 
some Americans who thought it all right : there were 
others who thought it all wrong. In the prosecution 
of this war, we expended twenty thousand lives and 
more than a hundred million of dollars. Of this 
money fifteen millions were paid to Mexico. 

On the 3d of March, 1849, Mr. Polk retired from 
office, having served one term. The next day was 
Sunday. On the 5th, Gen. Taylor was inaugurated 
as his successor. Mr. Polk rode to the Capitol in the 
same carriage with Gen. Taylor; and the same even- 
ing, with Mrs. Polk, he commenced his return to 
Tennessee. He was then but fifty-four years of age. 
He had ever been strictly temperate in all his habits, 
and his health was good. With an ample fortune, 
a choice library, a cultivated mind, and domestic ties 
of the dearest nature, it seemed as though long years 
of tranquility and happiness were before him. But the 
cholera — that fearful scourge — was then sweeping up 
the Valley of the Mississippi. This he contracted, 
and died on the 15th of June, 1849, in the fifty-fourth 
year of his age, greatly mourned by his countrymen. 



TWELFTH PRESIDENT. 





A A f m A H X T A V h 1 . 




ACHARY TAYLOR, twelfth 
President of the United States, 
was born on the 24th of Nov., 
1784, in Orange Co., Va. His 

lather, Colonel Taylor, was 
a Virginian of note, and a dis- 
' ■■$ tinguished patriot and soldier of 
the Revolution. When Za< hary 
was an infant, his father with his 
wife and two children, emigrated 
to Kentucky, where he settled in 
the pathless wilderness, a few 
miles from Louisville. In this front- 
ier home, away from civilization and 
all its refinements, young Zachary 
could enjoy but lew social and educational advan- 
tages. When six years ot age he attended a common 
school, and was then regarded as a bright, active boy, 
rather remarkable for bhmtness and decision of char- 
ic ter He was strong, feailess and self-reliant, and 
manifested a strong desire to enter the army to light 
•he Indians who were ravaging the frontiers. There 
is little to be recorded of the uneventful years of his 
childhood on his father's large but lonely plantation. 
In 1S08, his father succeeded in obtaining for him 
the commission of lieutenant in the United States 
army; and he joined the troops which were stationed 
at New Orleans under Gen. Wilkinson. Soon alter 
this he married Miss Matgatet Smith, a young lady 
from one of the fust families of Maryland. 

Immediately after the declaration of war with Eng- 
land, in 1S12, Capt. Taylor (for he had then been 
promoted to that rank) was put in command of Fort 
Harrison, on the Wabash, about fifty miles above 
Vincennes. This fort had been built in the wilder- 
ness by Gen. Harrison, on his march to Tippecanoe. 
It was one of the first points of attack by the Indians, 
ied by Tecumseh. Its garrison consisted of a broken 



company of infantry numbering fifty men, many of 
whom were sic k. 

Early in the autumn of 1812, the Indians, stealthily, 
and in large numbers, moved upon the fort. Then 
approach was hist indicated by the murder of two 
soldiers just outside of the stockade. Capt. Taylor 
made every possible preparation to meet the antici- 
pated assault. On the 4th of September, a band of 
forty painted and plumed savages came to the fort, 
waving a white flag, and informed Capt. Taylor that 
in the morning their chief would con.e to have a talk 
with him. It was evident that their object was merely 
to ascertain the state of things at the fort, and Capt. 
Taylor, well versed in the wiles of the savages, kept 
them at a distance. 

The sun went down; the savages disappeared, the 
garrison slept upon their arms. One hour before 
midnight the war-whoop burst from a thousand lips 
in the forest around, followed by the discharge ol 
.musketry, and the rush of the foe. Every man, sick 
and well, sprang to his post. Every man knew that 
defeat was inn merely death, but in the case ol cap- 
ture, death by the most agonizing and prolonged na- 
ture. No pen can describe, no immagination can 
conceive the scenes which ensued. The savages suc- 
ceeded in setting fire to one of the block-houses- 
Until six o'clock in the morning, this awful conflict 
continued. The savages then, baffled at ever) point, 
and gnashing their teeth with rage, retired. Capt. 
Taylor, for this gallant defence, was promoted to tin- 
rank of major by brevet. 

Until the close of the war, Majoi Taylor was pla< eel 
in such situations that he saw but little mote of active 
service. He was sent tar away into the depthsof the 
wilderness, to Fort Crawford, en box River, which 
empties into Green Lay. Here there was but little 
to be clone but to wear away the tedious hours as one 
best could. There were no I ooks, no society, no in- 



6 4 



ZACHARY TAYLOR. 



tellectual stimulus. Thus with him the uneventful 
years rolled on Gradually he rose to the rank of 
colonel. In the Black-Hawk war, which resulted in 
the capture of that renowned chieftain, Col Taylor 
took a subordinate but a brave and efficient part. 

For twenty-four years Col. Taylor was engaged in 
the defence of the frontiers, in scenes so remote, and in 
employments so obscure, that his name was unknown 
beyond the limits of his own immediate acquaintance. 
In the year 1836, he was sent to Florida to compel 
the Seminole Indians to vacate that region and re- 
tire beyond the Mississippi, as their chiefs by treaty, 
hac* promised they should do. The services rendered 
hc.c secured for Col. Taylor the high appreciation of 
the Government ; and as a reward, he was elevated 
tc he rank of brigadier-general by brevet ; and soon 
after, in May, 1838, was appointed to the chief com- 
mand of the United States troops in Florida. 

After two years of such wearisome employment 
amidst the everglades of the peninsula, Gen. Taylor 
obtained, at his own request, a change of command, 
and was stationed over the Department of the South- 
west. This field embraced Louisiana, Mississippi, 
Alabama and Georgia. Establishing his headquarters 
at Fort Jessup, in Louisiana, he removed his family 
to a plantation which he purchased, near Baton Rogue. 
Here he remained for five years, buried, as it were, 
from the world, but faithfully discharging every duty 
imposed upon him. 

In 1846, Gen. Taylor was sent to guard the land 
between the Nueces and Rio Grande, the latter river 
being the boundary of Texas, which was then claimed 
by the United States. Soon the war with Mexico 
was brought on, and at Palo Alto and Resaca de la 
Palma, Gen. Taylor won brilliant victories over the 
Mexicans. The rank of major-general by brevet 
was then conferred upon Gen. Taylor, and his name 
was received with enthusiasm almost everywhere in 
the Nation. Then came the battles of Monterey and 
Buena Vista in which he won signal victories over 
forces much larger than he commanded. 

His careless habits of dress and his unaffected 
simplicity, secured for Gen. Taylor among his troops, 
the s obriquet of "Old Rough and Ready.' 

The tidings of the brilliant victory of Buena Vista 
spread the wildest enthusiasm over the country. The 
name of Gen. Taylor was on every one's lips. The 
Whig party decided to take advantage of this wonder- 
ful popularity in bringing forward the unpolished, un- 
lettered, honest soldier as their candidate for the 
Presidency. Gen. Taylor was astonished at the an- 
nouncement, and for a time would not listen to it; de- 
claring that he was not at all qualified for such an 
office. So little interest had he taken in politics that, 
for forty years, he had not cast a vote. It was not 
without chagrin that several distinguished statesmen 
who had been long years in the public service found 
tl.-ir claims set aside in behalf of one whose name 



had never been heard of, save in connection with Palo 
Alto, Resaca de la Palma, Monterey and Buena 
Vista. It is said that Daniel Webster, in his haste re- 
marked, " It is a nomination not fit to be made." 

Gen. Taylor was not an eloquent speaker nor a fine 
writer His friends took possession of him, and pre- 
pared such few communications as it was needful 
should be presented to the public. The popularity of 
the successful warrior swept the land. He was tri- 
umphantly elected over two opposing candidates, — 
Gen. Cass and Ex-President Martin Van Buren. 
Though he selected an excellent cabinet, the good 
old man found himself in a very uncongenial position, 
and was, at times, sorely perplexed and harassed. 
His mental sufferings were very severe, and probably 
tended to hasten his death. The pro-slavery party 
was pushing its claims with tireless energy , expedi- 
tions were fitting out to capture Cuba; California was 
pleading for admission to the Union, while slavery 
stood at the door to bar her out. Gen. Taylor found 
the political conflicts in Washington to be far more 
trying to the nerves than battles with Mexicans or 
Indians. 

In the midst of all these troubles, Gen. Taylor, 
after he had occupied the Presidential chair but little 
over a year, took cold, and after a brief sickness of 
but little over five days, died on the 9th of July, 1850. 
His last words were, " I am not afraid to die. I am 
ready. I have endeavored to do my duty." He died 
universally respected and beloved. An honest, un- 
pretending man, he had been steadily growing in the 
affections of the people ; and the Nation bitterly la- 
mented his death. 

Gen. Scott, who was thoroughly acquainted with 
Gen. Taylor, gave the following graphic and truthful 
description of his character: — " With a good store of 
common sense, Gen. Taylor's mind had not been en- 
larged and refreshed by reading, or much converse 
with the world. Rigidity of ideas was the conse- 
quence. The frontiers and small military posts had 
been his home. Hence he was quite ignorant for his 
rank, and quite bigoted in his ignorance. His sim- 
plicity was child-like, and with innumerable preju- 
dices, amusing and incorrigible, well suited to the 
tender age. Thus, if a man, however respectable, 
chanced to wear a coat of an unusual color, or his hat 
a little on one side of his head; or an officer to leave 
a corner of his handkerchief dangling from an out- 
side pocket, — in any such case, this critic held the 
offender to be a coxcomb (perhaps something worse), 
whom he would not, to use his oft repeated phrase, 
'touch with a pair of tongs.' 

"Any allusion to literature beyond good old Dil- 
worth's spelling-book, on the part of one wearing a 
sword, was evidence, with the same judge, of utter 
unfitness for heavy marchings and combats. In short, 
few men have ever had a more comfortable, labor- 
saving contempt for learning of every kina." 





Jl 



THIRTEENTH PRESIDENT. 



67 





I ^'MILLftRn FILLMnHE.^ 1 

m Hi 





4^ 




ILLARD FILLMORE, thir- 
teenth President of the United 
States, was hum at Summer 
Hill, Cayuga Co., N. Y ., on 
the 7th of January, 1800. His 
father was a farmer, and ow- 
ing to misfortune, in humble cir- 
cumstances. Of his mother, the 
daughter of Dr. Abiathar Millard, 
of Pittsfield, Mass., it has been 
said that she possessed an intellect 
of very high order, united with much 
personal loveliness, sweetness of dis- 
position, graceful manners and ex- 
quisite sensibilities. She died in 
1 83 1 ; having lived to see her son a 
young man of distinguished prom- 
ise, though she was not permitted to witness the high 
dignity which he finally attained. 

In consequence of the secluded home and limited 
means of his father, Millard enjoyed but slender ad- 
vantages for education in his early years. The com- 
mon schools, which he occasionally attended were 
very imperfect institutions; and books were scarce 
and expensive. There was nothing then in his char- 
acter to indicate the brilliant career upon which he 
was about to enter. He was a plain farmer's boy; 
intelligent, good-looking, kind-hearted. The sacred 
influences of home had taught him to revere the Bible, 
and had laid the foundations of an upright character. 
When fourteen years of age, his father sent him 
some hundred miles from home, to the then wilds o( 
Livingston County, to learn the trade of a clothier. 
Near the mill there was a small villiage, where some 



enterprising man had commenced the collection of a 
village library. This proved an inestimable blessing 
in young Fillmore. His evenings were spent in read- 
ing. Soon every leisure moment was occupied with 
hooks. His thirst for knowledge became insatiate; 
and the selections which he made were continually 
more elevating and instructive. He read history, 
biography, oratory , and thus gradually there was en- 
kindled in his heart a desire to be something more 
than a mere worker with his hands; and lie was be- 
coming, almost unknown to himself, a well-informed, 
educated man. 

The young clothier had now attained the age of 
nineteen years, and was of line personal appearance 
and of gentlemanly demeanor. It so happened that 
there was a gentleman in the neighborhood of ample 
pecuniary means and of benevolence, — Judge Walter 
Wood, — who was struck with the prepossessing ap- 
pearance of young Fillmore. He made his acquaint- 
ance, and was so much impressed with his ability and 
attainments that he advised him to abandon his 
trade and devote himself to the study of the law. The 
young man replied, that he had no means of his own, 
no friends to help him and that his previous edui a- 
tion had been very imperfect. But Judge Wood had 
so much confidence in him that he kindly offered to 
take him into his own office, and to loan him such 
money as he needed. Most gratefully the generous 
offer was accepted. 

There is in many minds a strange delusion about 
a collegiate education. A young man is supposed to 
be liberally educated if he has graduated at some 1 ol- 
lege. But many a boy loiters through university lul' . 
ind then enters a law office, who is by no means as 



68 



MILLARD FILLMORE. 



well prepared to prosecute his legal studies as was 
Millard Fillmore when he graduated at the clothing- 
mill at the end of four years of manual labor, during 
which every leisure moment had been devoted to in- 
tense mental culture. 

In 1823, when twenty-three years of age, he was 
admitted to the Court of Common Pleas. He then 
went to the village of Aurora, and commenced the 
practice of law. In this secluded, peaceful region, 
his practice of course was limited, and there was no 
opportunity for a sudden rise in foitune or in fame. 
Here, in the year 1826, he married a lady of great 
moral worth, and one capable of adorning any station 
she might be called to fill, — Miss Abigail Powers. 

His elevation of character, his untiring industry, 
his legal acquirements, and his skill as an advocate, 
gradually attracted attention , and he was invited to 
enter into partnership under highly advantageous 
circumstances, with an elder member of the bar in 
Buffalo. Just before removing to Buffalo, in 1829, 
he took his seat in the House of Assembly, of the 
State of New York, as a representative from Erie 
County. Though he had never taken a very active 
part in politics, his vote and his sympathies were with 
the Whig party. The State was then Democratic, 
and he found himself in a helpless minority in the 
Legislature, still the testimony comes from all parties, 
that his courtesy, ability and integrity, won, to a very 
unusual degree the respect of his associates. 

In the autumn of 1832, he was elected to a seat in 
the United States Congress He entered that troubled 
arena in some of the most tumultuous hours of our 
national history. The great conflict respecting the 
national bank and the removal of the deposits, was 
then raging. 

His term of two years closed ; and he returned to 
his profession, which he pursued with increasing rep- 
utation and success. After a lapse of two years 
lie again became a candidate for Congress ; was re- 
elected, and took his seat i:i 1837. His past expe- 
rience as a representative gave him stiength and 
confidence. The first term of service in Congress to 
any man can be but little more than an introduction. 
He was now prepared for active duty. All his ener- 
gies were brought to bear upon the public good. Every 
measure received his impress. 

Mr. Fillmore was now a man of wide repute, and 
his popularity filled the State, and in the year 1847, 
he was elected Comptroller of the State. 



Mr. Fillmore had attained the age of forty-seven 
years. His labors at the bar, in the Legislature, in 
Congress and as Comptroller, had given him very con- 
siderable fame. The Whigs were casting about to 
find suitable candidates for President and Vice-Presi- 
dent at the approaching election. Far away, on the 
waters of the Rio Grande, there was a rough old 
soldier, who had fought one or two successful battles 
with the Mexicans, which had caused his name to be 
proclaimed in tiumpet-tones all over the land. But 
it was necessary to associate with him on the same 
ticket some man of reputation as a statesman. 

Under the influence of these considerations, the 
namesof Zachary Taylor and Millard Fillmore became 
the rallying-cry of the Whigs, as their candidates for 
President and Vice-Peesident. The Whig ticket was 
signally triumphant. On the 4th of March, 1849, 
('■en. Taylor was inaugurated President, and Millard 
Fillmore Vice-President, of the United States. 

On the 9th of July, 1850, President Taylor, but 
about one year and four months after his inaugura- 
tion, was suddenly taken sick and died. By the Con- 
stitution, Vice-President Fillmore thus became Presi- 
dent. He appointed a very able cabinet, of which 
the illustrious Daniel Webster was Secretary of State. 

Mr. Fillmore had very serious difficulties to contend 
with, since the opposition had a majority in both 
Houses. He did everything in his power to conciliate 
the South ; but the pro-slavery party in the South felt 
the inadequacy of all measures of transient conciliation. 
The population of the free States was so rapidly in- 
creasing over that of the slave States that it was in- 
evitable that the power of tine Government should 
soon pass into the hands of the free States. The 
famous compromise measures were adopted under Mr. 
Fillmcre's adminstration, and the Japan Expedition 
was sent out. On the 4th of March, 1853, Mr. Fill- 
more, having served one term, retired. 

In 1856, Mr. Fillmore was nominated for the Pres- 
idency by the " Know Nothing " party, but was beaten 
by Mr. Buchanan. After that Mr. Fillmore lived in 
retirement. During the terrible conflict of civil war, 
he was mostly silent. It was generally supposed that 
his sympathies were rather with those who were en- 
deavoring to overthrow our institutions. President 
Fillmore kept aloof from the conflict, without any 
cordial words of cheer to the one party or the other. 
He was thus forgotten by both. He lived to a ripe 
old age, and died in Buffalo. N. Y., March 8, 1874. 











$&z2z) 



FOURTEENTH PRESIDENT. 



7i 





^FRANKLIN FIERCE.* ^J? 



A 






RANKLIN PIERCE, the 
fourteenth President of the 
'United States, was born in 
Hillsborough, N. H., Nov. 
23, 1804. His father was a 
Revolutionary soldier, who, 
with his own strong ami, 
hewed out a home in the 
wilderness. He was a man 
of inflexible integrity; of 
strong, though uncultivated 
mind, and an uncompromis- 
ing Democrat. The mother of 
Franklin Fierce was all that a son 
could desire, — an intelligent, pru- 
dent, affectionate, Christian wom- 
an. Franklin was the sixth of eight children. 

Franklin was a very bright and handsome boy, gen- 
erous, warm-hearted and brave. He won alike the 
love of old and young. The boys on the play ground 
loved him. His teachers loved him. The neighbors 
looked upon him with pride and affection. He was 
by instinct a gentleman; always speakingkind words, 
doing kind deeds, with a peculiar unstudied tact 
which taught him what was agreeable. Without de- 
veloping any precocity of genius, or any unnatural 
devotion to books, he was a good scholar; in body, 
in mind, in affections, a finely-developed boy. 

When sixteen years of age, in the year 1S20, he 
entered Bowdoin College, at Brunswick, Me He was 
one of the most popular young men in the college. 
The purity of his moral character, the unvarying 
courtesy of his demeanor, his rank as a scholar, and 



genial nature, rendered him a universal favorite. 
There was something very peculiarly winning in his 
address, and it was evidently not in the slightest de- 
gree studied : it was the simple outgushing of his 
own magnanimous and loving nature. 

Upon graduating, in the year 1824, Franklin Fierce 
commenced the study of law in the office of Judge 
Woodbury, one of the most distinguished lawyers of 
the State, and a man ot great private worth. The 
eminent social qualities of the young lawyer, his 
father's prominence as a public man, and the brilliant 
political career into which Judge Woodbury was en- 
tering, all tended to entice Mr. Fierce into the faci- 
nating yet perilous path of political life. With all 
the ardor of his nature he espoused the cause of Gen. 
Jackson for the Presidency. He commenced the 
practice of law in Hillsborough, and was soon elected 
to represent the town in the State Legislature. Here 
he served for four years. The last two years he was 
chosen speaker of the house by a very large vote. 

In 1833, at the age of twenty-nine, he was elected 
a member of Congress. Without taking an active 
part in debates, he was faithful and laborious in duty, 
and ever rising in the estimation of those with whom 
he was associatad. 

In 1837, being then but thirty-three years of age, 
he was elected to the Senate of the United States; 
taking his seat just as Mr. Van Buren commenced 
his administration. He was the youngest memberin 
the Senate. In the year [834, he married Miss Jane 
Means Appleton, a lady of rare beauty and accom- 
plishments, and one admirably fitted to adorn every 
station with which her husband was honoied. Of the 



7 2 



FRANKLIN PIERCE. 



three sons who were born to them, all now sleep with 
their parents in the grave. 

In the year 1838, Mr. Pierce, with growing fame 
and increasing business as a lawyer, took up his 
residence in Concord, the capital of New Hampshire. 
President Polk, upon his accession to office, appointed 
Mr. Pierce attorney-general of the United States; but 
the offer was declined, in consequence of numerous 
professional engagements at home, and the precariuos 
state of Mrs. Pierce's health. He also, about the 
same time declined the nomination for governor by the 
Democratic party. The war with Mexico called Mr. 
Pierce in the army. Receiving the appointment of 
brigadier-general, he embarked, with a portion of his 
troops, at Newport, R. I., on the 27th of May, 1847. 
He took an important part in this war, proving him- 
self a brave and true soldier. 

When Gen. Pierce reached his home in his native 
State, lie was received enthusiastically by the advo- 
cates of the Mexican war, and coldly by his oppo- 
nents. He resumed the practice of his profession, 
very frequently taking an active part in political ques- 
tions, giving his cordial support to the pro-slavery 
wing of the Democratic party. The compromise 
measures met cordially with his approval ; and he 
strenuously advocated the enforcement of the infa- 
mous fugitive-slave law, which so shocked the religious 
sensibilities of the North. He thus became distin- 
guished as a "Northern man with Southern principles.'* 
The strong partisans of slavery in the South conse- 
quently regarded him as a man whom they could 
safely trust in office to carry out their plans. 

On the 1 2th of June, 1852, the Democratic conven- 
tion met in Baltimore to nominate a candidate for the 
Presidency. For four days they continued in session, 
and in thirty-five ballotings no one had obtained a 
two-thirds vote. Not a vote thus far had been thrown 
for Gen. Pierce. Then the Virginia delegation 
brought forward his name. There were fourteen 
more ballotings, during which Gen. fierce constantly 
gained strength, until, at the forty-ninth ballot, he 
received two hundred and eighty-two votes, and all 
other candidates eleven. Gen. Winfield Scott was 
the Whig candidate. Gen. Pierce was chosen with 
great unanimity. ( )nly four States — Vermont, Mas- 
sachusetts, Kentucky and Tennessee — cast their 
electoral votes against him Gen. Franklin Pierce 
was therefore inaugurated President of the United 
States on the 4th of March, 1853. 



His administration proved one of the most stormy our 
country had ever experienced. The controversy be- 
tween slavery and freedom was then approaching its 
culminating point. It became evident that there was 
an " irrepressible conflict " between them, and that 
this Nation could not long exist " half slave and half 
free." President Pierce, during the whole of his ad- 
ministration, did every thing he could to conciliate 
the South ; but it was all in vain. The conflict every 
year grew more violent, and threats of the dissolution 
of the Union were borne to the North on every South- 
ern breeze. 

Such was the condition of affairs when President 
Pierce approached the close of his four-years' term 
of office. The North had become thoroughly alien- 
ated from him. The anti-slavery sentiment, goaded 
by great outrages, had been rapidly increasing; all 
the intellectual ability and social worth of President 
Pierce were forgotten in deep reprehension of his ad- 
ministrative acts. The slaveholders of the South, also, 
unmindful of the fidelity with which he had advo- 
cated those measures of Government which the)' ap- 
proved, and perhaps, also, feeling that he had 
rendered himself so unpopular as no longer to be 
able acceptably to serve them, ungratefully dropped 
him, and nominated James Buchanan to succeed him. 

On the 4th of March, 1857, President Pierce re- 
tired to his home in Concord. Of three children, two 
had died, and his only surviving child had been 
killed before his eyes by a railroad accident , and his 
wife, one of the most estimable and accomplished of 
ladies, was rapidly sinking in consumption. The 
hour of dreadful gloom soon came, and he was left 
alone in the world, without wife or child. 

When the terrible Rebellion burst forth, which di- 
vided our country into two parties, and two only, Mr. 
Pierce remained steadfast in the principles which he 
had always cherished, and gave his sympathies to 
that pro-slavery party with which he had ever been 
allied. He declined to do anything, either by voice 
or pen, to strengthen the hand of the National Gov-? 
ernment. He continued to reside in Concord until 
the time of his death, which occurred in October, 
1869. He was one of the most genial and social of 
men, an honored communicant of the Episcopal 
Church, and one of the kindest of neighbors. Gen- 
erous to a fault, he contributed liberally for the al- 
leviation of suffering and want, and many of his towns- 
people were often gladened by his material bounty. 




d 



Zl^7Ze-J (2^/lcO 



'/Z&STZ^?^ 



FIFTEENTH PRESIDENT. 



75 



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3AM1I IBWBAIA 





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►-« m>- 




AMES BUCHANAN, the fif- 
teenth President of the United 
States, was horn in a small 
frontier town, at the footul the 
eastern ridge of the Allegha- 
nies, in Franklin Co., Penn, on 
the 23d of April, 1791. The place 
where the humble cabin of his 
father stood was called Stony 
l'.atter. It was a wild and ro- 
mantic spot in a gorge of the moun- 
tains, with towering summits rising 
grandly all around. His father 
was a native of the north of ] reland ; 
a poor man, who had emigrated in 
1 7 S3, with little property save his 
own strong arms. Five years afterwards he married 
Elizabeth Spear, the daughter of a respectable farmer, 
and, with his young bride, plunged into the wilder- 
ness, staked his claim, reared his log-hut, opened a 
clearing with his axe, and settled down there to per- 
form his obscure part in the drama of life. In this se- 
cluded home, where James was born, he remained 
for eight years, enjoying but few social or intellectual 
advantages. When James was eight yeais of age, his 
father removed to the village of Mercersburg, where 
his son was placed at school, and commenced a 
course of study in English, Latin and Greek. His 
progress was rapid, and at the age of fourteen, he 
entered Dickinson College, at Carlisle. Here he de- 
veloped remarkable talent, and took his stand among 
the first scholars in the institution. His application 
to study was intense, and yet his native powers en- 



abled him to master the most abstruse subjects with 
facility. 

In the year rSoo, he graduated with the highest 
honors of his class. He was then eighteen years of 
age; tall and graceful, vigorous in health, fond of 
athletic sport, an unerring shot, and enlivened with 
an exuberant flow of animal spirits. He immediately 
commenced the study of law in the city of Lancaster, 
and was admitted to the bar in 1812, when he was 
but twenty-one years of age. Very rapidly he rose 
in his profession, and at once took undisputed stand 
with the ablest lawyers of the State. When but 
twenty-six years of age, unaided by counsel, he suj - 
cessfully defended before the State Senate one of the 
judges of the State, who was tried upon articles ol 
impeachment. At the age of thirty it was generally 
admitted that he stood at the head of the bar; ami 
there was no lawyer in the State who had a more lu- 
crative practice. 

In 1820, he reluctantly consented to run as a 
candidate for Congress. He was elected, and for 
ten years he remained a member of the Power House. 
During the vacations of Congress, he occasionally 
tried some important case. In 1831, he retired 
altogether from the toils of his profession, having ac- 
quired an ample fortune. 

Gen. Jackson, upon his elevation to the Presidency, 
appointed Mr. Buchanan minister to Russia. The 
duties of his mission he performed witli ability, which 
gave satisfaction to all parties. Upon his return, in 
1833, he was elected to a seat in the I nited States 
Senate. He there met, as his associates, Webster, 
Clay, Wright and Calhoun. I le advocated the meas- 
ures proposed by President Jackson, of making repri- 



7 6 



JAMES BUCHANAN. 



sals against France, to enforce the payment of our 
claims against that country ; and defended the course 
of the President in his unprecedented and wholesale 
removal from office of those who were not the sup- 
porters of his administration. Upon this question he- 
was brought into direct collision with Henry Clay. 
He also, with voice and vote, advocated expunging 
from the journal of the Senate the vote of censure 
against Gen. Jackson for removing the deposits. 
Karnestly he opposed the abolition of slavery in the 
I Hstrict of Columbia, and urged the prohibition of the 
circulation of anti-slavery documents by the United 
States mails. 

As to petitions on the subject of slavery, he advo- 
cated that they should be respectfully received; and 
that the reply should be returned, that Congress had 
no power to legislate upon the subject. " Congress," 
said he, " might as well undertake to interfere with 
slavery under a foreign government as in any of the 
Stales where it now exists." 

Upon Mr. Polk's accession to the Presidency, Mr. 
Buchanan became Secretary of State, and as such, 
took his share of the responsibility in the conduct of 
the Mexican War. Mr. Polk assumed that crossing 
the Nueces by the American troops into the disputed 
territory was not wrong, but for the Mexicans to < :ross 
the Rio Grande into that territory was a declaration 
of war. No candid man can read with pleasure the 
account of the course our Government pursued in that 
movement 

Mr. Buchanan identified himself thoroughly with 
the party devoted to the perpetuation and extension 
of slavery, and brought all the energies of his mind 
to bear against the Wilmot Proviso. He gave his 
cordial approval to the compromise measures of 1S50, 
which included the fugitive-slave law. Mr. Pierce, 
upon his election to the Presidency, honored Mr. 
Buchanan with the mission to England. 

In the year r856, a national Democratic conven- 
tion nominated Mr. Buchanan lor the Presidency. The 
political conflict was one of the most severe in which 
on country has ever engaged. All the friends of 
slavery were on one side; all the advocates of its re- 
striction and final abolition, on the other. Mr. Fre- 
mont, the candidate of the enemies of slavery, re- 
reived r 14 electoral votes. Mr. Buchanan received 
174, and was elected. The popular vole stood 
1,340,618, for Fremont, 1,224,750 for Buchanan. ( )n 
March 4th, 1857, Mr. Buchanan was inaugurated. 

Mr. Buchanan was far advanced in life. Only four 
years were wanting to fill up his threescore years and 
ten. His own friends, t-hose with whom he had been 
allied in political principles and action for years, were 
seeking the destruction of the Government, that they 
might rear upon the ruins of our free institutions a 
nation whose corner-stone should be human slavery. 
In this emergency, Mr. Buchanan was hopelessly be- 
wildered He could not, with his long-avowed prin- 



ciples, consistently oppose the State-rights party in 
their assumptions. As President of the United States, 
bound by his oath faithfully to administer the laws, 
he could not, without perjury of the grossest kind, 
unite with those endeavoring to overthrow the repub- 
lic. He therefore did nothing. 

The opponents of Mr. Buchanan's administration 
nominated Abraham Lincoln as their standard bearer 
in the next Presidential canvass. The pro-slaverv 
party declared, that if he were elected, and the con- 
trol of the Government were thus taken from their 
hands, they would secede from the Union, taking 
with them, as they retired, the National Capitol at 
Washington, and the lion's share of the territory of 
the United States. 

Mr. Buchanan's sympathy with the pro-slavery 
party was such, that he had been willing to offer them 
far more than they had ventured to claim. All the 
South had professed to ask of the North was non- 
intervention upon the subject of slavery. Mr. Bu- 
chanan had been ready to offer them the active co- 
operation of the Government to defend and extend 
the institution. 

As the storm increased in violence, the slaveholders 
claiming the right to secede, and Mr. Buchanan avow- 
ing that Congress had no power to prevent it, one of 
the most pitiable exhibitions of governmental im- 
becility was exhibited the world has ever seen. He 
declared that Congress had no power to enforce its 
laws in any State which had withdrawn, or which 
was attempting to withdraw from the Union. This 
was not the doctrine of Andrew Jackson, when, with 
his hand upon his sword-hilt, he exclaimed. "The 
Union must and shall be preserved!" 

South Carolina seceded in December, 1S60; nearly 
three months before the inauguration of President 
Lincoln. Mr. Buchanan looked on in listless despair. 
The rebel Hag was raised in Charleston : Fort Sumpter 
was besieged; our forts, navy-yards and arsenals 
were seized; our depots of military stores were plun- 
dered ; and our custom-houses and post-offices were 
appropriated by the rebels. 

The energy of the rebels, and the imbecility of our 
Executive, were alike marvelous. The Nation looked 
on in agony, waiting for the slow weeks to glide away, 
and close the administration, so terrible in its weak- 
ness At length the long-looked-for hour of deliver- 
ance came, when Abraham Lincoln was to receive the 
scepter. 

The administration of President Buchanan was 
certainly the most calamitous our country has ex- 
perienced. His best friends cannot recall it with 
pleasure. And still more deplorable it is for his fame, 
that in that dreadful conflict which rolled its billows 
of flame and blood over our whole land, no word came 
from his lips to indicate his wish that our country's 
banner should triumph over the flag of the rebellion. 
He died at his Wheatland retreat, June 1, 1868. 






<^ 



G^&^ct^ 



SIXTEENTH PRESIDENT. 



79 




gagaagro gpkEs; 



mm* 



f 



M < ABRAHAM > ilpfMlp < LINCOLN. > ^ 




P.RAHAM LINCOLN, the 

sixteenth President of the 

i^United States, was born in 

ft Hardin Co., Ky., Feb. 12, 

/> 1809. About the year 17 So, a 

Is man by the name of Abraham 

Lincoln left Virginia with his 

family and moved into the then 

wilds of Kentucky. Only two years 

after this emigration, still a young 

man, while working one day in a 

field, was stealthily approached by 

an Indian and shot dead. His widow 

was left in extreme poverty with five 

ittle children, three boys and two 

girls. Thomas, the youngest of the 

boys, was four years of age at his 

father's death. This Thomas was 

the father of Abraham Lincoln, the 

President of the United States 

must henceforth fo r ever be enrolled 

prominent in the annals of our world. 

no record has been kept of the life 

He was among 



whose name 
with the most 

( >f course 
of one so lowly as Thomas Lincoln 



the poorest of the poor. His home was a wretched 
log-cabin; his food the coarsest and the meanest. 
Education he had none; he could never either' read 
or write. As soon as he was able to do anything for 
himself, he was compelled to leave the cabin of his 
starving mother, and push out into the world, a friend- 
less., wandering boy, seeking work. He hired him- 
self out, and thus spent the whole of his youth as a 
laborer in the fields of others. 

When twenty-eight years of age he built a log- 
cabin of his own, and married Nancy Hanks, the 
daughter of another family of poor Kentucky emi- 
grants, who had also come from Virginia. Their 
second child was Abraham Lincoln, the subject of 
this sketch. The mother of Abraham was a noble 
woman, gentle, loving, pensive, created to adorn 
a palace, doomed to toil and pine, and die in a hovel. 
" All that I am, or hope to be," exclaims the grate- 
ful son " I owe to my angel-mother. 

When he was eight years of age, his father sold his 



cabin and small farm, and moved to Indiana. Where 
two years later his mother died. 

Abraham soon became the scribe of the uneducated 
community around him. He could not have had a 
better school than this to teach him to put thoughts 
into words. He also became an eager reader. The 
books he could obtain were lew ; but these he read 
and re-read until they were almost committed to 
memory. 

As the years rolled on, the lot of this lowly family 
was the usual lot of humanity. There were joys and 
griefs, weddings and funerals. Abraham's sister 
Sarah, to whom he was tenderly attached, was mar- 
ried when a child of but fourteen years of age, and 
soon died. The family was gradually scattered. Mr. 
Thomas Lincoln sold out his squatter's claim in 1S30, 
and emigrated to Macon Co., 111. 

Abraham Lincoln was then twenty-one years of age. 
With vigorous hands he aided his father in rearing 
another log-cabin. Abraham worked diligently at this 
until he saw the family comfortably settled, and their 
small lot of enclosed prairie planted with corn, when 
he announced to his father his intention to leave 
home, and to go out into the world and seek his for- 
tune. Little did he or his friends imagine how bril- 
liant that fortune was to be. He saw the value of 
education, and was intensely earnest to improve his 
mind to the utmost of his power. He saw the ruin 
which ardent spirits were causing, and became 
strictly temperate; refusing to allow a drop of intoxi- 
cating liquor to pass his lips. And he had read in 
(lod's word, "Thou shalt not take the name of the 
Lord thy God in vain;" and a profane expression he 
was never heard to utter. Religion he revered. His 
morals were pure, and he was uncontaminated by a 
single vice. 

Young Abraham worked for a time as a hired laborer 
among the farmers. Then he went to Springfield, 
where he was employed in building a large flat-boat. 
In this he took a herd of swine, floated them down 
the Sangamon to the Illinois, and thence by the Mis- 
sissippi to New Orleans. Whatever Abraham Lin- 
coln undertook, he performed so faithfully as to give 
great satisfaction to his employers. In this ndv<:;i- 



ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 



ture his employers were so well pleased, that upon 
his return they placed a store and mill under his care. 

In 1832, at the outbreak of the Black Hawk war, he 
enlisted and was chosen captain of a company. He 
returned to Sangamon County, and although only 23 
years of age, was a candidate for the Legislature, but 
was defeated. He soon after received from Andrew 
Jackson the appointment of Postmaster of New Salem, 
His only post-office was his hat. All the letters he 
received he carried there ready to deliver to those 
he cha-nced to meet. He studied surveying, and soon 
made this his business. In 1834 he again became a 
candidate for the Legislature, and was elected Mr. 
Stuart, of Springlield, advised him to study law. He 
walked from New Salem to Springfield, borrowed of 
Mr. Stuart a load of books, carried them back and 
began his legal studies. When the Legislature as- 
sembled he trudged on foot with his pack on his back 
one hundred miles lo Vandalia, then the capital. In 
1836 he was re-elected to the Legislature. Here it 
was lie first met Stephen A. Douglas. In 1839 he re- 
moved to Springfield and began the practice of law. 
His success with the jury was so great that he was 
soon engaged in almost every noted case in the circuit. 

In [854 I he great discussion began between Mr. 
Lincoln and Mr. Douglas, on the slavery cpiestion. 
In the organization of the Republican party in Illinois, 
in 1856, he took an active part, and at once became 
one of the leaders in that party. Mr. Lincoln's 
speeches in opposition to Senator Douglas in the con- 
test in 1858 for a seat in the Senate, form a most 
notable part of his history. The issue was on the 
slavery question, and he took the broad ground of 
he Declaration of Independence, that all men are 
created equal. Mr. Lincoln was defeated in this con- 
test, but won a far higher pri/.e. 

The great Republican Convention met at Chicago 
on the 16th of June, i860. The delegates and 
strangers who crowded the city amounted to twenty- 
five thousand. An immense building called "The 
Wigwam," was reared to accommodate the Conven- 
tion. There were eleven candidates for whom votes 
were thrown. William H Seward, a man whose fame 
as a statesman had long filled the land, was the most 
nrominent. It was generally supposed he would be 
the nominee. Abraham Lincoln, however, received 
the nomination on the third ballot. Little did he then 
dream of the weary years of toil and care, and the 
bloody death, to which that nomination doomed him: 
and as little did he dream that he was to render services 
to his country, which would fix upon him the eyes of 
the whole civilized world, and which would give him 
aplaceinthe affections of his countrymen, second 
only, if second, to that of Washington. 

Election day came and Mr. Lincoln received 1S0 
electoral votes out of 203 cast, and was, therefore, 
constitutionally elected President of the United States. 
The tirade of abuse that was poured upon this good 



and merciful man, especially by the slaveholders, was 
greater than upon any other man ever elected to this 
high position. In February, 1861, Mr. Lincoln started 
for Washington, stopping in all the large cities on his 
way making speeches. The whole journey was frought 
with much danger. Many of the Southern States had 
already seceded, and several attempts at assassination 
were afterwards brought to light. A gang in Balti- 
more had arranged, upon his arrival to "get up a row," 
and in the confusion to make sure of his death with 
revolvers and hand-grenades. A detective unravelled 
the plot. A secret and special train was provided to 
take him from Harris: 'iirg, through Baltimore, at an 
unexpected hour of the night. The train statted at 
half-past ten ; and to prevent ai*y possible communi- 
cation on the part ot the Secessionists with theirCon- 
federate gang in Baltimore, as soon as the train had 
started the telegraph-wires were cut. Mr. Lincoln 
reached Washington in safety and was inaugurated, 
although great anxiety was felt by all loyal people. 

In the selection of his cabinet Mr. Lincoln gave 
to Mr. Seward the Department of State, and to other 
prominent opponents before the convention he gave 
important positions. 

During no other administration have the duties 
devolving upon the President been so manifold, and 
the responsibilities so great, as those which fell to 
the lot of President Lincoln. Knowing this, and 
feeling his own weakness and inability to meet, and in 
his own strength to cope with, the difficulties, he 
learned early to seek Divine wisdom and guidance in 
determining his plans, and Divine comfort in all his 
trials, both personal and national. Contrary !>> his 
own estimate of himself, Mr. Lincoln was one of the 
most courageous of men. He went directly into the 
rebel capital just as the retreating foe was leaving, 
with no guard but a few sailors. From the time he 
had left Springfield, in 1861, however, plans had been 
made for his assassination, and he at last fell a victim 
tooneofthem. April 14, 1865, he, with Gen. Grant, 
was urgently invited to attend Fords' Theater. It 
was announced that they would Le present. Gen. 
Grant, however, left the city. President Lincoln, feel- 
ing, with his characteristic kindliness of heart, that 
it would be a disappointment if he should fail them, 
very reluctantly consented to go. While listening to 
the play an actor by the name of John Wilkes Booth 
entered the box where the President and family were 
seated, and fired a bullet into his brains. He died the 
next morning at seven o'clock. 

Never before, in the history of the world was a nation 
plunged into such deep grief by the death of its ruler. 
Strong men met in the streets and wept in speechless 
anguish. It is not too much lo say that a nation was 
in tears. His was a life which will fitly become a 
model. His name as the savior of his country w;!] 
live with that of Washington's, its father; his country- 
men being unable to decide which is tt>e greater. 





^^7^{^t^ 



S£ I 'ENTEENT11 PRESIDEN T. 



83 







W 




NDREVV JOHNSON, seven- 
teenth President of the United 



States. The early life of 
Andrew Johnson contains but 
the record of poverty, destitu- 
tion and friendlessness. He 
was born December 29, 180S, 
in Raleigh, N. C. His parents, 
belonging to the class o." the 
"poor whites " of the South, were 
in such circumstances, that they 
could not confer even the slight- 
est advantages of education upon 
their child. When Andrew was five 
years of age, his father accidentally 
lost his life while heiorically endeavoring to save a 
friend from drowning. Until ten years of age, Andrew 
was a ragged boy about the streets, supported by the 
labor of his mother, who obtained her living with 
her own hands. 

He then, having never attended a school one day, 
and being unable either to read or write, was ap- 
prenticed to a tailor in his native town. A gentleman 
w.i. in the habit of going to the tailor's shop occasion- 
ally, and reading to the boys at work there. He often 
read from the speeches of distinguished British states- 
men. Andrew, who was endowed with a mind of more 
than ordinary native ability, became much interested 
in these speeches ; his ambition was roused, and he- 
was inspired with a strong desire to learn to read. 

He accordingly applied himself to the alphabet, and 
with the assistance of some of his fellow-workmen, 
learned his letters. He then called upon the gentle- 
man to borrow the book of speeches. The owner, 



pleased with his zeal, not only gave him the book, 
but assisted him in learning to combine the letters 
into words. Under such difficulties he pressed 01. 
ward laboriously, spending usually ten or twelve hours 
at work in the shop, and then robbing himself of rest 
and recreation to devote such time as he could to 
reading. 

He went to Tennessee in 1826, and located at 
Greenville, where he married a young lady who pos 
sessed some education. Under her instructions lie 
learned to write and cipher. He became prominent 
in the village debating society, and a favorite with 
the students of Greenville College. In 1828, he or- 
ganized a working man's party, which elected him 
alderman, and in 1830 elected him mayor, which 
position he held three years. 

He now began to take a lively interest in political 
affairs; identifying himself with the working-classes, 
to which he belonged. In 1835, he was elected a 
member of the House of Representatives of Tennes- 
see. He was. then just twenty-seven years of age. 
He became a very active member of the legislature, 
gave his adhesion to the Democratic party, and in 
1840 "stumped the State," advocating Martin Van 
Buren's claims to the Presidency, in opposition to those 
of Gen. Harrison. In this campaign he acquired mucli 
readiness as a speaker, and extended and increased 
his reputation. 

In 1841, he was elected State Senator; in 1843, he 
was elected a member of Congress, and by successive 
elections, held that important post for ten years. In 
1853, he was elected Governor of Tennessee, and 
was re-elected in 1855. In all these resi>onsible posi- 
tions, he discharged his duties with distinguished abi. 



84 



ANDREW JOHNSON. 



ity, and proved himself the warm friend of the work- 
ing classes. In 1857, Mr. Johnson was elected 
United States Senator. 

Years before, in 1S45, he had warmly advocated 
the annexation of Texas, stating however, as his 
reason, that he thought this annexation would prob- 
ably prove " to be the gateway out of which the sable 
sons of Africa are to pass from bondage to freedom, 
and become merged in a population congenial to 
themselves." In 1850, he also supported the com- 
promise measures, the two essential features of which 
were, that the white people of the Territories should 
be permitted to decide for themselves whether they 
would enslave the colored people or not, and that 
the c ree States of the North should return to the 
South persons who attempted to escape from slavery. 

Mr. Johnson was never ashamed of his lowly origin: 
on the contrary, he often took piide in avowing that 
he owed his distinction to his own exertions. "Sir," 
said he on the floor of the Senate, " I do not forget 
that I am a mechanic; neither do I forget that Adam 
was a tailor and sewed fig-leaves, and that our Sav- 
ior was the son of a carpenter." 

In the Charleston- Baltimore convention of iSiru, he 
was the choice of the Tennessee Democrats for the 
Presidency. In 1S61, when the purpose of the South- 
2m Democracy became apparent, he took a decided 
stand in favor of the Union, and held that " slavery 
must be held subordinate to the Union at whatever 
cost." He returned to Tennessee, and repeatedly 
imperiled his own life to protect the Unionists of 
Tennesee. Tennessee having seceded from the 
Union, President Lincoln, on March 4th, 1S62, ap- 
pointed him Military Governor of the State, and he 
established the most stringent military rule. His 
numerous proclamations attracted wide attention. In 

1864, he was elected Vice-President of the United 
States, and upon the death of Mr. Lincoln, April 15, 

1865, became President. In a speech two days later 
he said, "The American people must be taught, if 
Jhey do not already feel, that treason is a crime and 
must be punished ; that the Government will not 
always bear with its enemies ; that it is strong not 
only to protect, but to punish. * * The people 
must understand that it (treason) is the blackest of 
crimes, and will surely be punished." Yet his whole 
administration, the history of which is so well known, 
was in utter inconsistency with, and the most violent 



opposition to, the principles laid down in that speech. 

In his loose policy of reconstruction and general 
amnesty, he was opposed by Congress; and he char- 
acterized Congress as a new rebellion, and lawlessly 
defied it, in everything possible, to the utmost. In 
the beginning of 1S68, on account of "high crimes 
and misdemeanors," the principal of which was the 
removal of Secretary Stanton, in violation of the Ten- 
ure of Office Act, articles of impeachment were pre- 
ferred against him, and the trial began March 23. 

It was very tedious, continuing for nearly three 
months. A test article of the impeachment was at 
length submitted to the court for its action. It was 
certain that as the court voted upon that article so 
would it vote upon all. Thirty-four voices pronounced 
the President guilty. As a two-thirds vote was neces- 
sary to his condemnation, he was pronounced ac- 
quitted, notwithstanding the great majority against 
him. The change of one vote from' the not guilty 
side would have sustained the impeachment. 

The President, for the remainder of his term, was 
but little regarded. He continued, though impotent);; 
his conflict with Congress. His own party did not 
think it expedient to renominate him for the Presi- 
dency. The Nation rallied, with enthusiasm unpar- 
alleled since the days of Washington, around the name 
of Gen. Grant. Andrew Johnson was forgotten. 
The bullet of the assassin introduced him to the 
President's chair. Notwithstanding this, never was 
there presented to a man a better opportunity to im- 
mortalize his name, and to win the gratitude of a 
nation. He failed utterly. He retired to his home 
in Greenville, Tenn., taking no very active part in 
politics until 1S75. On Jan. 26, after an exciting 
struggle, he was chosen by the Legislature of Ten- 
nessee, United States Senator in the forty-fourth Con- 
gress, and took his seat in that body, at the special 
session convened by President Grant, on the 5th of 
March. On the 27th of July, 1875, the ex-President 
made a visit to his daughter's home, near Carter 
Station, Tenn. When he started on his journey, he was 
apparently in his usual vigorous health, but on reach- 
ing the residence of his child the following day, was 
stricken with paralysis, rendering him unconscious. 
He rallied occasionally, but finally passed away at 
2 a.m., July 31, aged sixty-seven years. His fun- 
eral was attended at Geenville, on the 3d of August, 
with every demonstration of respect. 








^tr 



EI Gil TEENTH 1'RESIDENT. 



87 




^JftW» 









, LYSSES S. GRANT, the 
': (& eighteenth President of the 
$''•> United States, was born on 
the 29th of April, 1822, of 
Christian parents, in a humble 
B ^.G."v^',^._f y home, at Point Pleasant, on the 
banks of the Ohio. Shortly after 
his father moved to George- 
town, Brown Co., O. In this re- 
mote frontier hamlet, Ulysses 
received a common-school edu- 
cation. At the age of seven- 
teen, in the year 1839, he entered 
the Military Academy at West 
Point. Here he was regarded as a 
solid, sensible young man of fair abilities, and of 
sturdy, honest character. He took respectable rank 
as a scholar. In June, 1843, be graduated, about the 
middle in his class, and was sent as lieutenant of in- 
fantry to one of the distant military posts in the Mis- 
souri Territory. Two years he past in these dreary 
solitudes, watching the vagabond and exasperating 
Indians. 

The war with Mexico came. Lieut. Grant was 
sent with his regiment to Corpus Christi. His first 
battle was at Palo Alto. There was no chance here 
for the exhibition of either skill or heroism, nor at 
Resaca de la Palma, his second battle. At the battle 
of Monterey, his third engagement, it is said that 
he performed a signal service of daring and skillful 
■jiorsemanship. His brigade had exhausted its am- 
munition. A messenger must be sent for more, along 
a route exposed to the bullets of the foe. Lieut. 
Grant, adopting an expedient learned of the Indians, 
grasped the mane of his horse, and hanging upon one 
side of the an ip^al, ran the gauntlet in entire safety. 



From Monterey he was sent, with the fourth infantry, 
to aid Gen. Scott, at the siege of Vera Cruz. In 
preparation for the march to the city of Mexico, he 
was appointed quartermaster of his regiment. At the 
battle of Molino del Rey, he was promoted to a 
first lieutenancy, and was brevetted captain at Cha- 
pultepec. 

At the close of the Mexican War, Capt. Grant re- 
turned with his regiment to New York, and was again 
sent to one of the military posts on the frontier. The 
discovery of gold in California causing an immense 
tide of emigration to flow to the Pacific shores, Capt. 
Grant was sent with a battalion to Fort Dallas, in 
Oregon, for the protection of the interests of the im- 
migrants. Life was wearisome in those wilds. Capt. 
Grant resigned his commission and returned to the 
States; and having married, entered upon the cultiva- 
tion of a small farm near St. Louis, Mo. He had but 
little skill as a farmer. Finding his toil not re- 
munerative, he turned to mercantile life, entering into 
the leather business, with a younger brother, at Ga- 
lena, 111. This was in the year i860. As the tidings 
of the rebels firing on Fort Sumpter reached the ears 
of Capt. Grant in his counting-room, he said, — 
"Uncle Sam has educated me for the army; though 
I have served him through one war, I do not feel that 
I have yet repaid the debt. I am still ready to discharge 
my obligations. I shall therefore buckle on my sword 
and see Uncle Sam through this war too." 

He went into the streets, raised a company of vol- 
unteers, and led them as their captain to Springfield, 
the capital of the State, where their services were 
offered to Gov. Yates. The Governor, impressed by 
the zeal and straightforward executive ability of Capt. 
Grant, gave him a desk in his office, to assist in the 
volunteer organization that was being formed in the 
State in behalf of the Government. On the 15th of 



88 



UL YSSES S. GRA NT. 



June, 1 86 1, Capt. Grant received a commission as 
Colonel of the Twenty-first Regiment of Illinois Vol- 
unteers. His merits as a West Point graduate, who 
had served for 15 years in the regular army, were such 
that he was soon promoted to the rank of Brigadier- 
General and was placed in command at Cairo. The 
rebels raised their banner at Paducah, near the mouth 
of the Tennessee River. Scarcely had its folds ap- 
peared in the breeze ere Gen. Grant was there. The 
rebels fled. Their banner fell, and the star and 
stripes were unfurled in its stead. 

He entered the service with great determination 
and immediately began active duty. This was the be- 
ginning, and until the surrender of Lee at Richmond 
lie was ever pushing the enemy with great vigor and 
effectiveness. At Belmont, a few days later, he sur- 
prised and routed the rebels, then at Fort Henry 
won another victory. Then came the brilliant fight 
at Fort Donelson. The nation was electrified by the 
victory, and the brave leader of the boys in blue was 
immediately made a Major-General, and the military 
district of Tennessee was assigned to him. 

Like all great captains, Gen. Grant knew well how 
to secure the results of victory. He immediately 
pushed on to the enemies' lines. Then came the 
terrible battles of Pittsburg Landing, Corinth, and the 
siege of Vicksburg, where Gen. Pemberton made an 
unconditional surrender of the city with over thirty 
thousand men and one-hundred and seventy-two can- 
non. The fall of Vicksburg was by far the most 
severe blow which the rebels had thus far encountered, 
afVl opened up the Mississippi from Cairo to the Gulf. 

Gen. Grant was next ordered to co-operate with 
Gen. Banks in a movement upon Texas, and pro- 
ceeded to New Orleans, where he was thrown from 
his horse, and received severe injuries, from which he 
was laid up for months. He then rushed to the aid 
of Gens. Rosecrans and Thomas at Chattanooga, and 
by a wonderful series of strategic and technical meas- 
ures put the Union Army in fighting condition. Then 
followed the bloody battles at Chattanooga, Lookout 
Mountain and Missionary Ridge, in which the rebels 
were routed with great loss. This won for him un- 
bounded praise in the North. On the 4th of Febru- 
ary, 1864, Congress revived the grade of lieutenant- 
general, and the rank was conferred on Gen. Grant. 
He repaired to Washington to receive his credentials 
and enter upon tbf duties of his new office. 



Gen. Grant decided as soon as he took charge of 
ihe army to concentrate the widely-dispersed National 
troops for an attack upon Richmond, the nominal 
capital of the Rebellion, and endeavor there to de- 
stroy the rebel armies which would be promptly as- 
sembled from all quarters for its defence. The whole 
continent seemed to tremble under the tramp of these 
majestic armies, rushing to the decisive battle field. 
Steamers were crowded with troops. Railway trains 
were burdened with closely packed thousands. His 
plans were comprehensive and involved a series of 
campaigns, which were executed with remarkable en- 
ergy and ability, and were consummated at the sur- 
render of Lee, April 9, 1865. 

The war was ended. The Union was saved. The 
almost unanimous voice of the Nation declared Gen. 
Grant to be the most prominent instrument in its sal- 
vation. The eminent services he had thus rendered 
the country brought him conspicuously forward as the 
Republican candidate for the Presidential chair. 

At the Republican Convention held at Chicago, 
May 21, 1868, he was unanimously nominated for the 
Presidency, and at the autumn election received a 
majority of the popular vote, and 214 out of 294 
electoral votes. 

The National Convention of the Republican party 
which met at Philadelphia on the 5th of June, 1S72, 
placed Gen. Grant in nomination for a second term 
by a unanimous vote. The selection was emphati- 
cally indorsed by the people five months later, 292 
electoral votes being cast for him. 

Soon after the close of his second term, Gen. Grant 
started upon his famous trip around the world. He 
visited almost every country of the civilized world, 
and was everywhere received with such ovations 
and demonstrations of respect and honor, private 
as well as public and official, as were never before 
bestowed upon any citizen of the United States. 

He was the most prominent candidate before the 
Republican National Convention in 1880 for a re- 
nomination for President. He went to New York and 
embarked in the brokerage business under the firm 
name of Grant & Ward. The latter proved a villain, 
wrecked Grant's fortune, and for larceny was sent to 
the penitentiary. The General was attacked with 
cancer in the throat, but suffered in his stoic-like 
manner, never complaining. He was re-instated as 
General of the Army and retired by Congress. The 
cancer soon finished its deadly work, and July 23, 
1885, the nation went in mourning over the death of 
the illustrious General. 







s 



cyw^ju^Ap 




NINETEENTH PRESIDENT. 



m. 




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m RUTHERFORD B. MiHTES* W 

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UTHERFORD B. HAYES, 

M) the nineteenth President of 
gj the United States, was born in 
Delaware, O., Oct. 4, 1822, al- 
most three months after the 
death of his father, Rutherford 
Hayes. His ancestry on both 
the paternal and maternal sides, 
was of the most honorable char- 
acter. It can be traced, it is said, 
as fir back as 1280, when Hayes and 
Rutherford were two Scottish chief- 
tains, fighting side by side with 
Baliol, William Wallace and Robert 
Bruce. Both families belonged to the 
nobility, owned extensive estates, 
1 and had a large following. Misfor- 

tune overtaking the family, George Hayes left Scot- 
land in 1680, and settled in Windsor, Conn. His son 
George was born in Windsor, and remained there 
during his life. Daniel Hayes, son of the latter, mar- 
tied Sarah Lee, and lived from the time of his mar- 
riage until his death in Simsbury, Conn. Ezekiel, 
son of Daniel, was born in 1724, and was a manufac- 
turer of scythes at Bradford, Conn. Rutherford Hayes, 
son of Ezekiel and grandfather of President Hayes, was 
born in New Haven, in August, 1756. He was a farmer, 
blacksmith and tavern-keeper. He emigrated to 
Vermont at an unknown date, settling in Brattleboro, 
where he established a hotel. Here his son Ruth- 
erford Hayes the father of President Hayes, was 



born. He was married, in September, 1813, to Sophia 
Birchard, of Wilmington, Vt., whose ancestots emi- 
grated thither from Connecticut, they having been 
among the wealthiest and best famlies of Norwich. 
Her ancestry on the male side are traced back to 
1635, to John Birchard, one of the principal founders 
of Norwich. Both of her grandfathers were soldiers 
in the Revolutionary War. 

The father of President Hayes was an industrious 
frugal and opened-hearted man. He was of a me- 
chanical turn, and could mend a plow, knit a stock- 
ing, or do almost anything else that he choose to 
undertake. He was a member of the Church, active 
in all the benevolent enterprises of the town, and con- 
ducted his business on Christian principles. After 
the close of the war of 1812, for reasons inexplicable 
to his neighbors, he resolved to emigrate to Ohio. 

The journey from Vermont to Ohio in that day. 
when there were no canals, steamers, nor railways, 
was a very serious affair. A tour of inspection was 
first made, occupying four months. Mr. Hayes deter- 
mined to move to Delaware, where the family arrived 
in 1817. He died July 22, 1S22, a victim of malaiiai 
fever, less than three months before the birth ol the 
son, of whom we now write. Mrs. Hayes, in her sore be- 
reavement, found the support she so much needed in 
her brother Sardis, who had been a member of the 
household from the day of its departure from Ycr 
mont, and in an orphan girl whom she had adopted 
some time before as an act of charity. 

Mrs. Hayes at this period was very weak, and the 



9 2 



RUTHERFORD B. HAYES. 



subject of this sketch was so feeble at birth that he 
was not expected to live beyond a month or two at 
most. As the months went by he grew weaker and 
weaker, so that the neighbors were in the habit of in- 
quiring from time to time " if Mrs. Hayes' baby died 
last night." On one occasion a neighbor, who was on 
familiar terms with the family, after alluding to the 
boy's big head, and the mother's assiduous care of 
him, said in a bantering way, '" That's right! Stick to 
him. You have got him along so far, and I shouldn't 
wonder if he would really come to something yet." 

" You need not laugh," said Mrs. Hayes. " You 
wait and see. You can't tell but I shall make him 
President of the United States yet." The boy lived, 
in spite of the universal predictions of his speedy 
death; and when, in 1825, his older brother was 
drowned, he became, if possible, still dearer to his 
mother. 

The boy was seven years old before he went to 
school. His education, however, was not neglected. 
He probably learned as much from his mother and 
sister as he would have done at school. His sports 
were almost wholly within doors, his playmates being 
his sister and her associates. These circumstances 
tended, no doubt, to foster that gentleness of dispo- 
sition, and that delicate consideration for the feelings 
of others, which are marked traits of his character. 

His uncle Sardis Birchard took the deepest interest 
in his education ; and as the boy's health had im- 
proved, and he was making good progress in his 
studies, he proposed to send him to college. His pre- 
paration commenced with a tutor at home; but he 
was afterwards sent for one year to a professor in the 
Wesleyan University, in Middletown, Conn. He en- 
tered Kenyon College in 1838, at the age of sixteen, 
and was graduated at the head of his class in 1842. 

Immediately after his graduation lie began the 
study of law in the office of Thomas Sparrow, Esq., 
in Columbus. Finding his opportunities for study in 
Columbus somewhat limited, he determined to enter 
the Law School at Cambridge, Mass., where he re- 
mained two years. 

In 1 845, after graduating at the Law School, he was 
admitted to the bar at Marietta, Ohio, and shortly 
afterward went into practice as an attorney-at-law 
with Ralph P. Buckland, of Fremont. Here he re- 
mained three years, acquiring but a limited practice, 
and apparently unambitious of distinction in his pro- 
fession. 

In 1 849 he moved to Cincinnati, where his ambi- 
tion found a new stimulus. For several years, how- 
ever, his progress was slow. Two events, occurring at 
this period, had a powerful influence upon his subse- 
quent life. One of these was his marrage with Miss 
Lucy Ware Webb, daughter of Dr. James Webb, of 
Chilicothe; the other was his introduction to the Cin- 
cinnati Literary Club, a body embracing among its 
members such men as^hief Justice Salmon P.Chase, 



Gen. John Pope, Gov. Edward F. Nojes, and many 
others hardly less distinguished in afterlife. The 
marriage was a fortunate one in every respect, as 
everybody knows. Not one of all the wives of our 
Presidents was more universally admired, reverenced 
and beloved than was Mrs. Hayes, and no one did 
more than she to reflect honor upon American woman- 
hood. The Literary Cluu brought Mr. Hayes into 
constant association with young men of high char- 
acter and noble aims, and lured him to display the 
qualities so lony hidden by his bashfulness and 
modesty. 

In 1856 he was nominated to the office of Judge of 
the Court of Common Pleas; but he declined to ac- 
cept the nomination. Two years later, the office of 
city solicitor becoming vacant, the City Council 
elected him for the unexpired term. 

In 1861, when the Rebellion broke out, he was at 
the zenith of his professional life. His rank at the 
bar was among the the first. But the news of the 
attack on Fort Sumpter found him eager to take up 
arms for the defense of his country. 

His military record was bright ar.d illustrious. In 
October, 186 1, he was made Lieutenant-Colonel, and 
in August, 1862, promoted Colonel of the 79th Ohio 
regiment, but he refused to leave his old comrades 
and go among strangers. Subsequently, however, he 
was made Colonel of his old regiment. At the battle 
of South Mountain he received a wound, and while 
faint and bleeding displayed courage and fortitude 
that won admiration from all. 

Col. Hayes was detached from his regiment, after 
his recovery, to act as Brigadier-General, and placed 
in command of the celebrated Kanawha division, 
and for gallant and meritorious services in the battles 
of Winchester, Fisher's Hill and Cedar Creek, he was 
promoted Brigadier-General. He was also brevetted 
Major-General, "forgallant and distinguished services 
during the campaigns of 1864, in West Virginia." In 
the course of his arduous services, four horses were 
shot from under him, and he was wounded four times. 

In 1S64, Gen. Hayes was elected to Congress, from 
the Second Ohio District, which had long been Dem- 
ocratic. He was not present during the campaign, 
and after his election was importuned to resign his 
commission in the army ; but he finally declared, " I 
shall never come to Washington until I can come by 
the way of Richmond." He was re-elected in 1866. 

In 1867, Gen Hayes was elected Governor of Ohio, 
over Hon. Allen G. Thurman, a popular Democrat. 
In 1869 was re-elected over George H. Pendleton. 
He was elected Governor for the third term in 1875. 

In 1876 he was the standard bearer of the Repub- 
lican Party in the Presidential contest, and after a 
hard long contest was chosen President, and was in 
augurated Monday, March 5, 1875. He served his 
full term, not, hewever, with satisfaction to his party, 
but his administration was an average op.°, 




■ ■: 



TWENTIETH PRESIDENT. 




^^y^AK^ 












^^; 





-.^ 



m 




AMES A. GARFIELD, twen- 
tieth President of the United 
States, was born Nov. 19, 
1 S3 1, in the woods of Orange, 
Cuyahoga Co., O His par- 
ents were Abram and Eliza 
(Ballou) Garfield, both of New 
England ancestry and from fami- 
lies well known in the early his- 
*% tory of that section of our coun- 
try, but had moved to the Western 
Reserve, in Ohio, early in its settle- 
ment. 

The house in which James A. was 
born was not unlike the houses of 
poor Ohio farmers of that day. It 
..as about 20x30 feet, built of logs, with the spaces be- 
tween the logs filled with clay. His father was a 
iard working farmer, and he soon had his fields 
cleared, an orchard planted, and a log barn built, 
i'lie household comprised the father and mother and 
, heir four children — Mehelabel, Thomas, Mary and 
ames. In May, 1S23, the father, from a cold con- 
tacted in helping to put out a forest fire, died. At 
this time James was about eighteen months old, and 
'"homas about ten years old. No one, perhaps, can 
(ell how much James was indebted to his biother's 
toil and self-sacrifice during the twenty years suc- 
ceeding his father's death, but undoubtedly very 
much. He now lives in Michigan, and the two sis- 
.e.s live in Solon, O., near their birthplace. 

The early educational advantages young Garfield 
■'.ljiiyed were very limited, yet he made the most of 
them. He labored at farm work for others, did car- 
penter work, chopped wood, or did anything that 
would bring in a few dollars to aid his widowed 
mother in he' struggles to keep the little family to- 



gether. Nor was Gen. Garfield ever ashamed of his 
origin, and he never forgot the friends of his strug- 
gling childhood, youth and manhood, neither did the) 
ever forget him. When in the highest seats of honor, 
the humblest fiiend of his boyhood was as kindly 
greeted as ever. The poorest laborer was sureof the 
sympathy of one who had known all the bitterness 
of want and the sweetness of bread earned by the 
sweat of the brow. He was ever the simple, plain,. 
modest gentleman. 

The highest ambition of young Garfield until he 
was about sixteen years old was to be a captain of 
a vessel on Lake Erie. He was anxious to go aboard 
a vessel, which his mother strongly opposed. She 
finally consented to his going to Cleveland, with the 
understanding, however, that he should try to obtain 
some other kind of employment. He walked all the 
way to Cleveland. This was his first visit to the city. 
After making many applications for work, and trying 
to get aboard a lake vessel, and not meeting with 
success, he engaged as a driver for his cousin, Amos 
Letcher, on the Ohio iV" Pennsylvania Canal. Here- 
mained at this work but a short time when lie went 
home, and attended the seminary at Chester for 
about three years, when he entered Hiram and the 
Eclectic Institute, teaching a few terms of school in 
the meantime, and doing other work. This school 
was started by the Disciples of Christ in 1S50, of 
which church he was then a member, lie became 
janitor and bell-ringer in order to help pay his way. 
He then became both teacher and pupil. He soon 
" exhausted Hiram " and needed more ; hence, in the 
fall of 1854, he entered Williams College, from which 
he graduated in 1856, taking one of the highest hon- 
ors of his class. He afterwards returned to Hiram 
College as its President. As above stated, he early 
united with the Christian or Diciples Church at 
Hiram, and was ever after a devoted, zealous mem- 
ber, often preaching in its pulpit and places where 
he happened to be. Dr. Noah Porter, President of 
Yale College, says of him in reference to his religion: 



9 6 



JAMES A. GARFIELD. 



" President Garfield was more than a man of 
strong moral and religious convictions. His whole 
history, from boyhood to the last, shows that duty to 
man and to God, and devotion to Christ and life and 
faith and spiritual commission were controlling springs 
of his being, and to a more than usual degree. In 
my judgment there is no more interesting feature of 
his character than his loyal allegiance to the body of 
Christians in which he was trained, and the fervent 
sympathy which he ever showed in their Christian 
communion. Not many of the few 'wise and mighty 
and noble who are called' show a similar loyalty to 
the less stately and cultured Christian communions 
in which they have been reared. Too often it is true 
that as they step upward in social and political sig- 
nificance they step upward from one degree to 
another in some of the many types of fashionable 
Christianity. President Garfield adhered to the 
church of his mother, the church in which he was 
trained, and in which he served as a pillar and an 
evangelist, and yet with the largest and most unsec- 
larian charity for all 'who loveour Lord in sincerity.'" 

Mr. Garfield was united in marriage with Miss 
Lucretia Rudolph, Nov. 1 1, 1858, who proved herself 
worthy as the wife of one whom all the world loved and 
mourned. To them were born seven children, five of 
whom are still living, four boys and one girl. 

Mr. Garfield made his first political speeches in 1856, 
in Hiram and the neighboring villages, and three 
years later he began to speak at county mass-meet- 
ings, and became the favorite speaker wherever he 
was. During this year he was elected to the Ohio 
Senate. He also began to study law at Cleveland, 
and in 1S61 was admitted to the bar. The great 
Rebellion broke out in the early part of this year, 
and Mr. Garfield at once resolved to fight as he had 
talked, and enlisted to defend the old flag. He re- 
ceived his commission as Lieut. -Colonel of the Forty- 
second Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Aug. 
14,1861. He was immediately put into active ser- 
vice, and before he had ever seen a gun fired in ac f ion, 
was placed in command of four regiments of infantry 
and eight companies of cavalry, charged with the 
work of driving out of his native State the officer 
(Humphrey Marshall) reputed to be the ablest of 
those, not educated to war whom Kentucky had given 
to the Rebellion. This work was bravely and speed- 
ily accomplished, although against great odds. Pres- 
ident Lincoln, on his success commissioned him 
Brigadier-General, Jan. 10, 1S62; and as "he had 
been the youngest man in the Ohio Senate two years 
before, so now he was the youngest General in the 
army." He was with Gen. Buell's army at Shiloh, 
in its operations around Corinth audits march through 
Alabama. He was then detailed as a memberof the 
General Court-Martial for the trial of Gen. Fitz-John 
Porter. He was then ordered to report to Gen. Rose- 
crans, and was assigned to the "Chief of Staff." 

The military h>story of Gen. Garfield closed with 



his brilliant services at Chickamauga, where he won 
the stars 01 the Major-General. 

Without an effort on his part Get? Garfield was 
elected to Congress in the fall of 1S62 from the 
Nineteenth District of Ohio. This section of Ohio 
had been represented in Congress for sixty years 
mainly by two men — Elisha Whittlesey and Joshua 
R. Giddings. It was not without a struggle that he 
resigned his place in the army. At the time he en- 
tered Congress he was the youngest member in that 
body. There he remained by successive re- 
elections until he was elected President in 1S80. 
Of his labors in Congress Senator 1 loar says : " Since 
the year 1S64 you cannot think of a question which 
has been debated in Congress, or discussed before a 
tribunel of the American people, in regard to which 
you will not find, if you wish instruction, the argu- 
ment on one side stated, in almost every instance 
better than by anybody else, in some speech made in 
the House of Representatives or on the hustings by 
Mr. Garfield." 

Upon Jan. 14, 1880, Gen. Garfield was elected to 
the L". S. Senate, and on the eighth of June, of the 
same year, was nominated as the candidate of his 
party for President at the great Chicago Convention- 
He was elected in the following November, and on 
March 4, 1881, was inaugurated. Probably no ad- 
ministration ever opened its existence under brighter 
auspices than that of President Garfield, and every 
day it grew in favor with the people, and by the first 
of July he had completed all the initiatory and pre- 
liminary work of his administration and was prepar- 
ing to leave the city to meet his friends at Williams 
College. While on his way and at the depot, in com- 
pany with Secretary Blaine, a man stepped behind 
him, drew a revolver, and fired directly at his back. 
The President tottered and fell, and as lie did so the 
assassin fired a second shot, the bullet cutting the 
left coat sleeve of his victim, but inflicting nofnrther 
injury. It has been very truthfully said that this was 
" the shot that was heard round the world " Never 
before in the history of the Nation had anything oc- 
curred which so nearly froze the blood of the people 
for the moment, as this awful deed. He was smit- 
ten on the brightest, gladdest day of all his life, and 
was at the summit of his power and hope. Foreighty 
days, all during the hot months of July and August, 
he lingered and suffered. He, however, remained 
master of himself till the last, and by his magnificent 
bearing was teaching the country and the world the 
noblest of human lessons — how to live grandly in (he 
very clutch of death. Great in life, he was surpass- 
ingly great in death. He passed serenely away Sept. 
19, 1883, at Elberon, N. J., ,011 the very bank of the 
ocean, where he had been taken shortly previous. The 
world wept at his death, as it never had done on the 
death of any other man who had ever lived upon it. 
The murderer was duly tried, found guilty and exe- 
cuted, in one year after he committed the foul deed. 



s 




T WEN T Y- FIRS T PRESIDEN1 '. 



M 








HESTER A. ARTHUR, 

twenty-first Presi<Lm u? the 

United States was born in 

Franklin Cour.ty, Vermont, on 

3!o the fifth of Oc'ober, 1830, and is 

the oldest of a family of two 

sons and five daughters. His 

father was the Rev. Dr. William 

Arthur, a Baptist cLrgy man, who 

emigrated to tb'.s country fro-ii 

the county Antrim, Ireland, in 

his 1 8th year, and died in 1875, in 

Newtonville, neal Albany, after a 

long and successful ministry. 

Young Arthur was educated at 
Union College, S< henectady, where 
he excelled in all his studies. Af- 
ter his graduation lie taught school 
'n in Vermont for two years, and at 
the expiration of that time came to 
New York, with $500 in his pocket, 
and entered the office of ex-Judge 
E. D. Culver as student. After 
being admitted to the bar he formed 
a partnership with his intimate friend and room-mate, 
Henry D. Gardiner, with the intention of practicing 
in the West, and for three months they roamed about 
in the Western States in search of an eligible site, 
but in the end returned to New York, where they 
hung out their shingle, and entered upon a success^ 
ful career almost from the start. General Arthur 
soon afterward marred the daughter of Lieutenant 



Herndon, of the United States Navy, who was lost at 
sea. Congress voted a gold medal to his widow in 
recognition of the bravery he displayed on that occa- 
sion. Mrs. Arthur died shortly before Mr. Arthurs 
nomination to the Vice Presidency, leaving two 
children. 

(Jen. Arthur obtained considerable legal celebrity 
in his first great case, the famous Lemmon suit, 
brought to recover possession of eight slaves who had 
been declared free by Judge Paine, of the Superior 
Court of New York City. It was in 1852 that Joi^ 
athan Lemmon, of Virginia, went to New York with 
his slaves, intending to ship them to Texas, when 
they were discovered and freed. The Judge decided 
that they could not be held by the owner under the 
fugitive Slave Law. A howl of rage went up from 
the South, and the Virginia Legislature authorized the 
Attorney General of that State to assist in an appeal. 
Wm. M. Evarts and Chester A. Arthur were employed 
to represent the People, and they won their case, 
which then went to the Supreme Court of the United 
States. Charles O'Conor here espoused the cause 
of the slave-holders, but he too was beaten by Messrs 
Evarts and Arthur, and a long step was taken toward 
the emancipation of the black race. 

Another great service was rendered by General 
Arthur in the same cause in 1856. Lizzie Jennings, 
a respectable colored woman, was put off a Fourth 
Avenue car with violence after she had paid her fare, 
General Arthur sued on her behalf, and secured a 
verdict of $500 damages. The next day the compa- 
ny issued an order to admit colored persons to ride 
on their cars, and the other car companies quickly 



L.ofC. 



CHESTER A. ARTHUR. 



followed their example. Before that the Sixth Ave- 
nue .Company ran a few special cars for colored per- 
sons and the other lines refused to let them ride at all. 

General Arthur was a delegate to the Convention 
at Saratoga that founded the Republican party. 
Previous to the war he was Judge-Advocate of the 
Second Brigade of the State of New York, and Gov- 
ernor Morgan, of that State, appointed him Engineer- 
in-Chief of his staff. In 1861, he was made Inspec- 
tor General, and soon afterward became Quartermas- 
ter-General. In each of these offices he rendered 
great service to the Government during the war. At 
the end of Governor Morgan's term he resumed the 
practice of the law, forming a.partnership with Mr. 
Ransom, and then Mr. Phelps, the District Attorney 
of New Yoik, was added to the firm. The legal prac- 
tice of this well-known firm was very large and lucra- 
tive, each of the gentlemen composing it were able 
lawyers, and possessed a splendid local reputation, if 
not indeed one of national extent. 

He always took a leading part in State and city 
politics. He was appointed Collector of the Port of 
New York by President Grant, Nov. 21 1872, to suc- 
ceed Thomas Murphy, and held the office until July, 
20, 1878, when he was succeeded by Collector Merritt. 

Mi. Arthur was nominated 011 the Presidential 
ticket, with Gen. James A. Garfield, at the famous 
National Republican Convention held at Chicago in 
June, 1880. This was perhaps the greatest political 
convention that ever assembled on the continent. It 
was composed of the 'fading politicians of the Re- 
publican party, all able men, and each stood firm and 
fought vigorously and with signal tenacity for their 
respective candidates that were before the conven- 
tion for the nomination. Finally Gen. Garfield re- 
ceived the nomination for President and Gen. Arthur 
lor Vice-President. The campaign which followed 
was one of the most animated known in the history of 
our country. Gen. Hancock, the standard-bearer of 
the Democratic party, was a popular man, and his 
party made a valiant fight for his election. 

Finally the election came and the country's choice 
vas Garfield and Arthur. They were inaugurated 
March 4, 1881, as President and Vice-President. 
A few months only had passed ere the newly chosen 
President was the victim of the assassin's bullet. Then 
came terrible weeks of suffering, — those moments of 
anxious suspense, when the hearts of all civilized na- 



tions were throbbing in unison, longing for the re- 
covery of the noble, the good President. The remark- 
able patience that he manifested during those hours 
and weeks, and even months, of the most terrible suf- 
fering man has often been called upon to endure, was 
seemingly more than human. It was certainly God- 
like. During all this period of deepest anxiety Mr. 
Arthur's every move was watched, and be it said to his 
credit that his every action displayed only an earnest 
desire that the suffering Garfield might recover, to 
serve the remainder of the term he had so auspi- 
ciously begun. Not a selfish feeling was manifested 
in deed or look of this man, even though the most 
honored position in the world was at any moment 
likely to fall to him. 

At last God in his mercy relieved President Gar- 
field from further suffering, and the world, as never 
before in its history over the death of any other 
man, wept at his bier. Then it became the duty of 
the Vice President to assume the responsibilities of 
the high office, and he took the oath in New York, 
Sept. 20, 1881. The position was an embarrassing 
one to him, made doubly so from the facts that all 
eyes were on him, anxious to know what he would do, 
what policy he would pursue, and who he would se- 
lect as advisers. The duties of the office had been 
greatly neglected during the President's long illness, 
and many important measures were to be immediately 
decided by him ; and still farther to embarrass him he 
did not fail to realize under what circumstances he 
became President, and knew the feelings of many on 
this point. Under these trying circumstances President 
Arthur took the reins of the Government in his own 
hands ; and, as embarrassing as were the condition of 
affairs, he happily surprised the nation, acting so 
wisely that but few criticised his administration. 
He served the nation well and faithfully, until the 
close of his administration, March 4, 1885, and was 
a popular candidate before his party for a second 
term. His name was ably presented before the con- 
vention at Chicago, and was received with great 
favor, and doubtless but for the personal popularity 
of one of the opposing candidates, he would have 
been selected as the standard-bearer of his party 
for another campaign. He retired to private life car- 
rying with him the best wishes of the American peo- 
ple, whom he had served in a manner satisfactory 
to them and with credit to himself. 





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Osu^Jl 



TWENTY-SECOND PRESIDENT. 



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TEPHEN GROVER CLEVE- 
LAND, the twenty- second Pres- 
ident of the United States, was 
born in 1837, in the obscure 
town of Caldwell, Essex Co., 
N. J., and in a little two-and-a- 
half-story white house which is still 
standing, characteristically to mark 
the humble birth-place of one of 
America's great men in striking con- 
trast with the Old World, where all 
men high in office must be high in 
origin and born in the cradle of 
wealth. When the subject of this 
sketch was three years of age, his 
father, who was a Presbyterian min- 
ister, with a large family and a small salary, moved, 
by way of the Hudson River and Erie Canal, to 
Fayetteville, in search of an increased income and a 
larger field of work. Fayetteville was then the most 
straggling of country villages, about five miles from 
Pompey Hill, where Governor Seymour was born. 

At the last mentioned place young Grover com- 
menced going to school in the "good, old-fashioned 
way," and presumably distinguished himself after the 
manner of all village boys, in doing the things he 
ought not to do. Such is the distinguishing trait of 
all geniuses and independent thinkers. When he 
arrived at the age of 14 years, he had outgrown the 
capacity of the village school and expressed a most 



emphatic desire to be sent to an academy. To this 
his father decidedly objected. Academies in those 
days cost money; besides, his father wanted him to 
become self-supporting by the quickest possible 
means, and this at that time in Fayetterille seemed 
to be a position in a country store, where his father 
and the large family on his hands had considerable 
influence. Grover was to be paid $50 for his services 
the first year, and if he proved trustworthy he was to 
receive $too the second year. Here the lad com- 
menced his career as salesman, and in two years he 
had earned so good a reputation for trustworthiness 
that his employers desired to retain him for an in- 
definite length of time. Otherwise he did not ex- 
hibit as yet any particular " flashes of genius " or 
eccentricities of talent. He was simply a good boy. 
But instead of remaining with this firm in Fayette- 
ville, he went with the family in their removal to 
Clinton, where he had an opportunity of attending a 
high school. Here he industriously pursued his 
studies until the family removed with him to a point 
on Black River known as the " Holland Patent," a 
village of 500 or 600 people, 15 miles north of Utica, 
N. Y. At this place his father died, after preaching 
but three Sundays. This event broke up the family, 
and Grover set out for New York City to accept, at a 
small salary, the position of " under-teacher " in an 
asylum for the blind. He taught faithfully for two 
years, and although he obtained a good reputation in 
this capacity, he concluded that teaching was not his 



104 



S. G ROVER CLEVELAND. 



calling for life, and, reversing the traditional order, 
he left the city to seek his fortune, instead of going 
to a city. He first thought of Cleveland, Ohio, as 
there was some charm in thai name for him; but 
before proceeding to that place he went to Buffalo to 
isk the advice of his uncle, Lewis F. Allan, a noted 
stock-breeder of that place. The latter did not 
rpeak enthusiastically. " What is it you want to do, 
my boy?" he asked. "Well, sir, I want to study 
Jaw," was the reply. "Good gracious!" remarked 
die old gentleman ; " do you, indeed ? What ever put 
that into your head? How much money have you 
got/ " ' Well, sir, to tell the truth, I haven't got 
any." 

After a long consultation, his uncle offered him a 
p]3ce temporarily as assistant herd-keeper, at $50 a 
year, while he could "look around." One day soon 
afterward he boldly walked into the office of Rogers, 
Bowen & Rogers, of Buffalo, and told them what he 
wanted. A number of young men were already en- 
gaged in the office, but Grover's persistency won, and 
ne was finally permitted to come as an office boy and 
have the use of the law library, for the nominal sum 
of $3 or $4 a week. Out of this he had to pay for 
his board and washing. The walk to and from his 
uncle's was a long and rugged one; and, although 
the first winter was a memorably severe one, his 
shoes were out of repair and his overcoat — he had 
none — yet he was nevertheless prompt and regular. 
On the first day of his service here, his senior em- 
ployer threw down a copy of Blackstone before him 
with a bang that made the dust fly, saying "Thai's 
v.here they all begin." A titter ran around the little 
circle of cleiks and students, as they thought that 
was enough to scare young Grover out of his plans ; 
but in due time he mastered that cumbersome volume. 
Then, as ever afterward, however, Mr. Cleveland 
exhibited a talent for executiveness rather than for 
chasing principles through all their metaphysical 
possibilities. " Let us quit talking and go and do 
t," was practically his motto. 

The first public office to which Mr. Cleveland was 
eiected was that of Sheriff of Erie Co., N. Y., in 
which Buffalo is situated; and in such capacity it fell 
to his duty to inflict capital punishment upon two 
criminals. In rSSr he was elected Mayor of the 
City of Buffalo, on the Democratic ticket, with es- 
pecial reference to the bringing about certain reforms 



in the administration of the municipal affairs of that 
city. In this office, as well as that of Sheriff, his 
performance of duty has generally been considered 
fair, with possibly a few exceptions which were fer- 
reted out and magnified during the last Presidential 
campaign. As a specimen of his plain language in 
a veto message, we quote from one vetoing an iniq li- 
tous street-cleaning contract: "This is a time for 
plain speech, and my objection to your action shall 
be plainly stated. I regard it as the culmination of 
a mos bare-faced, impudent and shameless scheme 
to betray the interests of the people and to worse 
than squander the people's money." The New York 
Sun afterward very highly commended Mr. Cleve- 
land's administration as Mayor of Buffalo, and there- 
upon recommended him for Governor of the Empire 
State. To the latter office he was elected in 1SS2, 
and his administration of the affairs of State was 
generally satisfactory. The mistakes he made, if 
any, were made very public throughout the nation 
after he was nominated for President of the United 
States. For this high office he was nominated July 
11, 1884, by the National Democratic Convention at 
Chicago, when other competitors were Thomas F. 
Bayard, Roswell P. Flower, Thomas A. Hendricks, 
Benjamin F. Butler, Allen G. Thunr.an, etc.; and he 
was elected by the people, by a majority of about a 
thousand, over the brilliant and long-tried Repub- 
lican statesman, James G. Blaine. President Cleve- 
land resigned his office as Governor of New York in 
January, 18S5, in order to prepare for his duties as 
the Chief Executive of the United States, in which 
capacity his term commenced at noon on the 4th of 
March, 18S5. For his Cabinet officers he selected 
the following gentlemen: For Secretary of State, 
Thomas F. Bayard, of Delaware ; Secretary of the 
Treasury, Daniel Manning, of New York; Secretary 
of War, William C. Endicott, of Massachusetts ; 
Secretary of the Navy, William C. Whitney, of New 
York; Secretary of the Interior, L. Q. C. Lamar, of 
Mississippi; Postmaster-General, William F. Vilas, 
of Wisconsin ; Attorney-General, A. H. Garland, of 
Arkansas. 

The silver question precipitated a controversy be- 
tween those who were in favor of the continuance of 
silver coinage and those who were opposed, Mr. 
Cleveland answering for the latter, even before his 
inauguration. 





t^v4 



<Z^?~~7vAs&l?~~t<- 



TW ENTY-THIR1) PRESIDENT. 



1U7 




-^S- 



-•oOo-@v x /fo)..o$o.. 




•ENJAMIN HARRISON, the 
twenty-third President, is 
the descendant of one of the 

historical families of this 
country. The head of the 
family was a Major General 
Harrison, one of Oliver 
Cromwell's trusted follow- 
'■' ers and fighters. In the zenith of Crom- 
well's power it became the duty of this 
Harrison to participate in the trial of 
Charles I. and afterward to sign the 
death warrant of the king. He subse- 
quently paid for this with his life, being 
hung Oct. 13, 1GC0. His descendants 
came to America, and the next of the 
family that appears in history is Benja- 
eV v. in Harrison, of Virginia, great-grand- 

father of the subject of this sketch, and 
after whom he was named. Benjamin Harrison 
was a member of the Continental Congress during 
the years 1774-5-G, and was one of the original 
signers of the Declaration of Independence. He 
was three times elected Governor of Virginia. 
Gen William Ilemy Harrison, the son of the 



distinguished patriot of the Revolution, after a suc- 
cessful career as a soldier during the War of 1812, 
and with -a clean record as Governor of the North- 
western Territoiy, was elected President of the 
United States in 1840. His career was cut short 
by death within one month after Ins inauguration. 
President Harrison was born at North Bend. 
Hamilton Co., Ohio, Aug. "0, 1833. His life upto 
the time of his graduation by the Miami University, 
at Oxford, Ohio, was the uneventful one of a coun- 
try lad of a family of small means. His father was 
able to give him a good education, and nothing 
more. He became engaged while at college to tho 
daughter of Dr. Scott, Principal of a female school 
at Oxford. After graduating he determined to en- 
ter upon the study of the law. He went to Cin 
cinnati and then read law for two years. At tin 
expiration of that time young Harrison receiv 1 tl: 
only inheritance of his life; his aunt dying ieft iiin; 
a lot valued at $800. He regarded this legacy as t 
fori unc, and decided to get married at once, takes 
this money and goto some Eastern town an De- 
gin the practice of law. He sold Ins lot, and with 
the money in his pocket, he started out wit,, his 
young wife to fight for a place in the world, ."e 



1(18 



BENJAMIN HARRISON. 



decided to go to Indianapolis, which was even at 
that time a town of promise. He met with slight 
encouragement at first, making scarcely anything 
the first year. He worked diligently, applying him- 
self closely to his calling, built up an extensive 
practice and took a leading rank in the legal pro- 
fession. He is the father of two children. 

In 18G0 Mr. Harrison was nominated for the 
position of Supreme Court Reporter, and then be- 
gan his experience as a stump speaker. He can- 
vassed the State thoroughly, and was elected by a 
handsome majority. In 1862 he raised the 17th 
Indiana Infantry, and was chosen its Colonel. His 
regiment was composed of the rawest of material, 
but Col. Harrison employed all his time at first 
mastering military tactics and drilling his men, 
when he therefore came to move toward the East 
with Sherman his regiment was one of the best 
drilled and organized in the army. At Resaca he 
especially distinguished himself, and for his bravery 
at Pcachtree Creek he was made a Brigadier Gen- 
eral, Gen. Hooker speaking of him in the most 
complimentary terms. 

During the absence of Gen. Harrison in the field 
the Supreme Court declared the office of the Su- 
preme Court Reporter vacant, and another person 
was elected to the position. From the time of leav- 
ing Indiana with his regiment until the fall of 1 86 1 
lie had taken no leave of absence, but having been 
nominated that year for the same office, he got a 
thirty-day leave of absence, and during that time 
made a brilliant canvass of the State, and was elected 
for another terra. He then started to rejoin Sher- 
man, but on the way was stricken down with scarlet 
."ever, and after a most trying siege made his way 
bo the front in time to participate in the closing 
incidents of the war. 

In 1868 Gen. Harrison declined a re-election as 
reporter, and resumed the practice of law. In 1876 
he was a candidate for Governor. Although de- 
feated, the brilliant campaign he made won for him 
t. National reputation, and he was much sought, es- 
peciai.y in the East, to make speeches. In 1880, 
.;s usual, he took an active part in the campaign, 
Mid wv elected to the United States Senate. Here 
i;e served six years, and was known as one of the 
ablest men, best lawyers and strongest debaters in 



that body. With the expiration of his Senatorial 
term he returned to the practice of his profession, 
becoming the head of one of the strongest firms in 
the State. 

The political campaign of 1888 was one of the 
most memorable in the history of our country. The 
convention whicli assembled in Chicago in June and 
named Mr. Harrison as the chief standard bearer 
of the Republican party, was great in ever}' partic- 
ular, and on this account, and the attitude it as- 
sumed upon the vital questions of the day, chief 
among which was the tariff, awoke a deep interest 
in the campaign throughout the Nation. Shortly 
after the nomination delegations began to visit Mr. 
Harrison at Indianapolis, his home. This move- 
ment became popular, and from all sections of the 
country societies, clubs and delegations journeyed 
thither to pay their respects to the distinguished 
statesman. The popularity of these was greatly 
increased on account of the remarkable speeches 
made by Mr. Harrison. He spoke daily all through 
the summer and autumn to these visiting delega- 
tions, and so varied, masterly and eloquent were 
his speeches that they at once placed him in the 
foremost rank of American orators and statesmen. 

On account of his eloquence as a speaker and his 
power as a debater, he was called upon at an un- 
commonly early age to take part in the discussion 
of the great questions that then began I.) agitate 
the country, lie was an uncompromising anti 
slavery man, and was matched against some of i£.e 
most eminent Democratic speakers of his State. 
No man who felt the touch of his blade desired to 
be pitted with him again. With all his eloq-'ence 
as an orator he never spoke for oratorical effect, 
but his words always went like bullets to the mark 
He is purely American in his ideas and is a spier 
did type of the American statesman. Gifted wit'u 
quick perception, a logical mind and a ready tongue, 
he is one of the most- distinguished impromptu 
speakers in the Nation. Many of these speeches 
sparkled with the rarest of eloquence and contained 
arguments of greatest weight. Many of his terse 
statements have already become aphorisms. Origi- 
nal in thought, precise in logic, terse in statement, 
yet withal faultless in eloquence, he is recognized as 
the sound statesman and brilliant orator o f the day 





-^c&^cocy^iy 




GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS. 





HADRACH BOND, the first 
Governor of Illinois after its 
organization as a State, serving 
from 1818 to 1822, was born in 
Frederick County, Maryland, 
in the year 1773, and was 
raised a farmer on his father's 
plantation, receiving only a plain 
English education. He emigrated 
to this State in 1794, when it was a 
part of the "Northwest Territory," 
continuing in the vocation in which 
he had been brought up in his native 
State, in the " New Design," near 
Eagle Creek, in what is now Monroe 
County. He served several terms as 
a member of the General Assembly 
of Indiana Territory, after it was organized as such, 
and in 1812-14 he was a Delegate to the Twelfth 
and Thirteenth Congresses, taking his seat Dec. 3, 
181 2, and serving until Oct. 3, 1814. These were 
the times, the reader will recollect, when this Gov- 
ernment had its last struggle with Great Britain. 
The year 1812 is also noted in the history of this 
State as that in which the first Territorial Legislature 
u is held. It convened at Kaskaskia, Nov. 25, and 
adjourned Dec. 26, following. 

While serving as Delegate to Congress, Mr. Bond 
was instrumental in procuring the right of pre-emp- 
tion on the public domain. On the expiration of his 
term at Washington he was appointed Receiver of 
Public Moneys at Kaskaskia, then the capital of the 
Territory. In company with John G. Comyges, 



Thomas H. Harris, Charles Slade, Michael Jones, 
Warren Brown, Edward Humphries and Charles W 
Hunter, he became a proprietor of the site of the 
initial city of Cairo, which they hoped, from its favor- 
able location at the junction of the two great 
rivers near the center of the Great West, would 
rapidly develop into a metropolis. To aid the enter- 
prise, they obtained a special charter from the Legis- 
lature, incorporating both the City and the Bank of 
Cairo. 

In 1818 Mr. Bond was elected the first Governor 
of the State of Illinois, being inaugurated Oct. 6 
that year, which was several weeks before Illinois 
was actually admitted. The facts are these: In 
January, 181S, the Territorial Legislature sent a peti- 
tion to Congress for the admission of Illinois as a 
State, Nathaniel Pope being then Delegate. The 
petition was granted, fixing the northern line of the 
State on the latitude of the southern extremity of 
Lake Michigan; but the bill was afterward so amend- 
ed as to extend this line to its present latitude. Ir. 
July a convention was called at Kaskaskia to draft a 
constitution, which, however, was not submitted t<> 
the people. By its provisions, supreme judges, pros 
ecuting attorneys, county and circuit judges, record- 
ers and justices of the peace were all to be appointed 
by the Governor or elected by the Legislature. This 
constitution was accepted by Congress Dee. 30. Al 
that time Illinois comprised but eleven counties, 
namely, Randolph, Madison, Gallatin, Johnson, 
Pope, Jackson, Crawford, Bond, Union, Washington 
and Franklin, the northern portion of the State be- 
ing mainly in Madison County. Thus it appears 
that Mr. Bond was honored by the naming of a 



SHADRACH BOND. 



county before he was elected Governor. The present 
county of Bond is of small limitations, about 60 to 80 
miles south of Springfield. For Lieutenant Governor 
the people chose Pierre Menard, a prominent and 
worthy Frenchman, after whom a county in this State 
is named. In this election there were no opposition 
candidates, as the popularity of these men had made 
their promotion to the chief offices of the S^ate, even 
before the constitution was drafted, a foregone con- 
clusion. 

The principal points that excited the people in 
reference to political issues at this period were local 
or "internal improvements," as they were called, 
State banks, location of the capital, slavery and the 
personal characteristics of the proposed candidates. 
Mr. Bond represented the " Convention party," for 
introducing slavery into the State, supported by Elias 
Ke it Kane, his Secretary of State, and John Mc- 
Lean, while Nathaniel Pope and John P. Cook led 
the anti-slavery element. The people, however, did 
not become very much excited over this issue until 
1820, when the famous Missouri Compromise was 
adopted by Congress, limiting slavery to the south 
of the parallel of 36 30' except in Missouri. While 
this measure settled the great slavery controversy, 
so far as the average public sentiment was tempor- 
arily concerned, until 1854, when it was repealed 
under the leadership of Stephen A. Douglas, the issue 
as considered locally in this State was not decided 
until 1824, after a most furious campaign. (See 
sketch of Gov. Coles.) The ticket of 1818 was a 
compromise one, Bond representing (moderately) the 
pro-slavery sentiment and Menard the anti-slavery. 

An awkward element in the State government 
under Gov. Bond's administration, was the imperfec- 
tion of the State constitution. The Convention 
wished to have Elijah C. Berry for the first Auditor 
of Public Accounts, but, as it was believed that the 
new Governor would not appoint him to the office, 
the Convention declared in a schedule that " an 
auditor of public accounts, an attorney general and 
such other officers of the State as may be necessary, 
may be appointed by the General Assembly." The 
Constitution, as it stood, vested a very large appoint- 
ing power in the Governor; but for the purpose of 
getting one man into office, a total change was made, 
and the power vested in the Legislature. Of this 
provision the Legislature took advantage, and de- 



clared that State's attorneys, canal commissioners, 
bank directors, etc., were all " officers of the State " 
and must therefore be appointed by itself independ- 
ently of the Governor. 

During Gov. Bond's administration a general law 
was passed for the incorporation of academies and 
towns, and one authorizing lotteries. The session of 
1822 authorized the Governor to appoint commis- 
sioners, to act in conjunction with like commissioners 
appointed by the State of Indiana, to report on the 
practicability and expediency of improving the navi- 
gation of the Wabash River; also inland navigation 
generally. Many improvements were recommended, 
some of which have been feebly worked at even till 
the present day, those along the Wabash being of no 
value. Also, during Gov. Bond's term of office, the 
capital of the State was removed from Kaskaskia to 
Vandalia. In 1820 a law was passed by Congress 
authorizing this State to open a canal through the 
public lands. The State appointed commissioners 
10 explore the route and prepare the necessary sur- 
veys and estimates, preparatory to its execution; 
but, being unable out of its own resources to defray 
the expenses of the undertaking, it was abandoned 
until some time after Congress made the grant of 
land for the purpose of its construction. 

On the whole, Gov. Bond's administration was 
fairly good, not being open to severe criticism from 
any party. In 1824, two years after the expiration 
of his term of office, he was brought out as a candi- 
date for Congress against the formidable John P. 
Cook, but received only 4,374 votes to 7,460 for the 
latter. Gov. Bond was no orator, but had made 
many fast friends by a judicious bestowment of his 
gubernatorial patronage, and these worked zealously 
for him in the campaign. 

In 1827 ex-Gov. Bond was appointed by the Leg- 
islature, with Win. P. McKee and Dr. Gershom 
Jayne, as Commissioners to locate a site for a peni- 
tentiary on the Mississippi at or near Alton. 

Mr. Bond was of a benevolent and convivial dis- 
position, a man of shrewd observation and clear ap- 
preciation of events. His person was erect, stand- 
ing six feet in height, and after middle life became 
portly, weighing 200 pounds. His features were 
strongly masculine, complexion dark, hair jet and 
eyes hazel ; was a favorite with the ladies. He died 
April 1 1, 1830, in peace and contentment. 




Ld>v^UAD Ccru^ 



GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS. 



"5 




Bbwavfc Coles, 






ft 




I 
l 




DWARD COLES, second 
Governor of Illinois, 1823- 
l^L 6, was born Dec. 15, 1786, 
in Albemarle Co., Va., on 
the old family estate called 
"Enniscorthy," on the 
Green Mountain. His fath- 
er, John Coles, was a Colonel in the 
Revolutionary War. Having been fit- 
ted for college by private tutors, he 
was sent to Hampden Sidney, where 
he remained until the autumn of 1805, 
when he was removed to William and 
Mary College, at Williamsburg, Va. 
This college he left in the summer of 
1S07, a short time before the final and graduating 
examination. Among his classmates were Lieut. 
Gen. Scott, President John Tyler, Win. S. Archer, 
United States Senator from Virginia, and Justice 
Baldwin, of the United States Supreme Court. The 
President of the latter college, Bishop Madison, was 
a cousin of President James Madison, and that cir- 
cumstance was the occasion of Mr. Coles becoming 
personally acquainted with the President and re- 
ceiving a position as his private secretary, 1809-15. 
The family of Coles was a prominent one in Vir- 
ginia, and their mansion was the seat of the old- 
fashioned Virginian hospitality. It was visited by 
such notables as Patrick Henry, Jefferson, Madison, 
Monroe, the Randolphs, Tazewell, Wirt, etc. At the 
age of 23, young Coles found himself heir to a plant- 
ation and a considerable number of slaves. Ever 
since his earlier college days his attention had been 
drawn to the question of slavery. He read every- 



thing on the subject that came in his way, and 
listened to lectures on the rights of man. The more 
he reflected upon the subject, the more impossible 
was it for him to reconcile the immortal declaration 
"that all men are born free and equal" with the 
practice of slave-holding. He resolved, therefore, to 
free his slaves the first opportunity, and even remove 
his residence to a free State. One reason which de- 
termined him to accept the appointment as private 
secretary to Mr. Madison was because he believed 
that through the acquaintances he could make at 
Washington he could better determine in what part 
of the non-slaveholding portion of the Union he would 
prefer to settle. 

The relations between Mr. Coles and President 
Madison, as well as Jefferson and other distinguished 
men, were of a very friendly character, arising from 
the similarity of their views on the question of slavery 
and their sympathy for each other in holding doc- 
trines so much at variance with the prevailing senti- 
ment in their own State. 

In 1857, he resigned his secretaryship and spent a 
portion of the following autumn in exploring the 
Northwest Territory, for the purpose of finding a lo- 
cation and purchasing lands on which to settle his 
negroes. He traveled with a horse and buggy, with 
an extra man and horse for emergencies, through 
many parts of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Missouri, 
determining finally to settle in Illinois. At this time, 
however, a misunderstanding arose between our 
Government and Russia, and Mr. Coles was selected 
to repair to St. Petersburg on a special mission, bear- 
ing important papers concerning the matter at issue 
The result was a conviction of the Emperor (Alex- 



n6 



EDWARD COLES. 



ander) of the error committed by his minister at 
Washington, and the consequent withdrawal of the 
the latter from the post. On his return, Mr. Coles 
visited other parts of Europe, especially Paris, where 
he was introduced to Gen. Lafayette. 

In the spring of 1819, he removed with all his 
negroes from Virginia to Edwardsville, 111., with the 
intention of giving them their liberty. He did not 
make known to them his intention until one beautiful 
morning in April, as they were descending the Ohio 
River. He lashed all the boats together and called 
all the negroes on deck and made them a short ad- 
dress, concluding his remaiks by so expressing him- 
self that by a turn of a sentence he proclaimed in 
the shortest and fullest manner that they were no 
longer slaves, but free as he was and were at liberty 
to proceed with him or go ashore at their pleas- 
ure. A description of the effect upon the negroes is 
best desctibed in his own language : 

"The effect upon them was electrical. They stared 
at me and then at each other, as if doubting the ac- 
curacy or reality of what they heard. In breathless 
silence they stood before me, unable to utter a word, 
but with countenances beaming with expression which 
no words could convey, and which no language 
can describe. As they began to see the truth of 
what they had heard, and realize their situation, there 
came on a kind of hysterical, giggling laugh. After 
a pause of intense and unutterable emotion, bathed 
in tears, and with tremulous voices, they gave vent to 
their gratitude and implored the blessing of God 
on me." 

Before landing he gave them a general certificate 
of freedom, and afterward conformed more particu- 
larly with the law of this State requiring that each 
individual should have a certificate. This act of 
Mr. Coles, all the more noble and heroic considering 
the overwhelming pro-slavery influences surrounding 
him, has challenged the admiration of every philan- 
thropist of modern times. 

March 5, 1819, President Monroe appointed Mr. 
Coles Registrar of the Land Office at EdwardsviLe, 
at that time one of the principal land offices in the 
State. While acting in this capacity and gaining 
many friends by his politeness and general intelli- 
gence, the greatest struggle that ever occurred in 
Illinois on the slavery ques On culminated in the 
furious contest characterizing the campaigns and 
elections of 1822-4. In the summer of 1823, when a 
new Governor was to be elected to succeed Mr. 
liond, the pro-slavery element divided into factions, 
(.lilting forward for the executive office Joseph 
Phillips, Chief Justice of the State, Thomas C. 
1'iowne and Gen. James B. Moore, of the State Mil- 
i ia. The anti-slavery element united upon Mr. 
Coles, and, after one of the most bitter campaigns, 
succeeded in electing him as Governor. His plural- 
ity over Judge Phillips uas only 59 in a total vote of 



over 8,000. The Lieutenant Governor was elected 
by the slavery men. Mr. Coles' inauguration speech 
was marked by calmness, deliberation and such a 
wise expression of appropriate suggestions as to 
elicit the sanction of all judicious politicians. But 
he compromised not with evil. In his message to 
the Legislature, the seat of Government being then 
at Vandalia, he strongly urged the abrogation of the 
modified form of slavery which then existed in this 
State, contrary to the Ordinance of 1787. His posi- 
tion on this subject seems the more remarkable, when 
it is considered that he was a minority Governor, the 
population of Illinois being at that lime almost ex- 
clusively from slave-holding States and by a large 
majority in favor of the perpetuation of that old relic 
of barbarism. The Legislature itself was, of course, 
a reflex of the popular sentiment, and a majority of 
them were led on by fiery men in denunciations of 
the conscientious Governor, and in curses loud and 
deep upon him and all his friends. Some of the 
public men, indeed, went so far as to head a sort of 
mob, or "shiveree" party, who visited the residence 
of the Governor and others at Vandalia and yelled 
and groaned and spat fire. 

The Constitution, not establishing or permitting 
slavery in this State, was thought therefore to be 
defective by the slavery politicians, and they desired 
a State Convention to be elected, to devise and sub- 
mit a new Constitution ; and the dominant politics 
of the day was "Convention" and "anti-Conven- 
tion." Both parties issued addresses to the people, 
Gov. Coles himself being the author of the address 
published by the latter party. This address rev jaled 
the schemes of the conspirators in a masterly man- 
ner. It is difficult for us at this distant day to esti- 
mate the critical and extremely delicate situation in 
which the Governor was placed at that time. 

Our hero maintained himself honorably and with 
supreme dignity throughout his administration, and 
in his honor a county in this State is named. He 
was truly a great man, and those who lived in 
this State during his sojourn here, like those who 
live at the base of the mountain, were too near to see 
and recognize the greatness that overshadowed them. 

Mr. Coles was married Nov. 28, 1833, by Bishop 
De Lancey, to Miss Sally Logan Roberts, a daughter 
of Hugh Roberts, a descendant of Welsh ancestry, 
who cam 1 to this country with Wm. Penn in 1682. 

After the expiration of his term of service, Gov. 
Coles continued his residence in Edwardsville, sup- 
erintending his farm in the vicinity. He was fond 
of agriculture, and was the founder of the first agri- 
cultural society in the State. On account of ill 
health, however, and having no family to tie him 
down, he spent much of his time in Eastern cities. 
About 1832 he changed his residence to Philadel- 
phia, where he died July 7, 1868, and is buried at 
Woodland, near that city. 




'Oc^yc^JL 



GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS. 











^ 



%ff^ 





INI AN EDWARDS, Governor 
from 1S27 to 1S30, was a sou 
of Benjamin Edwards, and 
was born in Montgomery 
n County, Maryland, in March, 
5^5 1775. His domestic train- 
ee 1 ' ing was well fitted to give 
his mind strength, firmness and 
honorable principles, and a good 
foundation was laid for the elevated 
character to which he afterwards 
attained. His parents were Bap- 
tists, and very strict in their moral 
principles. His education in early 
youth was in company with and 
partly under the tuition of Hon. Wm. 
Wirt, whom his father patronized 
and who was more than two years 
older. An intimacy was thus 
formed between them which was lasting for life. He 
was further educated at Dickinson College, at Car- 
lisle, Pa. He next commenced the study of law, but 
before completing his course he moved to Nelson 
County, Ky., to open a farm for his father and to 
purchase homes and locate lands for his brothers and 
sisters. Here he fell in the company of dissolute 
companions, and for several years led the life of a 
spendthrift. He was, however, elected to the Legis- 
lature of Kentucky as the Representative of Nelson 
county before he was 21 years of age, and was re- 
elected by an almost unanimous vote. 



In 179S he was licensed to practice law, and the 
following year was admitted to the Courts of Tennes- 
see. About this time he left Nelson County for 
Russellville, in Logan County, broke away from his 
dissolute companions, commenced a reformation and 
devoted himself to severe and laborious study. He 
then began to rise rapidly in his profession, and soon 
became an eminent lawyer, and inside of four years 
he filled in succession the offices of Presiding Judge 
of the General Court, Circuit Judge, fourth Judge of 
the Court of Appeals and Chief Justice of the State, 
— all before he was 32 years of age! In addition, in 
1S02, he received a commission as Major of a battal- 
ion of Kentucky militia, and in 1804 was chosen a 
Presidential Elector, on the Jefferson and Clinton 
ticket. In 1S06 he was a candidate for Congress, 
but withdrew on being promoted to the Court of 
Appeals. 

Illinois was organized as a separate Territory in 
the spring of 1809, when Mr. Edwards, then Chief 
Justice of the Court of Appeals in Kentucky, received 
from President Madison the appointment as Gover- 
nor of the new Territory, his commission bearing date 
April 24, 1809. Edwards arrived at Kaskaskia in 
June, and on the 1 ith of that month took the oath of 
office. At the same lime he was appointed Superin- 
tendent of the United States Saline, this Government 
interest then developing into considerable proportions 
in Southern Illinois. Although during the first three 
years of his administration he had the power to make 
new counties and appoint all the officers, yet he always 
allowed the people of each county, by an informal 



NINIAN EDWARDS. 



vote, to select their own officers, both civil and mili- 
tary. The noted John J. Crittenden, afterward 
United States Senator from Kentucky, was appointed 
by Gev. Edwards to the office of Attorney General of 
the Territory, which office was accepted for a short 
time only. 

The Indians in 1810 committing sundry depreda- 
tions in the Territory, crossing the Mississippi from 
the Territory of Louisiana, a long correspondence fol- 
lowed between the respective Governors concerning 
the remedies, which ended in a council with the sav- 
ages at Peoria in 181 2, and a fresh interpretation of 
Ihe treaties. Peoria was depopulated by these de- 
predations, and was not re-settled for many rears 
afterward. 

As Gov. Edwards' term of office expired by law in 
i$i2, he was re-appointed for another term of three 
years, and again in 1815 for a third term, serving 
until the organization of the State in the fall of 1818 
and the inauguration of Gov. Bond. At this time 
ex-Gov. Edwards was sent to the United States 
Senate, his colleague being Jesse B. Thomas. As 
Senator, Mr. Edwards took a conspicuous part, and 
acquitted himself honorably in all the measures that 
came up in that body, being well posted, an able de- 
bater and a conscientious statesman. He thought 
.eriously of resigning this situation in 1821, but was 
persuaded by his old friend, Wm. Wirt, and others to 
continue in office, which he did to the end of the 
term. 

He was then appointed Minister to Mexico by 
President Monroe. About this time, it appears that 
Mr. Edwards saw suspicious signs in the conduct of 
Wm. H. Crawford, Secretary of the United States 
Treasury, and an ambitious candidate for the Presi- 
dency, and being implicated by the latter in some of 
his statements, he resigned his Mexican mission in 
order fully to investigate the charges. The result 
was the exculpation of Mr. Edwards. 

Pro-slavery regulations, often termed "Black Laws," 
disgraced the statute books of both the Territory and 
.he State of Illinois during the whole of his career in 
.his commonwealth, and Mr. Edwards always main- 
tained the doctrines of freedom, and was an important 
: ctor in the great struggle which ended in a victory 
f or his parfy in 1824. 

In 1826 7 the Winnebago and other Indians com- 
mitted son-e depredations in the northern part of the 



State, and the white settlers, who desired the lands 
and wished to exasperate the savages into an evacu- 
ation of the country, magnified the misdemeanors of 
the aborigines and thereby produced a hostility be- 
tween the races so great as to precipitate a little war, 
known in history as the "Winnebago War." A few 
chases and skirmishes were had, when Gen. Atkinson 
succeeded in capturing Red Bird, the Indian chief, 
and putting him to death, thus ending the contest, a f 
least until the troubles commenced which ended in 
the "Black Hawk War" of ^32. In the interpre- 
tation of treaties and execution of their provisions 
Gov. Edwards had much vexatious work to do. The 
Indians kept themselves generally within the juris- 
diction of Michigan Territory, and its Governor, 
Lewis Cass, was at a point so remote that ready cor- 
respondence with him was difficult or impossible. 
Gov. Edwards' administration, however, in regard to 
the protection of the Illinois frontier, seems to have 
been very efficient and satisfactory. 

For a considerable portion of his time after his re- 
moval to Illinois, Gov. Edwards resided upon his 
farm near Kaskaskia, which he had well stocked with 
horses, cattle and sheep from Kentucky, also with 
fruit-trees, grape-vines and shrubbery. He estab- 
lished saw and grist-mills, and engaged extensively 
in mercantile business, having no less than eight or ten 
stores in this State and Missouri. Notwithstanding 
the arduous duties of his office, he nearly always pur- 
chased the goods himself with which to supply the 
stores. Although not a regular practitioner of medi- 
cine, he studied the healing art to a considerable ex- 
tent, and took great pleasure in prescribing for, and 
taking care of, the sick, generally without charge. 
He was also liberal to the poor, several widows and 
ministers of the gospel becoming indebted to him 
even for their homes. 

He married Miss Elvira Lane, of Maryland, in 
1803, and they became the affectionate parents of 
several children, one of whom, especially, is weh' 
known to the people of the " Prairie State," namely. 
Ninian Wirt Edwards, once the Superintendent c' 
Public Instruction and still a resident of Springfield 
Gov. Edwards resided at and in the vicinity of Kas- 
kaskia from 1809 to r8r8; in Edwardsville (named 
after him) from that time to 1824; and from the lat- 
ter date at Belleville, St. Clair County, until his 
death, July 20, 1833, of Asiatic cholera. Edwards 
County is also named in his honor. 



GO VERNORS OF ILLINOIS. 



m 






(j!)^%V(2Xs)^^2) 



* >i ■ $ ■ o<»HaBH*S>o— $~ J<. 




|OHN REYNOLDS, Governor 1831- 
4, was born in Montgomery Coun- 
ty, Pennsylvania, Feb. 26, 1788. 
His father, Robert Reynolds and 
"lii^-lT ,'JSpr 'p' ■)'; liis mother, nee Margaret Moore, 
were both natives of Ireland, from 
which country they emigrated to 
the United States in 1785, land- 
ing at Philadelphia. The senior 
Reynolds entertained an undying 
hostility to the British Govern- 
ment. When the subject of this 
sketch was about six months old, 
his parents emigrated with him to 
Tennessee, where many of their 
relatives had already located, at the base of the 
Copper Ridge Mountain, about 14 miles northeast of 
the present city of Knoxville. There they were ex- 
Dosed to Indian depredations, and were much molest- 
ed by them. In 1794 they moved into the interior 
of the State. They were poor, and brought up their 
children to habits of manual industry. 

In 1800 the family removed to Kaskaskia, 111., with 
eight horses and two wagons, encountering many 
Hardships on the way. Here young Reynolds passed 
the most of his childhood, while his character began 
to develop, the most prominent traits of which were 
ambition and energy. He also adopted the principle 
and practice of total abstinence from intoxicating 
liquors. In 1807 the family made another removal, 



this time to the " Goshen Settlement," at the foot of 
the Mississippi bluffs three or four miles so.tthwest 
of Edwardsville. 

On arriving at his 20th year, Mr. Reynolds, seeing 
that he must look about for his own livelihood and 
not yet having determined what calling to pursue, 
concluded first to attend college, and he accordingly 
went to such an institution of learning, near Knox- 
ville, Tenn., where he had relatives. Imagine his 
diffidence, when, after passing the first 20 years of 
his life without ever having seen a carpet, a papered 
wall or a Windsor chair, and never having lived in a 
shingle-roofed house, he suddenly ushered himself 
into the society of the wealthy in the vicinity of 
Knoxville! He attended college nearly two years, 
going through the principal Latin authors; but it 
seems that he, like the rest of the world in modern 
times, had but very little use for his Latin in after 
life. He always failed, indeed, to exhibit any good 
degree of literary discipline. He commenced the 
study of law in Knoxville, but a pulmonary trouble 
came on and compelled him to change his mode 
of life. Accordingly he returned home and re- 
cuperated, and in 18 12 resumed his college and 
law studies at Knoxville. In the fall of 1812 he was 
admitted to the Bar at Kaskaskia. About this time 
he also learned the French language, which he 
practiced with pleasure in conversation with his 
family for many years. He regarded this language 
as being superior to all others for social intercourse. 



124 



JOHN REYNOLDS. 



From his services in the West, in the war of 1812, 
he obtained the sobriquet of the " Old Ranger." He 
was Orderly Sergeant, then Judge Advocate. 

Mr. Reynolds opened his first law office in the 
winter and spring of 1 814, in the French village of 
Cahokia, then the capital of St. Clair County. 

In the fall of 1S1S he was elected an Associate 
Justice upon the Supreme Bench by the General 
Assembly. In 1825 he entered more earnestly than 
ever into the practice of law, and the very next year 
was elected a member of the Legislature, where he 
acted independently of all cliques and private inter- 
ests. In 1828 the Whigs and Democrats were for 
the first time distinctively organized as such in Illi- 
nois, and the usual party bitterness grew up and 
raged on all sides, while Mr. Reynolds preserved a 
iudicial calmness and moderation. The real animus 
if the campaign was " Jackson " and " anti-Jackson," 
he former party carrying the State. 

In August, 1830, Mr. Reynolds was elected Gov- 
ernor, amid great excitement. Installed in office, he 
did all within his power to advance the cause of edu- 
cation, internal improvements, the Illinois & Mich- 
igan Canal, the harbor at Chicago, settling the coun- 
try, etc.; also recommended the winding up of the 
State Bank, as its affairs had become dangerously 
complicated. In his national politics, he was a 
moderate supporter of General Jackson. But the 
most celebrated event of his gubernatorial admin- 
istration was the Black Hawk War, which occurred 
in 1832. He called out the militia and prosecuted 
the contest with commendable diligence, appearing 
in person on the battle-grounds during the most 
critical periods. He was recognized by the President 
as Major-General, and authorized by him to make 
treaties with the Indians. By the assistance of the 
ger.f.ral Government the war was terminated without 
much bloodshed, but after many serious fights. This 
war, as well as everything else, was materially re- 
tarded by the occurrence of Asiatic cholera in the 
West. This was its first appearance here, and was 
the next event in prominence during Gov. Reynolds' 
term. 

South Carolina nullification coming up at this time, 
i was heartily condemned by both President Jackson 
,.nd Gov. Reynolds, who took precisely the same 
grounds as the Unionists in the last war. 

On the termination of his gubernatorial term in 
.834, Gov. Reynolds was elected a Member of Con- 
gress, still considering himself a backwoodsman, as 
• e had scarcely been outside of the State since he 
became of age, and had spent nearly all his youthful 
lays in the wildest region of the frontier. His first 
nove in Congress was to adopt a resolution that in 
all elections made by the House for officers the votes 
should be given viva voce, each member in his place 
naming aloud the person for whom he votes. This 
■ reated considerable heated discussion, but was es- 



sentially adopted, and remained the controlling prin- 
ciple for many years. The ex Governor was scarcely 
absent from his seat a single day, during eight ses- 
sions of Congress, covering a period of seven years, 
and he never vacillated in a party vote; but he failed 
to get the Democratic party to foster his " National 
Road" scheme. He says, in " My Own Times " (a 
large autobiography he published), that it was only 
by rigid economy that he avoided insolvency while in 
Washington. During his sojourn in that city he was 
married, to a lady of the place. 

In 1837, while out of Congress, and in company 
with a few others, he built the first railroad in the 
Mississippi Valley, namely, one about six miles long, 
leading from his coal mine in the Mississippi bluff to 
the bank of the river opposite St. Louis. Having not 
the means to purchase a locomotive, they operated it 
by horse-power. The next spring, however, the com- 
pany sold out, at great sacrifice. 

In 1S39 the ex-Governor was appointed one of the 
Canal Commissioners, and authorized to borrow 
money to prosecute the enterprise. Accord' ugly, he 
repaired to Philadelphia and succeeding in obtaining 
a million dollars, which, however, was only a fourth 
of what was wanted. The same year he and his 
wife made at our of Europe. This year, also, Mr. 
Reynolds had the rather awkward little responsibility 
of introducing to President Van Buren the noted 
Mormon Prophet, Joseph Smith, as a " Latter-Day 
Saint!" 

In 1846 Gov. Reynolds was elected a member of 
the Legislature from St. Clair County, more particu- 
larly for the purpose of obtaining a feasible charter 
for a macadamized road from Belleville to St. Louis, 
a distance of nearly 14 miles. This was immediately 
built, and was the first road of the kind in the State. 
He was again elected to the Legislature in 1852, when 
he was chosen Speaker of the House. In 1860, aged 
and infirm, he attended the National Democratic 
Convention at Charleston, S. C , as an anti-Douglas 
Delegate, where he received more attention from the 
Southern Delegates than any other member. He 
supported Breckenridge for the Presidency. After 
the October elections foreshadowed the success of 
Lincoln, he published an address urging the Demo- 
crats to rally to the support of Douglas. Immedi- 
ately preceding and during the late war, his corre- 
spondence evinced a clear sympathy for the Southern 
secession, and about the first of March, 1861, he 
urged upon the Buchanan officials the seizure of the 
treasure and arms in the custom-house and arsenal 
at St. Louis. Mr. Reynolds was a rather talkative 
man, and apt in all the Western phrases and catch- 
words that ever gained currency, besides many cun- 
ning and odd ones of his own manufacture. 

He was married twice, but had no children. He 
died in Belleville, in May, 1865, just after the close 
of the war. 



GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS. 



127 





ILLIAM LEE D. EWING, 
- Governor of Illinois Nov. 3 
SteS to 17, 1834, was a native 
of Kentucky, and probably 
of Scotch ancestry. He had 
*: a fine education, was a gentle- 
man of polished manners and 
refined sentiment. In 1830 John Rey- 
nolds was elected Governor of the State, 
and Zadok Casey Lieutenant Governor, 
and for the principal events that followed, 
and the characteristics of the times, see 
sketch of Gov. Reynolds. The first we 
see in history concerning Mr. Ewing, in- 
forms us that he was a Receiver of Public 
Moneys at Vandalia soon after the organization of 
UiL State, and that the public moneys in his hands 
v.'ere deposited in various banks, as they are usually 
Mb. /resent day. In 1823 the State Bank was 
ubbed, by which disaster Mr. Ewing lost a thousand- 
dolbr deposit. 

The subject of this sketch had a commission as 
i olonel in the Black Hawk War, and in emergencies 
ne ac v ed also as Major. In the summer of 1832, 
■ hen i 1 as rumored among the whites that Black 
Hawk ai.c "lis men had encamped somewhere on 
Rock Rive, Gen. Henry was sent on a tour of 
reconnoisance, and with orders to drive the Indians 
from the State. After some opposition from his 
■ubordinate officers, Henry resolved to proceed up 
Rock River in search of the enemy. On the 19th of 
July, early in the morning, five baggage wagons. 



camp equipage and all heavy and cumbersome arti- 
cles were piled up and left, so that the army might 
make speedy and forced marches. For some miles 
the travel was exceedingly bad, crossing swamps 
and the worst thickets ; but the large, fresh trail 
gave life and animation to the Americans. Gen. 
Dodge and Col. Ewing were both acting as Majors, 
and composed the " spy corps " or vanguard of the 
army. It is supposed the army marched nearly 50 
miles this day, and the Indian trail they followed 
became fresher, and was strewed with much property 
and trinkets of the red-skins that they had lost or 
thrown away to hasten their march. During the 
following night there was a terrific thunder-storm, and 
the soldiery, with all their appurtenances, were thor- 
oughly drenched. 

On approaching nearer the Indians the next day. 
Gen. Dodge and Major Ewing, each commanding a 
battalion of men, were placed in front to bring on the 
battle, but the savages were not overtaken this day 
Forced marches were continued until they reached. 
Wisconsin River, where a veritable battle ensued, 
resulting in the death of about 68 of Black Hawk's 
men. The next day they continued the chase, and 
as soon as he discovered the trail of the Indians 
leading toward the Mississippi, Maj. Ewing formed 
his battalion in order of battle and awaited the order 
of Gen. Henry. The latter soon appeared on the 
ground and ordered a charge, which directly resulted 
in chasing the red warriors across the great river. 
Maj. Ewing and his command proved particularly 
efficient in war, as it seems they were the chief actors 
in driving the main body of the Sacs and Foxes, in- 



128 



WILLIAM L. D. EWING. 



eluding Black Hawk himself, across the Mississippi, 
while Gen. Atkinson, commander-in-chief of the ex- 
pedition, with a body of the army, was hunting for 
them in another direction. 

In the above affair Maj. Ewing is often referred to 
as a "General," which title he had derived from his 
connection with the militia. 

It was in the latter part of the same year (1832) 
that Lieutenant Governor Casey was elected to Con- 
gress and Gen. Ewing, who had been elected to the 
Senate, was chosen to preside over that body. At 
the August election of 1S34, Gov. Reynolds was also 
elected to Congress, more than a year ahead of the 
lime at which he could actually take his seat, as was 
then the law. His predecessor, Charles Slade, had 
just died of Asiatic cholera, soon after the elec- 
tion, and Gov. Reynolds was chosen to serve out his 
unexpired term. Accordingly he set out for Wash- 
ington in November of that year to take his seat in 
Congress, and Gen. Ewing, by virtue of his office as 
President of the Senate, became Governor of the 
State of Illinois, his term covering only a period of 
15 days; namely, from the 3d to the 17th days, in- 
clusive, of November. On the 17th the Legislature 
met, and Gov. Ewing transmitted to that body his 
message, giving a statement of the condition of the 
affairs of the State at that time, and urging a contin- 
uance of the policy adopted by his predecessor; and 
in the same day Governor elect Joseph Duncan 
■?'as sworn into office, thus relieving Mr. Ewing from 



the responsible situation. This is the only time that 
such a juncture has happened in the history of Illi- 
nois. 

On the 29th of December, 1835, Gen. Ewing was 
elected a United States Senator to serve out the 
unexpired term of Elias Kent Kane, deceased. The 
latter gentleman was a very prominent figure in the 
early politics of Illinois, and a county in this State is 
named in his, honor. The election of Gen. Ewing to 
the Senate was a protracted struggle. His competi- 
tors were James Semple, who afterwards held several 
important offices in this State, and Richard M. 
Young, afterward a United States Senator and a 
Supreme Judge and a man of vast influence. On 
the first ballot Mr. Semple had 25 votes, Young 19 
and Ewing 18. On the eighth ballot Young was 
dropped ; the ninth and tenth stood a tie ; but on 
the 1 2th Ewing received 40, to Semple 37, and was 
accordingly declared elected. In 1837 Mr. Ewing 
received some votes for a continuance of his term in 
Congress, when Mr. Young, just referred to, was 
elected. In 1S42 Mr. Ewing was elected State 
Auditor on the ticket with Gov. Ford. 

Gen. Ewing was a gentleman of culture, a lawyer 
by profession, and was much in public life. In person 
he was above medium height and of heavy build, 
with auburn hair, blue eyes, large-sized head and 
short face. He was genial, social, friendly and 
affable, with fair talent, though of no high degree of 
originality. He died March 25, 1846. 



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GO VERNORS OF ILLINOIS. 



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OSEPH DUNCAN, Governor 
1S34-8, was bom at Paris, 
Ky., Feb. 23, 1794. At the 
tender age of 19 years he en- 
listed in the war against Great 
Britain, and as a soldier he 
acquitted himself with credit. He 
was an Ensign under the daunt- 
less Croghan at Lower Sandusky, 
or Fort Stephenson. In Illinois 
he first appeared in a public capa- 
city as Major-General of the Militia, 
a position which his military fame 
had procured him. Subsequently 
he became a State Senator from 
Jackson County, and is honorably 
mentioned for introducing the first bill providing for 
a free-school system. In 1826, when the redoubt- 
able John P. Cook, who had previously beaten such 
men as John McLean, Elias Kent Kane and ex- 
Gov. Bond, came up for the fourth time forCongress, 
Mr. Duncan was brought forward against him by his 
friends, greatly to the surprise of all the politicians. 
•\s yet he was but little known in the State. He was 
an original Jackson man at that time, being attached 
to his political fortune in admiration of the glory of 
his militaiy achievements. His chances of success 
against Cook were generally regarded as hopeless, 
but he entered upon the campaign undaunted. His 
speeches, though short and devoid of ornament, were 
full of good sense. He made a diligent canvass of 
the State, Mr. Cook being hindered by the condition of 
his health. The most that was expected of Mr. 
Duncan, under the circumstances, was that he would 



obtain a respectable vote, but without defeating Mr. 
Cook. The result of the campaign, however, was a 
source of surprise and amazement to both friends 
and foes, as Mr. Duncan came out 641 votes ahead! 
He received 6,32 r votes, and Mr. Cook 5,680. Un- 
til this denouement, the violence of party feeling 
smoldering in the breasts of the people on account 
of the defeat of Jackson, was not duly appreciated. 
Aside from the great convention struggle of 1824, no 
other than mere local and personal considerations 
had ever before controlled an election in Illinois. 

From the above date Mr. Duncan retained his 
seat in Congress until his election as Governor in 
August, 1834. The first and bloodless year of the 
Black Hawk War he was appointed by Gov. Rey- 
nolds to the position of Brigadier-General of the 
volunteers, and he conducted his brigade to Rock 
Island. But he was absent from the State, in Wash- 
ington, during the gubernatorial campaign, and did 
not personally participate in it, but addressed circu- 
lars to his constituents. His election was, indeed, 
attributed to the circumstance of his absence, be- 
cause his estrangement from Jackson, formerly his 
political idol, and also from the Democracy, largely 
in ascendency in the State, was complete; but while 
his defection was well known to his Whig friends, 
and even to the leading Jackson men of this State, 
the latter were unable to cany conviction of that fact 
to the masses, as mail and newspaper facilities at 
that day were far inferior to those of the present 
time. Of course the Governor was much abused 
afterward by the fossilized Jackson men who re- 
garded party ties and affiliations as above all 
other issues that could arise ; but he was doubtless 



132 



JOSEPH DUNCAN. 



sincere in his opposition to the old hero, as the latter 
;.ad vetoed several important western measures 
which were dear to Mr. Duncan. In his inaugural 
message he threw off the mask and took a bold stand 
against the course of the President. The measures 
f .e recommended in his message, however, were so 
desirable that the Legislature, although by a large 
majority consisting of Jackson men, could not refrain 
from endorsing them. These measures related 
:;iainly to barks and internal improvements. 

It was while Mr. Duncan was Governor that the 
people of Illinois went whirling on with bank and in- 
ternal improvement schemes that well nigh bank- 
'upted the Slate. The hard times of 1837 came on, 
and the disasters that attended the inauguration of 
;hese plans and the operation of the banks were mu- 
tually charged upon the two political parties. Had 
any or.e man autocratic power to introduce and 
carry on any one of these measures, he would proba- 
bly have succeeded to the satisfaction of the public; 
; ut as many jealous men had hold of the same plow 
Handle, no success followed and each blamed the other 
r or the failure. In this great vortex Gov. Duncan 
was carried along, suffering the like derogation of 
character with his fellow citizens. 

At the height of the excitement the Legislature 
"provided for" railroads from Galena to Cairo, Alton 
to Shawneetown, Alton to Mount Carmel, Alton to the 
eastern boundary of the State in the direction of 
Terre Haute, Quincy via Springfield to the Wabash, 
Bloomington to Pekin, and Peoria to Warsaw, — in all 
about 1,300 miles of road. It also provided for the 
improvement of the navigation of the Kaskaskia, 
Illinois, Great and Little Wabash and Rock Rivers ; 
also as a placebo, $200,000 in money were to be dis- 
tributed to the various counties wherein no improve- 
ments were ordered to be made as above. The 
estimate for the expenses for all these projects was 
placed at a little over $10,000,000, which was not 
more 1 nan half enough ! That would now be equal to 
saddling upon the State a debt of $225,000,000! It 
was sufficient to bankrupt the State several times 
over, even counting all the possible benefits. 

One of the most exciting events that ever occurred 
in this fair State was the murder of Elijah P. Love- 
joy in the fall of 1837, at Alton, during Mr. Duncan's 
term as Governor. Lovejoy was an " Abolitionist," 
editing the Observer at that place, and the pro- 
slavery slums there formed themselves into a mob, 



and after destroying successively three presses be- 
longing to Mr. Lovejoy, surrounded the warehouse 
where the fourth press was stored away, endeavoring 
to destroy it, and where Lovejoy and his friends 
were entrenching themselves, and shot and killed the 
brave reformer! 

About this time, also, the question of removing the 
State capital again came up, as the 20 years' limit for 
its existence at Vandalia was drawing to a close. 
There was, of course, considerable excitement over 
the matter, the two main points competing for it be- 
ing Springfield and Peoria. The jealousy of the lat- 
ter place is not even yet, 45 years afterward, fully 
allayed. 

Gov. Duncan's term expired in 1838. In 1842 
he was again proposed as a candidate for the Execu- 
tive chair, this time by the Whig party, against Adam 
W. Snyder, of St. Clair County, the nominee of the 
Democrats. Charles W. Hunter was a third candi- 
date for the same position. Mr. Snyder, however, died 
before the campaign had advanced very far, and his 
party substituted Thomas Ford, who was elected, 
receiving 46,901 votes, to 38,584 for Duncan, and 
909 for Hunter. The cause of Democratic success 
at this time is mainly attributed to the temporary 
support of the Mormons which they enjoyed, and the 
want of any knowledge, on the part of the masses, 
ihat Mr. Ford was opposed to any given policy en- 
leitained in the respective localities. 

Gov. Duncan was a man of rather limited educa- 
'.ion, but with naturally fine abilities he profited 
greatly by his various public services, and gathered 
a store of knowledge regarding public affairs which 
served him a ready purpose. He possessed a clear 
judgment, decision, confidence in himself and moral 
courage to carry out his convictions of right. In his 
deportment he was well adapted to gain the admira- 
tion of the people. His intercourse with them was 
both affable and dignified. His portrait at the Gov- 
ernor's mansion, from which the accompanying was 
made, represents him as having a swarthy complex- 
ion, high cheek bones, broad forehead, piercing black 
eyes and straight black hair. 

He was a liberal patron of the Illinois College at 
Jacksonville, a member of its Board of Trustees, and 
died, after a short illness, Jan. 15, 1S44, a devoted 
member of the Presbyterian Church, leaving a wife 
but no children. Two children, born to them, had 
died in infancy. 



GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS. 



•35 









>^ l J ( '^i4f X i^tr* L — : J ** 



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Governor of the State of 
Illinois, serving from 1838 
to 1 842, was also 1 Ken- 
tuckian, being bom near 
Frankfort, that State, July 
18, 1789, of Irish paternity, 
opportunities for an education 
ig very meager in his native 
lace, he, on approaching years of 
;ment and maturity, applied 
iself to those branches of learn- 
that seemed most important, 
thus became a self-made man ; 
his taste for reading and 
udy remained with him through 
life. In 1803 his father removed 
10 Missouri, then a part of " New Spain," where he 
died in 18 10. 

In 1812 young Carlin came to Illinois and partici- 
pated in all the "ranging" service incident to the 
war of that period, proving himself a soldier of un- 
daunted bravery. In 1814 he married Rebecca 
Huitt, and lived for four years on the bank of the 
Mississippi River, opposite the mouth of the Mis- 
souri, where he followed farming, and then removed 
to Greene County. He located the town site of Car- 
ro. 'ton, in that county, and in 1825 made a liberal 
donation of land for county building purposes. He 
was the first Sheriff of that county after its separate 
organization, and afterward was twice elected, as a 
1 11 !;son Democrat, to the Illinois Senate. In the 
lilack Hawk War he commanded a spy battalion, a 
po 3 t of considerable danger. In 1834 he was ap- 
pointed by President Jackson to the position of 
Receiver of Public Moneys, and to fulfill the office 



more conveniently he removed to the city of Quincy. 

While, in 1S38, the unwieldy internal improvement 
system of the State was in full operation, with all its 
expensive machinery, amidst bank suspensions 
throughout the United States, a great stringency in 
the money market everywhere, and Illinois bonds 
forced to sale at a heavy discount, and the " hardest 
times " existing that the people of the Prairie State 
ever saw, the general election of State officers was 
approaching. Discreet men who had cherished the 
hope of a speedy subsidence of the public infatua- 
tion, met with disappointment. A Governor and 
Legislature were to be elected, and these were now 
looked forward to for a repeal of the ruinous State 
policy. But the grand scheme had not yet lost its 
dazzling influence upon the minds of the people. 
Time and experience had not yet fully demonstrated 
its utter absurdity. Hence the question of arresting 
its career of profligate expenditures did not become 
a leading one with the dominant party during the 
campaign, and most of the old members of the Leg- 
islature were returned at this election. 

Under these circumstances the Democrats, in State 
Convention assembled, nominated Mr. Carlin for the 
office of Governor, and S. H. Anderson for Lieuten- 
ant Governor, while the Whigs nominated Cyrus Ed- 
wards, brother of Ninian Edwards, formerly Governor, 
and W. H. Davidson. Edwards came out strongly 
for a continuance of the State policy, while Carlin 
remained non-committal. This was the first time 
that the two main political parties in this State were 
unembarrassed by any third parly in the field. The 
result of the election was : Carlin, 35,573 ; Ander- 
son, 30,335; Edwards, 29,629; and Davidson, 28,- 

7'5- 

Upon the meeting of the subsequent Legislature 
(1839), the retiring Governor (.Duncan) in his mes- 



!3 6 



THOMAS CARL1N. 



sage spoke in emphatic terms of the impolicy of the 
internal improvement system, presaging the evils 
threatened, and uiged that body to do their utmost 
to correct the great error; yet, on the contrary, the 
Legislature not only decided to continue the policy 
but also added to its burden by voting more appro- 
priations and ordering more improvements. Although 
the money market was still stringent, a further loan 
of $4,000,000 was ordered for the Illinois & Mich- 
igan Canal alone. Cft'cago at that time began to 
loom up and promise to be an important city, even 
the great emporium of the West, as it has since in- 
deed came to be. Ex-Gov. Reynolds, an incompe- 
tent financier, was commissioned to effect the loan, 
and accordingly hastened to the East on this respons- 
ible errand, and negotiated the loans, at considera- 
ble sacrifice to the State. Besides this embarrassment 
to Carlin's administration, the Legislature also de- 
clared that he had no authority to appoint a Secretary 
of State until a vacancy existed, and A. P. Field, a 
Whig, who had already held the post by appointment 
through three administrations, was determined to 
keep the place a while longer, in spite of Gov. Car- 
lin's preferences. The course of the Legislature in 
this regard, however, was finally sustained by the 
Supreme Court, in a quo warranto case brought up 
before it by John A. McClernand, whom the Gov- 
ernor had nominated for the office. Thereupon that 
dignified body was denounced as a "Whig Court!" 
endeavoring to establish the principle of life-tenure 
of office. 

A new law was adopted re-organizing the Judici- 
ary, and under it five additional Supreme Judges 
were elected by the Legislature, namely, Thomas 
Ford (afterward Governor), Sidney Breese, Walter B. 
Scates, Samuel H. Treat and Stephen A. Douglas — 
all Democrats. 

It was during Cov. Carlin's administration that the 
noisy campaign of "Tippecanoe and Tyler too " oc- 
curred, resulting in a Whig victory. This, however, 
did not affect Illinois politics very seriously. 

Another prominent event in the West during Gov. 
Carlin's term of office was the excitement caused by 
the Mormons and their removal from Independence, 
Mo., to Nauvoo, 111., in 1840. At the same time 
they began to figure somewhat in State politics. On 
account of their believing — as they thought, accord- 
ing to the New Testament — that they should have 



"all things common," and that consequently "all 
the earth " and all that is upon it were the" Lord's " 
and therefore the property of his " saints," they 
were suspected, and correctly, too, of committing 
many of the deeds of larceny, robbery, etc., that 
were so rife throughout this country in those days. 
Hence a feeling of violence grew up between the 
Mormons and "anti-Mormons." In the State of 
Missouri the Mormons always supported the Dem- 
ocracy until they were driven out by the Democratic 
government, when they turned their support to the 
Whigs. They were becoming numerous, and in the 
Legislature of 1840-1, therefore, it became a matter 
of great interest with both parties to conciliate these 
people. Through the agency of one John C. Ben- 
nett, a scamp, the Mormons succeeded in rushing 
through the Legislature (both parties not daring .0 
oppose) a charter for the city of Nauvoo which vir- 
tually erected a hierarchy co-ordinate with the Fed- 
eral Government itself. In the fall of rS4r the 
Governor of Missouri made a demand upon Gov. 
Carlin for the body of Joe Smith, the Mormon leader, 
as a fugitive from justice. Gov. Carlin issued the 
writ, but for some reason it was returned unserved. 
It was again issued in 1842, and Smith was arrested, 
but was either rescued by bis followers or discharged 
by the municipal court on a writ of habeas corpus. 

In December, 1841, the Democratic Convention 
nominated Adam W. Snyder, of Belleville, for Gov- 
ernor. As he had been, as a member of the Legisla- 
ture, rather friendly to the Mormons, the latter 
naturally turned their support to the Democratic 
party. The next spring the Whigs nominated Ex- 
Gov. Duncan for the same office. In the meantime 
the Mormons began to grow more odious to the 
masses of the people, and the comparative prospects 
of the respective parties for success became very 
problematical. Mr. Snyder died in May, and 
Thomas Ford, a Supreme Judge, was substituted as 
a candidate, and was elected. 

At the close of his gubernatorial term, Mr. Carlin 
removed back to his old home at Carrollton, where 
he spent the remainder of his life, as before his ele- 
vation to office, in agricultural pursuits. In 18/.9 
he served out the unexpired term of J. D. Fry in the 
Illinois House of Representatives, and died Feb. 4, 
1852, at his residence at Carrollton, leaving a wife 
and seven children. 




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GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS. 



139 



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JHOMAS FORD, Governor 
from 1842 to 1846, and au- 
thor of a very interesting 
history of Illinois, was born 
at Uniontown, Pa., in the 
year 1 800. His mother, after 
the death of her first hus- 
band (Mr. Forquer), married Rob- 
ert Ford, who was killed in 1802, 
by the Indians in the mountains 
of Pennsylvania. She was conse- 
quently left in indigent circum- 
stances, with a large family, mostly 
girls. With a view to better her 
condition, she, in 1804, removed to 
Missouri, where it had been cus- 
tomary by the Spanish Govern- 
ment to give land to actual settlers ; but upon her 
arrival at St. Louis she found the country ceded to 
the United States, and the liberal policy toward set- 
tlers changed by the new ownership. After some 
sickness to herself and family, she finally removed to 
Illinois, and settled some three miles south of Water- 
loo, but the following year moved nearer the Missis- 
sippi bluffs. Here young Ford received his first 



schooling, under the instructions of a Mr. Humphrey, 
for which he had to walk three miles. His mother, 
though lacking a thorough education, was a woman 
of superior mental endowments, joined to energy 
and determination of character. She inculcated in 
her children those high-toned principles which dis- 
tinguished her sons in public life. She exercised a 
rigid economy to provide her children an education ; 
but George Forquer, her oldest son (six years older 
than Thomas Ford), at an early age had to quit 
school to aid by his labor in the support of the family. 
He afterward became an eminent man in Illinois 
affairs, and but for his early death would probably 
have been elected to the United States Senate. 

Young Ford, with somewhat better opportunities, 
received a better education, though limited to the 
curriculum of the common school of those pioneer 
times. His mind gave early promise of superior en- 
dowments, with an inclination for mathematics. His 
proficiency attracted the attention of Hon. Daniel P. 
Cook, who became his efficient patron and friend. 
The latter gentleman was an eminent Illinois sta'es- 
man who, as a Member of Congress, obtained a grant 
of 300,000 acres of land to aid in completing the 
Illinois & Michigan Canal, and after whom the 
county of Cook was named. Through the advice of 



140 



THOMAS FORD. 



this gentleman, Mr. Ford turned his attention to the 
study of law; but Forquer, then merchandising, re- 
garding his education defective, sent him to Transyl- 
vania University, where, however, he remained but 
one term, owing to Forquer's failure in business. On 
his return he alternated his law reading with teach- 
ing school for support. 

In 1829 Gov. Edwards appointed him Prosecuting 
Attorney, and in 1831 he was re-appointed by Gov. 
Reynolds, and after that he was four times elected a 
Judge by the Legislature, without opposition, twice a 
Circuit Judge, once a Judge of Chicago, and as As- 
sociate Judge of the Supreme Court, when, in 1841, 
the latter tribunal was re-organized by the addition 
of five Judges, all Democrats. Ford was assigned to 
the Ninth Judicial Circuit, and while in this capacity 
lie was holding Court in Ogle County he received a 
notice of his nomination by the Democratic Conven- 
tion for the office of Governor. He immediately re- 
signed his place and entered upon the canvass. In 
August, 1842, lie was elected, and on the Sth of De- 
cember following he was inaugurated. 

All the offices which he had held were unsolicited 
by him. He received them upon the true Jefferson - 
ian principle, — Never to ask and never to refuse 
office. Both as a lawyer and as a Judge he stood 
deservedly high, but his cast of intellect fitted him 
rather for a writer upon law than a practicing advo- 
cate in the courts. In the latter capacity he was void 
of the moving power of eloquence, so necessary to 
success with juries. As a Judge his opinions were 
round, lucid and able expositions of the law. In 
practice, he was a stranger to the tact, skill and in- 
sinuating address of the politician, but he saw through 
the arts of demagogues as well as any man. He was 
plain in his demeanor, so much so, indeed, that at 
one time after the expiration of his term of office, 
during a session of the Legislature, he was taken by 
a stranger to lie a seeker for the position of door- 
keeper, and was waited upon at his hotel near mid- 
night by a knot of small office-seekers with the view 
of effecting a " combination ! " 

Mr. Ford had not the " brass " of the ordinary 
politician, nor that impetuosity which characterizes a 
political leader. He cared little for money, and 
hardly enough for a decent support. In person he 
was of small stature, slender, of dark complexion, 
with black hair, sharp features, deep-set eyes, a 
pointed, aquiline nose having a decided twist to one 
side, and a small mouth. 

The three most important events in Gov. Ford's 
administration were the establishment of the high 
financial credit of the State, the " Mormon War "and 
the Mexican War. 

In the first of these the Governor proved himself 
to be eminently wise. On coming into office he found 
the State badly paralyzed by the ruinous effects of 
the notorious "internal improvement" schemes of 



the preceding decade, with scarcely anything to 
show by way of "improvement." The enterprise 
that seemed to be getting ahead more than all the 
rest was the Illinois & Michigan Canal. As this 
promised to be the most important thoroughfare, 
feasible to the people, it was well under headway in 
its construction. Therefore the State policy wa; 
almost concentrated upon it, in order to rush it on te 
completion. The bonded indebtedness of the State- 
was growing so large as to frighten the people, and 
they were about ready to entertain a proposition for 
repudiation. But the Governor had the foresight to 
recommend such measures as would maintain the 
public credit, for which every citizen to-day feels 
thankful. 

But perhaps the Governor is remembered more for 
his connection with the Mormon troubles than for 
anything else; for it was during his term of office 
that the " Latter-Day Saints " became so strong at 
Nauvoo, built their temple there, increased their num- 
bers throughout the country, committed misdemean- 
ors, taught dangerous doctrines, suffered the loss of 
theirleader, Jo Smith, by a violent death, were driven 
out of Nauvoo to the far West, etc. Having been a 
Judge for so many years previously, Mr. Ford of 
course was non-committal concerning Mormon affairs, 
and was therefore claimed by both parties and also 
accused by each of sympathizing too greatly with the 
other side. Moimonism claiming to be a system of 
religion, the Governor no doubt was "between two 
fires," and felt compelled to touch the matter rather 
" gingerly," and doubtless felt greatly relieved when 
that pestilential people left the State. Such compli- 
cated matters, especially when religion is mixed up 
with them, expose every person participating in 
them to criticism from all parties. 

The Mexican War was begun in the spring of 
1845, and was continued into the gubernatorial term 
of Mr. Ford's suxessor. The Governor's connection 
with this war, however, was not conspicuous, as it 
was only administrative, commissioning officers, etc. 
Ford's " History of Illinois " is a very readable and 
entertaining work, of 450 small octavo pages, and is 
destined to increase in value with the lapse of time. 
It exhibits a natural flow of compact and forcible 
thought, never failing to convey the nicest sense. In 
tracing with his trenchant pen the devious operations 
of the professional politician, in which he is inimit- 
able, his account is open, perhaps, to the objection 
that all his contemporaries are treated as mere place- 
seekers, while many of them have since been judged 
by the people to be worthy statesmen. His writings 
seem slightly open to the criticism that they exhibit 
a little splenetic partiality against those of his con- 
temporaries who were prominent during his term of 
office as Governor. 

The death of Gov. Ford took place at Peoria, 111., 
Nov. 2, 1850. 




— <4<S2^?t7&-t>*vG^/ 



GO VERNORS OF ILLINOIS. 



143 




->wf; 



W?fW3?\ 



^!£ffiXI£ffiX^^^^^^^#^^fr^^#^^^Xi^#^^fl | ' 



Augustus c. French. 








AUGUSTUS C. FRENCH, 
Governor of Illinois from 
1846 to 1852, was born in 
the town of Hill, in the 
State of New Hampshire, 
Aug. 2, 1808. He was a 
descendant in the fourth 
generation ot Nathaniel 
French, who emigrated from England 
in 1687 and settled in Saybury, Mass. 
In early life young French lost his 
father, but continued to receive in- 
struction from an exemplary and 
Christian mother until he was 19 years 
old, when she also died, confiding to 
his care and trust four younger broth- 
ers and one sister. He discharged his trust with 
parental devotion. His education in early life was 
such mainly as a common school afforded. For a 
brief period he attended Dartmouth College, but 
from pecuniary causes and the care of his brothers 
and sister, he did not graduate. He subsequently 
read law, and was admitted to the Bar in 1831, and 
shortly afterward removed to Illinois, settling first at 
Albion, Edwards County, where he established him- 
self in the practice of law. The following year he 
removed to Paris, Edgar County. Here he attained 
eminence in his profession, and entered public life 
by representing that county in the Legislature. A 
strong attachment sprang up between him and Ste- 
phen A. Douglas. 

In 1839, Mr. French was appointed Receiver of 
the United States Land Office at Palestine, Craw- 
ford County, at which place he was a resident when 



elevated to the gubernatorial chair. In 1844 he was 
a Presidential Elector, and as such he voted for 
James K. Polk. 

The Democratic State Convention of 1846, meet- 
ing at Springfield Feb. 10, nominated Mr. French 
for Governor. Other Democratic candidates were 
Lyman Trumbull, John Calhoun (subsequently of 
Lecompton Constitution notoriety), Walter B. Scates, 
Richard M. Young and A. W. Cavarly, — an arrav of 
very able and prominent names. Trumbull was per- 
haps defeated in the Convention by the rumor that 
he was opposed to the Illinois and Michigan Canal, 
as he had been a year previously. For Lieutenant 
Governor J. B. Wells was chosen, while other candi- 
dates were Lewis Ross, Win, McMuitry, Newton 
Cloud, J. B. Hamilton and VV. W. Thompson. The 
resolutions declared strongly against the resuscita- 
tion of the old State Banks. 

The Whigs, who were in a hopeless minority, held 
their convention June 8, at Peoria, and selected 
Thomas M. Ivilpatrick, of Scott County, for Governor, 
and Gen. Nathaniel G. Wilcox, of Schuyler, for 
Lieutenant Governor. 

In the campaign the latter exposed Mr. French's 
record and connection with the passage of the in- 
ternal improvement system, urging it against his 
election; but in the meantime the war with Mexico 
broke out, regarding which the Whig record was un- 
popular in this State. The war was the absorbing 
and dominating question of the period, sweeping 
every other political issue in its course. The elec- 
tion in August gave Mr. French 58,700 votes, and 
Kilpatrick only 36,775. Richard Eells, Abolitionist 
candidate for the same office, received 5,152 votes 



144 



AUGUSTUS C. FRENCH. 



By the new Constitution of 1848, a new election for 
State officers was ordered in November of that year, 
before Gov. French's terra was half out, and he was 
re-elected for the term of four years. He was there- 
fore the incumbent for six consecutive years, the 
only Governor of this State who has ever served in 
that capacity so long at one time. As there was no 
organized opposition to his election, he received 67,- 
453 votes, to 5,639 for Pierre Menard (son of the 
first Lieutenant Governor), 4,748 for Charles V. 
Dyer, 3,834 for W. L. D. Morrison, and 1,361 for 
James L. D. Morrison. But Win. McMurtry, of 
Knox County, was elected Lieutenant Governor, in 
place of Joseph B. Wells, who was before elected 
and did not run again. 

Governor French was inaugurated into office dur- 
ing the progress of the Mexican War, which closed 
during the summer of 1847, although the treaty of 
Guadalupe Hidalgo was not made until Feb. 2, 
1848. The policy of Gov. French's party was com- 
mitted to that war, but in connection with that affair 
he was, of course, only an administrative officer. 
During his term of office, Feb. 19, 1847, the Legisla- 
ture, by special permission of Congress, declared that 
all Government lands sold to settlers should be im- 
mediately subject to State taxation ; before this they 
were exempt for five years after sale. By this ar- 
rangement the revenue was materially increased. 
About the same time, the distribution of Government 
land warrants among the Mexican soldiers as bounty 
threw upon the market a great quantity of good 
lands, and this enhanced the settlement of the State. 
The same Legislature authorized, with the recom- 
mendation of the Governor, the sale of the Northern 
Cross Railroad (from Springfield to Meredosia, the 
first in the State and now a section of the Wabash, 
St. Louis & Pacific) It sold for $100,000 in bonds, 
although it had cost the State not less than a million. 
The salt wells and canal lands in the Saline reserve 
in Gallatin County, granted by the general Govern- 
ment to the State, were also authorized by the 
Governor to be sold, to apply on the State debt. In 
1850, for the first time since 1839, the accruing State 
revenue, exclusive of specific appropriations, was 
sufficient to meet the current demands upon the 
treasury. The aggregate taxable property of the 
State at this time was over $100,000,000, and the 
population 851,470. 



In 1849 the Legislature adopted the township or- 
ganization law, which, however, proved defective, 
and was properly amended in 1851. At its session 
in the latter year, the General Assembly also passed 
a law to exempt homesteads from sale on executions 
This beneficent measure had been repeatedly arged 
upon that body by Gov. French. 

In 1850 some business men in St. Louis com- 
menced to build a dike opposite the lower part of 
their city on the Illinois side, to keep the Mississippi 
in its channel near St. Louis, instead of breaking 
away from them as it sometimes threatened to do. 
This they undertook without permission from the 
Legislature or Executive authority of this State ; and 
as many of the inhabitants thera complained that 
the scheme would inundate and ruin much valuable 
land, there was a slight conflict of jurisdictions, re- 
sulting in favor of the St. Louis project; and since 
then a good site has existed there for a city (East St. 
Louis), and now a score of railroads center there. 

It was in September, 1850, that Congress granted 
to this State nearly 3,000,000 acres of land in aid of 
the completion of the Illinois Central Railroad, 
which constituted the most important epoch in the 
railroad — we might say internal improvement — his- 
tory of the State. The road was rushed on to com- 
pletion, which accelerated the settlement of the in- 
terior of the State by a good class of industrious citi- 
zens, and by the charter a good income to the State 
Treasury is paid in from the earnings of the road. 

In 1851 the Legislature passed a law authorizing 
free stock banks, which was the source of much leg- 
islative discussion for a number of years. 

But we have not space further to particularize 
concerning legislation. Gov. French's administra- 
tion was not marked by any feature to be criticised, 
while the country was settling up as never before. 

In stature, Gov. French was of medium height, 
squarely built, light complexioned, with ruddy face 
and pleasant countenance. In manners he was 
plain and agreeable. By nature he was somewhat 
diffident, but he was often very outspoken in his con- 
victions of duty. In public speech he was not an 
orator, but was chaste, earnest and persuasive. In 
business he was accurate and methodical, and in his 
administration he kept up the credit of the State. 

He died in 1865, at his home in Lebanon, St. 
Clair Co., 111. 



<;<>!'£ J? JVOA'S OF ILLINOIS. 



147 








k, 



0el Ju fPathes0u 






j-.OEL A. MATTESON, Governor 
jife»» tSss - ^! was born Aug. S, 1808, 
in Jefferson County, New York, 
to which place his father had re- 
moved from Vermont three years 
before. His father was a farmer 
in fair circumstances, but a com- 
mon English education was all 
that his only son received. Young 
Joel first tempted fortune as a 
small tradesman in Prescott, 
Canada, before he was of age. 
He returned from that place to 
his home, entered an academy, 
taught school, visited the prin- 
cipal Eastern cities, improved a farm his father had 
given him, made a tour in the South, worked there 
in building railroads, experienced a storm on the 
Gulf of Mexico, visited the gold diggings of Northern 
Georgia, and returned via Nashville to St. Louis and 
through Illinois to his father's home, when he mar- 
ried. In 1S33, having sold his farm, he removed, 
with his wife and one child, to Illinois, and entered 
a claim on Government land near the head of An 
Sable River, in what is now Kendall County. At 
that time there were not more than two neighbors 
within a range of ten miles of his place, and only 
three or four houses between him and Chicago. He 
opened a large farm. His fa::ii!y was boarded 1 2 



miles away while he erected a house on his claim, 
sleeping, during this time, under a rude pole shed. 
Here his life was once placed in imminent peril by 
a huge prairie rattlesnake sharing his bed. 

In 1835 he bought largely at the Government land 
sales. During the speculative real-estate mania which 
broke out in Chicago in 1836 and spread over the State, 
he sold his lands under the inflation of that period 
and removed to Joliet. In 1838 he became a heavy 
contractor on the Illinois & Michigan Canal. Upon 
the completion of his job in 184 1, when hard times 
prevailed, business at a stand, contracts paid in State 
scrip; when all the public works except the canal 
were abandoned, the State offered for sale 700 tons 
of railroad iron, which was purchased by Mr. Mai 
teson at a bargain. This he accepted, shipped and 
sold at Detroit, realizing a very handsome profit, 
enough to pay off all his canal debts and leave him a 
surplus of several thousand dollars. His enterprise 
next prompted him to start a woolen mill at Joliet, 
in which he prospered, and which, after successive 
enlargements, became an enormous establishment. 

In 1842 he was first elected a State Senator, but, 
by a bungling apportionment, John Pearson, a Senator 
holding over, was found to be in the same district, 
and decided to be entitled to represent it. Mat- 
teson's seat was declared vacant. Pearson, however, 
with a nobleness difficult to appreciate in this day of 



t48 



JOEL A. MATTESON. 



greed for office, unwilling to represent his district 
under the circumstances, immediately resigned his 
unexpired term of two years. A bill was passed in a 
few hours ordering a new election, and in ten days' 
time Mr. Matteson was returned re-elected and took 
his seat as Senator. From his well-known capacity 
as a business man, he was made Chairman of the 
Committee on Finance, a position he held during 
this half and two full succeeding Senatorial terms, 
discharging its important duties with ability and faith- 
fulness. Besides his extensive woolen-mill interest, 
when work was resumed on the canal under the new 
loan of $1,600,000 he again became a heavy con- 
tractor, and also subsequently operated largely in 
building railroads. Thus he showed himself a most 
energetic and thorough business man. 

He was nominated for Governor by the Demo- 
cratic State Convention which met at Springfield 
April 20, 1852. Other candidates before the Con- 
vention were D. L. Gregg and F. C. Sherman, of 
Cook; John Dement, of Lee ; Thomas L. Harris, of 
Menard; Lewis W. Ross, of Fulton ; and D. P. Bush, 
of Pike. Gustavus Koerner, of St. Clair, was nom- 
inated for Lieutenant Governor. For the same offices 
the Whigs nominated Edwin B. Webb and Dexter A. 
Knowltoii. Mr. Matteson received 80,645 votes at 
the election, while Mr. Webb received 64,408. Mat- 
teson's forte was not on the stump; he had not cul- 
tivated the art of oily flattery, or the faculty of being 
all things to all men. His intellectual qualities took 
rather the direction of efficient executive ability. His 
turn consisted not so much in the adroit manage- 
ment of party, or the powerful advocacy of great gov- 
ernmental principles, as in those more solid and 
enduring operations which cause the physical devel- 
opment and advancement of a State, — of commerce 
and business enterprise, into which he labored with 
success to lead the people. As a politician he was 
just and liberal in his views, and both in official and 
private life he then stood untainted and free from 
blemish. As a man, in active benevolence, social 
rirtues and all the amiable qualities of neighbor or 
citizen, he had few superiors. His messages present 
a perspicuous array of facts as to the condition of the 
State, and are often couched in forcible and elegant 
diction. 

The greatest excitement during his term of office 
was the repeal of the Missouri Compromise, by Con- 



gress, under the leadership of Stephen A. Douglas in 
1854, when the bill was passed organizing the Terri- 
tory of Kansas and Nebraska. A large portion of 
the Whig party of the North, through their bitter op- 
position to the Democratic party, naturally drifted 
into the doctrine of anti-slavery, and thus led to what 
was temporarily called the "Anti-Nebraska" party, 
while the followers of Douglas were known as " Ne- 
braska or Douglas Democrats." It was during this 
embryo stage of the Republican party that Abraham 
Lincoln was brought forward as the "Anti-Nebraska" 
candidate for the United States Senatorship, while 
Gen. James Shields, the incumbent, was re-nom- 
inated by the Democrats. But after a fewballotings 
in the Legislature (1855), these men were dropped, 
and Lyman Trumbull, an Anti-Nebraska Democrat, 
was brought up by the former, and Mr. Matteson, 
then Governor, by the latter. On the nth ballot 
Mr. Trumbull obtained one majority, and was ac- 
cordingly declared elected. Before Gov. Matteson s 
term expired, the Republicans were fully organized 
as a national party, and in 1S56 put into the field a 
full national and State ticket, carrying the State, but 
not the nation. 

The Legislature of 1S55 passed two very import- 
ant measures, — the present free-school system and a 
submission of the Maine liquor law to a vote of the 
people. The latter was defeated by a small majority 
of the popular vote. 

During the four years of Gov. Matteson 's admin- 
istration the taxable wealth of the State was about 
trebled, from $137,818,079 to $349,951,272; the pub- 
lic debt was reduced from $17,398,985 to $12,843,- 
T44; taxation was at the same time reduced, and the 
State resumed paying interest on its debt in New 
York as fast as it fell due; railroads were increased 
in their mileage from something less than 400 to 
about 3,000 ; and the population of Chicago was 
nearly doubled, and its commerce more than quad- 
rupled. 

Before closing this account, we regret that we have 
to say that Mr. Matteson, in all other respects an 
upright man and a good Governor, was implicated 
in a false re-issue.of redeemed canal serin, amount- 
ing to $224,182.66. By a suit in the Sangamon Cir- 
cuit Court the State recovered the principal and all 
the interest excepting $27,500. 

He died in the winter of 187 2-3, at Chicago. 





"^d^u^ 



GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS. 



i5i 





* 



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[LLIAM H. BISSELL, Gov- 
ernor 1857-60, was born 
|gp April 25, 181 1, in the 
State of New York, near 
Painted Post, Yates County. 
His parents were obscure, 
honest, God-fearing people, 
who reared their children under the daily 
example of industry and frugality, accord- 
ing to the custom of that class of Eastern 
society. Mr. Bissell received a respecta- 
ble but not thorough academical education. 
By assiduous application he acquired a 
knowledge of medicine, and in his early 
manhood came West and located in Mon- 
roe County, this State, where he engaged in the 
practice of that profession. But he was not enam- 
ored of his calling: he was swayed by a broader 
ambition, to such an extent that the mysteries of the 
healing art and its arduous duties failed to yield him 
further any charms. In a few years he discovered 
bis choice of a profession to be a mistake, and when 
he approached the age of 30 he sought to begin 
anew. Dr. Bissell, no doubt unexpectedly to him- 
self, discovered a singular facility and charm of 
speech, the exercise of which acquired for him a 
ready local notoriety. It soon came to be under- 



stood that he desired to abandon his profession and 
take up that of the law. During terms of Court he 
would spend his time at the county seat among the 
members of the Bar, who extended to him a ready 
welcome. 

It was not strange, therefore, that he should drift 
into public life. In 1840 he was elected as a Dem- 
ocrat to the Legislature from Monroe County, and 
was an efficient member of that body. On his re- 
turn home he qualified himself for admission to the 
Bar and speedily rose to the front rank as an advo- 
cate. His powers of oratory were captivating. With a 
pure diction, charming and inimitable gestures, 
clearness of statement, and a remarkable vein of sly 
humor, his efforts before a jury told with irresistible 
effect. He was chosen by the Legislature Prosecut- 
ing Attorney for the Circuit in which he lived, and 
in that position he fully discharged his duty to the 
State, gained the esteem of the Bar, and seldom 
failed to convict the offender of the law. 

In stature he was somewhat tall and slender, and 
with a straight, military bearing, lie presented a dis- 
tinguished appearance. His complexion was dark, 
his head well poised, though not large, his address 
pleasant and manner winning. He was exemplary 
in his habits, a devoted husband and kind parent. 
He was twice married, the first time to Miss James, 



!5 2 



WILLIAM H. BISSELL. 



of Monroe County, by whom he had two children, 
both daughters. She died soon after the year 1840, 
and Mr. B. married for his second wife a daughter 
of Elias K. Kane, previously a United States Senator 
from this State. She survived him but a short time, 
and died without issue. 

When the war with Mexico was declared in 1846, 
Mr. Bissell enlisted and was elected Colonel of his 
regiment, over Hon. Don Morrison, by an almost 
unanimous vote, — 807 to 6. Considering the limiied 
opportunities he had had, he evinced a high order of 
military talent. On the bloody field of Buena Vista 
he acquitted himself with intrepid and distinguished 
ability, contributing with his regiment, the Second 
Illinois, in no small degree toward saving the waver- 
ing fortunes of our arms during that long and fiercely 
contested battle. 

After his return home, at the close of the war, he 
was elected to Congress, his opponents being the 
Hons. P. B. Fouke and Joseph Gillespie. He served 
two terms in Congress. He was an ardent politician. 
During the great contest of 1850 he voted in favor 
of the adjustment measures; but in 1854 he opposed 
the repeal of the Missouri Compromise act and 
therefore the Kansas-Nebraska bill of Douglas, and 
thus became identified with the nascent Republican 
party. 

During his first Congressional term, while the 
Southern members were following their old practice 
of intimidating the North by bullying language, 
and claiming most of the credit for victories in the 
Mexican War, and Jefferson Davis claiming for the 
Mississippi troops all the credit for success at. Buena 
Vista, Mr. Bissell bravely defended the Northern 
troops ; whereupon Davis challenged Bissell to a duel, 
which was accepted. This matter was brought up 
against Bissell when he was candidate for Governor 
and during his term of office, as the Constitution of 
this State forbade any duelist from holding a State 
office. 

In 1856, when the Republican party first put forth 
a candidate, John C. Fremont, for President of the 
United States, the same party nominated Mr. Bissell 
for Governor of Illinois, and John Wood, of Quincy, 
for Lieutenant Governor, while the Democrats nomi- 
nated Hon. W. A. Richardson, of Adams County, 
for Governor, and Col. R. J. Hamilton, of Cook 
County, for Lieutenant Governor. The result of the 



election was a plurality of 4,729 votes over Richard- 
son. The American, or Know-Nothing, party had a 
ticket in the field. The Legislature was nearly bal- 
anced, but was politically opposed to the Governor. 
His message to the Legislature was short and rather 
ordinary, and was criticised for expressing the sup- 
posed obligations of the people to the incorporators 
of the Illinois Central Railroad Company and for re- 
opening the slavery question by allusions to the 
Kansas troubles. Late in the session an apportion- 
ment bill, based upon the State census of 1855, was 
passed, amid much partisan strife. The Governor 
at first signed the bill and then vetoed it. A furious 
debate followed, and the question whether the Gov- 
ernor had the authority to recall a signature was 
referred to the Courts, that of last resort deciding in 
favor of the Governor. Two years afterward another 
outrageous attempt was made for a re-apportionment 
and to gerrymander the State, but the Legislature 
failed to pass the bill over the veto of the Governor. 

It was during Gov. Bissell's administration that 
the notorious canal scrip fraud was brought to light, 
implicating ex-Gov. Matteson and other prominent 
State officials. The principal and interest, aggregat- 
ing $255,500, was all recovered by the State except- 
ing $27,500. (See sketch of Gov. Matteson.) 

In 1S59 an attempt was discovered to fraudu- 
lently refund the Macalister and Stebbins bonds and 
thus rob the State Treasury of nearly a quarter of a 
million dollars. The State Government was impli- 
cated in this affair, and to this day remains unex- 
plained or unatoned for. For the above, and other 
matters previously mentioned, Gov. Bissell has been 
severely criticised, and he has also been most shame- 
fully libelled and slandered. 

On account of exposure in the army, the remote 
cause of a nervous form of disease gained entrance 
into his system and eventually developed paraplegia, 
affecting his lower extremities, which, while it left 
his body in comparative health, deprived him of loco- 
motion except by the aid of crutches. While he was 
generally hopeful of ultimate recovery, this myste- 
rious disease pursued him, without once relaxing its 
stealthy hold, to the close of his life, March iS, 
i860, over nine months before the expiration of his 
gubernatorial term, at the early age of 48 years. He 
died in the faith of the Roman Catholic Church, of 
which he hnrV been a member since 1854. 



Gij VERNORS OF ILLINOIS. 



'55 








*** 



-?— 



IjjIjOHN WOOD, Governov 1 860-1 , and 
{$&* the first settler of Quincy, 111., 
was born in the town of Sempro- 
nius (now Moravia), Cayuga Co., 
N. Y., Dec. 20, 1798. He was 
the second child and only son of 
Dr. Daniel Wood. His mother, 
nee Catherine Crause, was of 
German parentage, and died 
while he was an infant. Dr. 
Wood was a learned and skillful 
physician, of classical attain- 
ments and proficient in several 
modern languages, who, after 
serving throughout the Revolu- 
tionary War as a Surgeon, settled on the land granted 
him by the Government, and resided there a re- 
spected and leading influence in his section until his 
death, at the ripe age of 92 years. 

The subject of this sketch, impelled by the spirit 
of Western adventure then pervading everywhere, 
left his home, Nov. 2, 18 18, and passed the succeed- 
ing winter in Cincinnati, Ohio. The following sum- 
mer he pushed on to Illinois, landing at Shawneetown. 
and spent the fall and following winter in Calhoun 
County. In r82o, in company with Willard Keyes, 
he settled in Pike County, about 30 miles southeast 
ni Quincy, where for the next two years he pursued 
farming. In 1821 he visited "the Bluffs" (as the 
present site of Quincy was called, then uninhabited) 
and, pleased with its prospects, soon after purchased 
a quarter-section of land near by, and in the follow- 
ing fall (1822) erected near the river a small cabin, 



18 x 20 feet, the first building in Quincy, of whirl, 
he then became the first and for some months the 
only occupant. 

About this time he visited his old friends in Pike 
County, chief of whom was William Ross, the lead- 
ing man in building up the village of Atlas, of that 
county, which was thought then to be the possible 
commencement of a city. One day they and others 
were traveling together over the country between the 
two points named, making observations on the com- 
parative merits of the respective localities. On ap- 
proaching the Mississippi near Mr. Wood's place, 
the latter told his companions to follow him and he 
would show them where he was going to build a city. 
They went about a mile off the main trail, to a high 
point, from which the view in every direction was 
most magnificent, as it had been for ages and as yet 
untouched by the hand of man. Before them swept 
by the majestic Father of Waters, yet unburdened by 
navigation. After Mr. Wood had expatiated at 
length on the advantages of the situation, Mr. Ross 
replied, "But it's too near Atlas ever to amount to 
anything!" 

Atlas is still a cultivated farm, and Quincy is 3 
city of over 30,000 population. 

In 1824 Mr. Wood gave a newspaper notice, 
as the law then prescribed, of his intention to apply 
to the General Assembly for the formation of a new 
county. This was done the following winter, result- 
ing in the establishment of the present Adams 
County. During the next summer Quincy was se- 
lected as the county seat, it and the vicinity then 
containing but four adult male residents and half 



'5° 



IOHN WOOD. 



that number of females. Sinoe that period Mr. 
Wood resided at the place of his early adoption un- 
til his death, and far more than any other man was 
he identified with every measure of its progress and 
history, and almost continuously kept in public posi- 
tions. 

He was one of the early town Trustees, and after 
the place became a city he was often a member of 
the City Council, many times elected Mayor, in the 
face of a constant large opposition political majority. 
In 1850 he was elected to the State Senate. In 1856, 
on the organization of the Republican party, he was 
chosen Lieutenant Governor of the State, on the 
ticket with Wm. H. Bissell for Governor, and on the 
death of the latter, March 18, i860, he succeeded to 
the Chief Executive chair, which he occupied until 
Gov. Yates was inaugurated nearly ten months after- 
ward. 

Nothing very marked characterized the adminis- 
tration of Gov. Wood. The great anti-slavery cam- 
paign of i860, resulting in the election of the honest 
Illinoisan, Abraham Lincoln, to the Presidency of the 
United States, occurred during the short period 
while Mr. Wood was Governor, and tne excitement 
and issues of that struggle dominated over every 
other consideration, — indeed, supplanted them in a 
great measure. The people of Illinois, during all 
that time, were passing the comparatively petty strifes 
under Bissell's administration to the overwhelming 
issue of preserving the whole nation from destruction. 

In 1861 ex-Gov. Wood was one of the five Dele- 
gates from Illinois to the " Peace Convention " at 
Washington, and in April of the same year, on the 
.breaking out of the Rebellion, he was appointed 



Quartermaster-General of the State, which position 
he held throughout the war. In 1S64 he took com- 
mand as Colonel of the 1 37th 111. Vol. Inf., with 
whom he served until the period of enlistment ex- 
pired. 

Politically, Gov. Wood was always actively identi- 
fied with the Whig and Republican parties. Few 
men have in personal experience comprehended so 
many surprising and advancing local changes as 
vested in the more than half century recollections of 
Gov. Wood. Sixty-four years ago a solitary settler 
on the "Bluffs," with no family, and no neighbor 
within a score of miles, the world of civilization away 
behind him, and the strolling red-man almost his 
only visitant, he lived to see growing around him, 
and under his auspices and aid, overspreading the 
wild hills and scraggy forest a teaming city, second 
only in size in the State, and surpassed nowhere in 
beauty, prosperity and promise; whose people recog- 
nize as with a single voice the proverbial honor and 
liberality that attach to the name and lengthened 
life of their pioneer settler, "the old Governor." 

Gov. Wood was twice married, — first in January, 
1826, to Ann M. Streeter, daughter of Joshua Streeter, 
formerly of Salem, Washington Co., N. Y. They had 
eight children. Mrs. W. died Oct. 8, 1863, and in 
June, 1865, Gov. Wood married Mis. Mary A., widow 
of Rev. Joseph T. Holmes. Gov. Wood died June 4, 
1880, at his residence in Quincy. Four of his eight 
children are now living, namely: Ann E., wife of 
Gen. John Tillson; Daniel C, who married Mary 1. 
Abernethy; John, Jr., who married Josephine Skinner, 
and Joshua S., who married Annie Bradley. The 
last mentioned now resides at Atchison, Kansas, and 
all the rest are still at Quincy. 







D 



GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS. 



! 59 




^^TCT^cTP^ ^^^ ^^^iv ^ VV^^ 



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g i c; l\ a i* d f at^s. 



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ICHARD YATES, the "War 
Governor," 1861-4, was born 
Jan. 18, 18 18, on the banks of 
the Ohio River, at Warsaw, 
Gallatin Co., Ky. His father 
£*■ moved in 1831 to Illinois, and ) 
after stopping for a time in 
Springfield, settled at Island 
Grove, Sangamon County. Here, 
after attending school, Richard joined 
the family. Subsequently he entered 
Illinois College at Jacksonville, 
jraHpn where, in 1837, he graduated with 

"^1 S^yj first honors. He chose for his pro- 

^^^ fession the law, the Hon. J. J. Har- 

& din being his instructor. After ad- 

mission to the Bar he soon rose to distinction as an 
advocate. 

Gifted with a fluent and ready oratory, he soon 
appeared in the political hustings, and, being a 
passionate admirer of the great Whig leader of the 
West. Henry Clay, he joined his political fortunes to 
he party of his idol. In 1840 he engaged with great 
-rdor in the exciting "hard cider" campaign for 
rlarrison. Two years later he was elected to the 
Legislature from Morgan County, a Democratic 
stronghold. He served three or four terms in the 
Legislature, and such was the fascination of his ora- 
ry that by 1850 his large Congressional District, 
* vtending from Morgan and Sangamon Counties 
. orth to include LaSalle, unanimously tendered him 
: iir= Whig nomination for Congress. His Democratic 
opponent was Maj. Thomas L. Harris, a very pop- 
lar man who had won distinction at the battle of 
Cerro Gordo, in the Mexican War, and who had 
aeaten Hon. Stephen T. Logan for the same position, 



two years before, by a large majority. Yates was 
elected. Two years later he was re-elected, over 
John Calhoun. 

It was during Yates second term in Congress that 
the great question of the repeal of the Missouri Com- 
promise was agitated, and the bars laid down for re- 
opening the dreaded anti-slavery question. He took 
strong grounds against the repeal, and thus became 
identified with the rising Republican party. Conse- 
quently he fell into the minority in his district, which 
was pro-slavery. Even then, in a third contest, he 
fell behind Major Harris only 200 votes, after the 
district had two years before given Pierce 2,000 
majority for President. 

The Republican State Convention of i860 met at 
Decatur May 9, and nominated for the office of Gov- 
ernor Mr. Yates, in preference to Hon. Norman B. 
Judd, of Chicago, and Leonard Swett, of Blooming- 
ton, two of the ablest men of the State, who were 
also candidates before the Convention. Francis A. 
Hoffman, of DuPage County, was nominated for 
Lieutenant Governor. This was the year when Mr. 
Lincoln was a candidate for President, a period re- 
membered as characterized by the great whirlpool 
which precipitated the bloody War of the Rebellion. 
The Douglas Democrats nominated J. C. Allen of 
Crawford County, for Governor, and Lewis W. Ross, 
of Fulton County, for Lieutenant Governor. The 
Breckenridge Democrats and the Bell-Everett party 
had also full tickets in the field. After a most fear- 
ful campaign, the result of the election gave Mr. 
Yates 172,196 votes, and Mr. Allen 159,253. Mr. 
Yates received over a thousand more votes than did 
Mr. Lincoln himself. 

Gov. Yates occupied the chair of State during the 



i6o 



RICHARD YA TES. 



most critical period of our country's history. In the 
fate of the nation was involved that of each State. 
The life struggle of the former derived its sustenance 
from the loyalty of the latter; and Gov. Yates 
seemed to realize the situation, and proved himself 
both loyal and wise in upholding the Government. 
He had a deep hold upon the affections of the 
people, won by his moving eloquence and genial 
manners. Erect and symmetrical in person, of pre- 
possessing appearance, with a winning address and a 
magnetic power, few men possessed more of the ele- 
ments of popularity. His oratory was scholarly and 
captivating, his hearers hardly knowing why they 
were transported. He was social and convivial. In 
the latter respect he was ultimately carried too far. 

The very creditable military efforts of this State 
during the War of the Rebellion, in putting into the 
field the enormous number of about 200,000 soldiers, 
were ever promptly and ably seconded by his excel- 
lency ; and the was ambitious to deserve the title of 
"the soldier's friend." Immediately after the battleof 
Shiloh he repaired to the field of carnage to look 
after the wounded, and his appeals for aid were 
promptly responded to by the people. His procla- 
mations calling for volunteers were impassionate 
appeals, urging upon the people the duties and re- 
quirements of patriotism ; and his special message 
in 1863 to the Democratic Legislature of this State 
pleading for material aid for the sick and wounded 
soldiers of Illinois regiments, breathes a deep fervor 
of noble sentiment and feeling rarely equaled in 
beauty or felicity of expression. Generally his mes- 
sages on political and civil affairs were able and com- 
prehensive. During his administration, however, 
there were no civil events of an engrossing character, 
although two years of his time were replete with 
partisan quarrels of great bitterness. Military ar- 
rests, Knights of the Golden Circle, riot in Fulton 
County, attempted suppression of the Chicago Times 
and the usurping State Constitutional Convention of 
1862, were the chief local topics that were exciting 
during the Governor's term. This Convention assem- 
bled Jan. 7, and at once took the high position that 
'he law calling it was no longer binding, and that it 

ad supreme power; that it represented a virtual 
assemblage of the whole people of the State, and was 
sovereign in the exercise of all power necessary to 
effect a peaceable revolution of the State Government 



and to the re-establishment of one for the "happiness, 
prosperity and freedom of the citizens," limited only 
by the Federal Constitution. Notwithstanding the 
law calling the Convention required its members to 
take an oath to support the Constitution of the State 
as well as that of the general Government, they 
utterly refused to take such oath. They also as- 
sumed legislative powers and passed several import- 
ant " laws ! " Interfering with the (then) present 
executive duties, Gov. Yates was provoked to tell 
them plainly that " he did not acknowledge the right 
of the Convention to instruct him in the performance 
of his duty." 

In 1863 the Governor astonished the Democrats 
by " proroguing " their Legislature. This body, after 
a recess, met June 2, that year, and soon began to 
waste time upon various partisan resolutions ; and, 
while the two houses were disagreeing upon the 
question of adjourning sine die, the Governor, having 
the authority in such cases, surprised them all by 
adjourning them " to the Saturday next preceding the 
first Monday in January, 1865 !" This led to great 
excitement and confusion, and to a reference of the 
Governor's act to the Supreme Court, who decided in 
his favor. Then it was the Court's turn to receive 
abuse for weeks and months afterward. 

During the autumn of 1864 a conspiracy was de- 
tected at Chicago which had for its object the liber- 
ation of the prisoners of war at Camp Douglas, the 
burning of the city and the inauguration of rebellion 
in the North. Gen. Sweet, who had charge of the 
camp at the time, first had his suspicions of danger 
aroused by a number of enigmatically worded letters 
which passed through the Camp postoffice. A de- 
tective afterward discovered that the rebel Gen. 
Marmaduke was in the city, under an assumed 
name, and he, with other rebel officers — -Grenfell, 
Morgan, Cantrell, Buckner Morris, and Charles 
Walsh — was arrested, most of whom were convicted 
by a court-martial at Cincinnati and sentenced to 
imprisonment, — Grenfell to be hung. The sentence 
of the latter was afterward commuted to imprison- 
ment for life, and all the others, after nine months' 
imprisonment, were pardoned. 

In March, 1873, Gov. Yates was appointed a Gov- 
ernment Director of the Union Pacific Railroad, in 
which, office he continued until his decease, at St. 
Louis, Mo., on the 27th of November following. 



GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS. 



163 





Richard J* Oqlesb] 





— s- 



s* 



||PKICHARD J. OGLESBY, Gov- 
i 9 s * ernor 1865-8, and re-elected 
E^ in 1872 and 1884, was born 
July 25, 1824, in Oldham Co., 
Ky., — the State which might 
be considered the " mother of 
ijJ5r Illinois Governors." Bereft of 
his parents at the tender age 
of eight years, his early education 
was neglected. When 12 years of 
age, and after he had worked a year 
and a half at the carpenter's trade, 
he removed with an uncle, Willis 
Oglesby, into whose care he had 
been committed, to Decatur, this 
State, where he continued his ap- 
prenticeship as a mechanic, working six months for 
Hon. E. O. Smith. 

In 1844 he commenced studying law at Spring- 
field, with Judge Silas Robbins, and read with him 
one year. He was admitted to the Bar in 1845, and 
commenced the practice of his chosen profession at 
Sullivan, the county seat of Moultrie County. 

The next year the war with Mexico was com- 
menced, and in June, 1846, Mr. Oglesby volunteered, 
was elected First Lieutenant of Co. C, Fourth Illinois 
Regiment of Volunteers, and participated in the bat- 
tles of Vera Cruz and Cerro Gordo. 

On his return he sought to perfect his law studies 
by attending a course of lectures at Louisville, but 
on the breaking out of the California "gold fever " in 
1849, he crossed the plains and mountains to the 
new Eldorado, driving a six-mule team, with a com- 



pany of eight men, Henry Prather being the leader. 

In 1852 lie returned home to Macon County, and 
was placed that year by the Whig party on the ticket 
of Presidential Electors. In 1856 he visited Europe, 
Asia and Africa, being absent 20 months. On his 
return home he resumed the practice of law, as a 
member of the firm of Gallagher, Wait & Oglesby. 
In 1858 he was the Republican nominee for the 
Lower House of Congress, but was defeated by the 
Hon. James C. Robinson, Democrat. In i860 lie 
was elected to the Illinois State Senate; and on the 
evening the returns of this election were coming in, 
Mr. Oglesby had a fisticuff encounter with " Cerro 
Gordo Williams," in which he came out victorious, 
and which was regarded as " the first fight of the 
Rebellion." The following spring, when the war 
had commenced in earnest, his ardent nature 
quickly responded to the demands of patriotism and 
he enlisted. The extra session of the Legislature 
elected him Colonel of the Eighth Illinois Infantry, 
the second one in the State raised to suppress the 
great Rebellion. 

He was shortly entrusted with important com- 
mands. For a time he was stationed at Bird's Point 
and Cairo; in April he was promoted Brigadier Gen- 
eral; at Fort Donelson his brigade was in the van, 
being stationed on the right of General Grant's army 
and the first brigade to be attacked. He lost 500 
men before re-inforcements arrived. Many of these 
men were from Macon County. He was engaged in 
the battle of Corinth, and, in a brave charge at this 
place, was shot in the left lung with an ounce ball, 
and was carried from the field in expectation of i, n - 



164 



RICHARD J. OGLESBY. 



mediate death. That rebel ball he carries to this 
day. On his partial recovery he was promoted as 
Major General, for gillantry, his commission to rank 
from November, 1862. In the spring of 1863 he 
was assigned to the command of the 16th Army 
Corps, but, owing to inability from the effects of his 
wound, he relinquished this command in July, that 
year. Gen. Grant, however, refused to accept his 
resignation, and he was detailed, in December follow- 
ing, to court-martial and try the Surgeon General of 
the Army at Washington, where he remained until 
May, 1864, when he returned home. 

The Republican, or Union, State Convention of 

1864 was held at Springfield, May 25, when Mr. 
Oglesby was nominated for the office of Governor, 
while other candidates before the Convention were 
Allen C. Fuller, of Boone, Jesse K. Dubois, of Sanga- 
mon, and John M. Palmer, of Macoupin. Win, 
Bross, of Chicago, was nominated for Lieutenant 
Governor. On the Democratic State ticket were 
James C. Robinson, of Clark, for Governor, and S. 
Corning Judd, of Fulton, for Lieutenant Governor. 
The general election gave Gen. Oglesby a majority 
of about 31,000 votes. The Republicans had also a 
majority in both the Legislature and in the repre- 
sentation in Congress. 

Gov. Oglesby was duly inaugurated Jan. 17, 1865. 
The day before the first time set for his installation 
death visited his home at Decatur, and took from it 
his only son, an intelligent and sprightly lad of six 
years, a great favorite of the bereaved parents. This 
caused the inauguration to be postponed a week. 

The political events of the Legislative session of 

1865 were the election of ex-Gov. Yates to the 
United States Senate, and the ratification of the 13th 
amendment to the Constitution of the United States, 
abolishing slavery. This session also signalized 
itself by repealing the notorious " black laws," part 
of which, although a dead letter, had held their place 
upon the statute books since 1819. Also, laws re- 
quiring the registration of voters, and establishing a 
State Board of Equalization, were passed by this Leg- 
islature. But the same body evinced that it was cor- 
ruptly influenced by a mercenary lobby, as it adopted 
some bad legislation, over the Governor's veto, nota- 
bly an amendment to a charter for a Chicago horse 
railway, granted in 1859 for 25 years, and now 
sought to be extended 99 years. As this measure 
was promptly passed over his veto by both branches 
of the Legislature, he deemed it useless further to 
attempt to check their headlong career. At this 
session no law of a general useful character or public 
interest was perfected, unless we count such the 
turning over of the canal to Chicago to be deepened. 
The session of 1867 was still more productive of 
private and special acts. Many omnibus bills were 
proposed, and some passed. The contests over the 
.ocation of the Industrial College, the Capital, the 



Southern Penitentiary, and the canal enlargement 
and Illinois River improvement, dominated every- 
thing else. 

During the year 1872, it became evident that if 
the Republicans could re-elect Mr. Oglesby to the 
office of Governor, they could also elect him to the 
United States Senate, which they desired to do. 
Accordingly they re-nominated him for the Execu- 
tive chair, and placed upon the ticket with him for 
Lieutenant Governor, John L. Beveridge, of Cook 
County. On the other side the Democrats put into 
the field Gustavus Koerner for Governor and John 
C. Black for Lieutenant Governor. The election 
gave the Republican ticket majorities ranging from 
35'334 to 56,174, — the Democratic defection being 
caused mainly by their having an old-time Whig and 
Abolitionist, Horace Greeley, on the national ticket 
for President. According to the general understand- 
ing had beforehand, as soon as the Legislature met 
it elected Gov. Oglesby to the United States Senate, 
whereupon Mr. Beveridge became Governor. Sena- 
tor Oglesby 's term expired March 4, 1879, having 
served his party faithfully and exhibited an order of 
statesmanship beyond criticism. 

During the campaign of 1884 Mr. Oglesby was 
nominated for a "third term" as Executive of the 
State of Illinois, against Carter H. Harrison, Mayor 
of Chicago, nominated by the Democrats. Both 
gentlemen "stumped " the State, and while the peo- 
ple elected a Legislature which was a tie on a joint 
ballot, as between the two parties, they gave the 
jovial " Dick" Oglesby a majority of 15,018 for Gov- 
ernor, and he was inaugurated Jan. 30, 1S85. The 
Legislature did not fully organize until this date, on 
account of its equal division between the two main 
parties and the consequent desperate tactics of each 
party to checkmate the latter in the organization of 
the House. 

Gov. Oglesby is a fine-appearing, affable man, with 
regular, well defined features and rotund face. In 
stature he is a little above medium height, of a large 
frame and somewhat fleshy. His physical appear 
ance is striking and prepossessing, while his straight- 
out, not to say bluff, manner and speech are well 
calculated favorably to impress the average masses. 
Ardent in feeling and si rongly committed to the pol- 
icies of his party, he intensifies Republicanism 
among Republicans, while at the same time his jovial 
and liberal manner prevents those of the opposite 
party from hating him. 

He is quite an effective stump orator. With vehe- 
ment, passionate and scornful tone and gestures, 
tremendous physical power, which in speaking he 
exercises to the utmost; with frequent descents to 
the grotesque; and with abundant homely compari- 
sons or frontier figures, expressed in the broadest 
vernacular and enforced with stentorian emphasis, 
he delights a promiscuous audience beyond measure. 





(L-£^~t^~ 



GO VER iVORS OF ILLINOIS. 



"7 





John M. Palmer 



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>-;-<»— o<aHH)8H<B>s » !< ■ 



J;OHN Mc AULEY PALMER, Gov- 
'^■/iRull.&H-** ernor 1869-72, was bom on 
Eagle Creek, Scott Co., Ky., 
Sept. 13, 18 1 7. During his in- 
fancy, his father, who had been 
a soldier in the war of 181 2, re- 
moved to Christian Co., Ky., 
where lands were cheap. Here 
the future Governor of the great 
Prairie State spent his childhood 
and received such meager school- 
ing as the new and sparsely set- 
tled country afforded. To this 
he added materially by diligent 
reading, for which he evinced an 
early aptitude. His father, an ardent Jackson man, 
was also noted for his anti-slavery sentiments, which 
he thoroughly impressed upon his children. In 1831 
he emigrated to Illinois, settling in Madison County. 
Here the labor of improving a farm was pursued for 
about two years, when the death of Mr. Palmer's 
mother broke up the family. About this time Alton 
College was opened, on the "manual labor " system, 
and in the spring of 1834 young Palmer, with his 
elder brother, Elihu, entered this school and remained 
18 months. Next, for over three years, he tried 
variously coopering, peddling and school-teaching. 

During the summer of 1S38 he formed the ac- 
quaintance of Stephen A. Douglas, then making his 



first canvass for Congress. Young, eloquent and in 
political accord with Mr. Palmer, he won his confi- 
dence, fired his ambition and fixed his purpose. The 
following winter, while teaching near Canton, he be- 
gan to devote his spare time to a desultory reading 
of law, and in the spring entered a law office at Car- 
linville, making his home with his elder brother, 
Elihu. (The latter was a learned clergyman, of con- 
siderable orginality of thought and doctrine.) On 
the next meeting of the Supreme Court he was ad- 
mitted to the Bar, Douglas being one of his examiners. 
He was not immediately successful in his profession, 
and would have located elsewhere than Carlinville 
had he the requisite means. Thus his early poverty 
was a blessing in disguise, for to it he now attributes 
the success of his life. 

From 1839 on, while he diligently pursued his 
profession, he participated more or less in local 
politics. In 1843 he became Probate Judge. Ir 
1847 he was elected to the State Constitutional Con^ 
vention, where he took a leading part. In 1852 hi. 
was elected to the State Senate, and at the specia', 
session of February, 1854, true to the anti-slaver) 
sentiments bred in him, he took a firm stand in op 
position to the repeal of the Missouri Compromise 
and when the Nebraska question became a part; 
issue he refused to receive a re-nomination for tin 
Senatorship at the hands of the Democracy, issuin; 
a circular to that effect. A few weeks afterwaro 



1 68 



JOHN MC AULEY PALMER. 



however, hesitating to break with his party, he par- 
ticipated in a Congressional Convention which nomi- 
T. L. Harris against Richard Yates, and which 
unqualifiedly approved the principles of the Kansas- 
Nebraska act. But later in the campaign he made 
the plunge, ran for the Senate as an Anti-Nebraska 
Democrat, and was elected. The following winter 
he put in nomination for the 'United States Senate 
Mr. Trumbull, and was one of the five steadfast men 
who voted for him until all the Whigs came to their 
support and elected their man. 

In 1856 he was Chairman of the Republican State 
Convention at Bloomington. He ran for Congress in 
1859, but was defeated. In [860 he was Republican 
Presidential Elector for the State at large. In 1861 
he was appointed one of the five Delegates (all Re- 
publicans) sent by Illinois to the peace congress at 
Washington. 

When the civil conflict broke out, he offered his 
services to his country, and was elected Colonel of the 
14th 111. Vol. Inf., and participated in the engagements 
at Island No. 10; at Farmington, where he skillfully 
extricated his command from a dangerous position ; 
at Stone River, where his division for several hours, 
Dec. 31, 1862, held the advance and stood like a 
rock, and for his gallantry there he was made Major 
General; at Chickamauga, where his and Van Cleve's 
divisions for two hours maintained their position 
when they were cut off by overpowering numbers. 
Under Gen. Sherman, he was assigned to the 14th 
Army Corps and participated in the Atlanta campaign. 
At Peach-Tree Creek his prudence did much to avert 
disaster. In February, 1865, Gen. Palmer was as- 
signed to the military administration of Kentucky, 
which was a delicate post. That State was about 
half rebel and half Union, and those of the latter 
element were daily fretted by the loss of their slaves. 
He, who had been bred to the rules of common law, 
trembled at the contemplation of his extraordinary 
power over the persons and property of his fellow 
men, with which he was vested in his capacity as 
military Governor; and he exhibited great caution in 
the execution of the duties of his post. 

Gen. Palmer was nominated for Governor of Illi- 
nois by the Republican State Convention which met 
at Peoria May 6, 186S, and his nomination would 
probably have been made by acclamation had he not 
persistently declared that he could not accept a can- 



didature for the office. The result of the ensuing 
election gave Mr. Palmer a majority of 44,707 over 
John R. Eden, the Democratic nominee. 

On the meeting of the Legislature in January, 
1869, the first thing to arrest public attention was 
that portion of the Governor's message which took 
broad State's rights ground. This and some minor 
points, which were more in keeping with the Demo- 
cratic sentiment, constituted the entering wedge f >r 
the criticisms and reproofs he afterward received 
from the Republican party, and ultimately resulted 
in his entire aleniation from the latter element. The 
Legislature just referred to was noted for the intro- 
duction of numerous bills in the interest of private 
parties, which were embarrassing to the Governor. 
Among the public acts passed was that which limited 
railroad charges for passenger travel to a maximum 
of three cents per mile ; and it was passed over the 
Governor's veto. Also, they passed, over his veto, 
the "tax-grabbing law" to pay r?.ilro£.i subscriptions, 
the Chicago Lake Front bill, etc. The new State 
Constitution of 1870, far superior to the old, was a 
peaceful " revolution " which took place during Gov. 
Palmer's term of office. The suffering caused by the 
great Chicago Fire of October, 187 r, was greatly 
alleviated by the prompt responses of his excellency. 

Since the expiration of Gov. Palmers 's term, he has 
been somewhat prominent in Illinois politics, and 
has been talked of by many, especially in the Dem- 
ocratic party, as the best man in the State for a 
United States Senator. His business during life has 
been that of the law. Few excel him in an accurate 
appreciation of the depth and scope of its principles. 
The great number of his able veto messages abun- 
dantly testify not only this but also a rare capacity to 
point them out. He is a logical and cogent reasoner 
and an interesting, forcible and convincing speaker, 
though not fluent or ornate. Without brilliancy, his 
dealings are rather with facts and ideas than with 
appeals to passions and prejudices. He is a patriot 
and a statesman of very high order. Physically he is 
above the medium height, of robust frame, ruddy 
complexion and sanguine-nervous temperament. He 
has a large cranial development, is vivacious, social 
in disposition, easy of approach, unostentatious in his 
habits of life, democratic in his habits and manners 
and is a true American in his fundamental principles 
of statesmanship. 



„•#*■ 






GOr/iR.YORS OF ILLINOIS. 



171 





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oJ ^ ! W?/Y$$ 0HN L0wiue BEVER 
IDGE, Governor 1873-6, was 

born in the town of Green- 
wich, Washington Co., N. Y., 
July 6, 1824. His parents 
were George and Ann Bever- 
idge. His father's parents, An- 
drew and Isabel Beveridge, be- 
fore their marriage emigrated 
from Scotland just before the 
Revolutionary War, settling in 
Washington County. His father 
was the eldest of eight brothers, the 
youngest of whom was 60 years of 
age when the first one of the num- 
ber died. His mother's parents, 
James and Agnes Hoy, emigrated 
from Scotland at the close of the 
Revolutionary War, settling also in 
Washington Co., N. Y., with their 
first-born, whose " native land " was 
the wild ocean. His parents and 
grandparents lived beyond the time 
allotted to man, their average age 
oeing over 80 years. They belonged to the "Asso- 
ciate Church," a seceding Presbyterian body of 



America from the old Scotch school ; and so rigid 
was the training of young Beveridge that he never 
heard a sermon from any other minister except that 
of his own denomination until he was in his 19th 
year. Later in life he became a member of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, which relation he still 
holds. 

Mr. Beveridge received a good common-school ed- 
ucation, but his parents, who could obtain a livelihood 
only by rigid economy and industry, could not send 
him away to college. He was raised upon a farm, 
and was in his 18th year when the family removed 
to De Kalb County, this State, when that section was 
very sparsely settled. Chicago had less than 7,000 
inhabitants. In this wild West he continued as a 
farm laborer, teaching school during the winter 
months to supply the means of an education. In the 
fall of 1842 he attended one term at the academy at 
Granville, Putnam Co., 111., and subsequently several 
terms at the Rock River Seminary at Mount Morris, 
Ogle Co., 111., completing the academic course. At 
this time, the fall of 1S45, n ' s parents and brothers 
were anxious to have him go to college, even though 
he had not money sufficient; but, n jt willing to bur- 
den the family, he packed his trunk and with onlj 
$40 in money started South to seek his for: i< 



I 7 2 



JOHN L. BEVERIDGE. 



Poor, alone, without friends and influence, he thus 
entered upon the battle of life. 

First, he taught school in Wilson, Overton and 
Jackson Cos., Tenn., in which experience he under- 
went considerable mental drill, both in book studies 
and in the ways of the world. He read law and was 
admitted to the Bar, in the South, but did not learn 
to love the institution of slavery, although he ad- 
mired many features of Southern character. In De- 
cember, 1847, he returned North, and Jan. 20, 184S, 
he married Miss Helen M. Judson, in the old Clark- 
Street M. E. church in Chicago, her father at thai 
time being Pastor of the society there. In the spring 
of 1848 he returned with his wife to Tennessee, 
where his two children, Alia May and Philo Judson, 
were born. 

In the fall of 1849, through the mismanagement 
of an associate, he lost what little he had accumu- 
lated and was left in debt. He soon managed to 
earn means to pay his debts, returned to De Kalb 
Co., 111., and entered upon the practice of his pro- 
fession at Sycamore, the county seat. On arrival 
from the South he had but one-quarter of a dollar in 
money, and scanty clothing and bedding for himself 
and family. He borrowed a little money, practiced 
law, worked in public offices, kept books for some of 
the business men of the town, and some railroad en- 
gineering, till the spring of 1854, when he removed 
to Evanston, 12 miles north of Chicago, a place then 
but recently laid out, under the supervision of the 
Northwestern University, a Methodist institution. 
Of the latter his father-in-law was then financial 
agent and business manager. Here Mr. Beveridge 
prospered, and the next year (1855) opened a law 
office in Chicago, where he found the battle some- 
what hard; but he persevered with encouragement 
and increasing success. 

Aug. 12, 1 86 1, his law partner, Gen. John F. 
Farnsvvorth, secured authority to raise a regiment of 
cavalry, and authorized Mr. Beveridge to raise a 
company for it. He succeeded in a few days in rais- 
ing the company, of course enlisting himself along 
with it. The regiment rendezvoused at St. Charles, 
111., was mustered in Sept. iS, and on its organiza- 
tion Mr. B. was elected Second Major. It was at- 
tached, Oct. 11, to the Eighth Cavalry and to the 
Army of the Potomac. He served with the regiment 
until November, 1863, participating in some 40 bat- 



tles and skirmishes : was at Fair Oaks, the seven days' 
fight around Richmond, Fredericksburg, Chancellors- 
ville and Gettysburg. He commanded the regiment 
the greater part of the summer of 1863, and it was while 
lying in camp this year that he originated the policy 
of encouraging recruits as well as the fighting capac- 
ity of the soldiery, by the wholesale furlough system. 
It worked so well that many other officers adopted 
it. In the fall of this year he recruited another com- 
pany, against heavy odds, in January, 1864, was 
commissioned Colonel of the 17th 111. Cav., and 
skirmished around in Missouri, concluding with the 
reception of the surrender of Gen. Kirby Smith's 
army in Arkansas. In 1865 he commanded various 
sub-districts in the Southwest. He was mustered 
out Feb. 6, 1866, safe from the casualties of war and 
a stouter man than when he first enlisted. His men 
idolized him. 

He then returned to Chicago, to practice law, witli 
no library and no clientage, and no political experi- 
ence except to help others into office. In the fall of 
1866 he was elected Sheriff of Cook County, serving 
one term; next, until November, 1870, he practiced 
law and closed up the unfinished business of his 
office. He was then elected State Senator; in No- 
vember, 187 1, he was elected Congressman at large; 
in November, 1872, he was elected Lieutenant Gov- 
ernor on the ticket with Gov. Oglesby; the latter be- 
ing elected to the U. S. Senate, Mr. Beveridge became 
Governor, Jan. 21, 1873. Thus, inside of a few 
weeks, he was Congressman at large, Lieutenant 
Governor and Governor. The principal events oc- 
curring during Gov. Beveridge's administration were: 
The completion of the revision of the statutes, begun 
in 1869; the partial success of the "farmers' move- 
ment;" "Haines' Legislature " and Illinois' exhibit at 
the Centennial. 

Since the close of his gubernatorial term ex-Gov 
Beveridge has been a member of the firm of Bever- 
idge & Dewey, bankers and dealers in commercial 
paper at 71 Dearborn Street (McCormick Block), 
Chicago, and since November, iSSr, he has also been 
Assistant United States Treasurer: office in the 
Government Building. His residence is still at Ev- 
anston. 

He has a brother and two sisters yet residing in 
De Kalb County — James H. Beveridge, Mrs. Jennet 
Henry and Mrs. Isabel French. 



GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS. 



»75 




8BELB Y M. CULLOM. 











«ELbY M. CULLOM, Gover- 

1101 KS77-83, is the sixth child 
of the late Richard N. Culloui, 
and was born Nov. 22, 1829, in 
Wayne Co., Ky., where his fa- 
ther then resided, and whence 
both the Illinois and Tennessee 
branches of the family originated. In 
the following year the family emi- 
grated to the vicinity of Washington, 
Tazewell Co., 111., when that section 
was very sparsely settled. They lo- 
cated on Deer Creek, in a grove at 
the time occupied by a party of In- 
dians, attracted there by the superior 
hunting and fishing afforded in that 
vicinity. The following winter was 
known as the " hard winter," the snow being very 
deep and lasting and the weather severely cold; and 
the family had to subsist mainly on boiled corn or 
hominy, and some wild game, for several weeks. In 
the course of time Mr. R. N. Cullom became a prom- 
inent citizen and was several times elected to the 
Legislature, both before and after the removal of the 
capital from Vandalia to Springfield. He died about 
'8 7 3- 

Until about r 9 years of age young Cullom grew up 
to agricultural pursuits, attending school as he had 
opportunity during the winter. Within this time, 
however, he spent several months teaching school, 



and in the following summer he "broke prairie "with 
an ox team for the neighbors. With the money ob- 
tained by these various ventures, he undertook a 
course of study at the Rock River Seminary, a 
Methodist institution at Mt. Morris, Ogle County: 
but the sudden change to the in-door life of a stu- 
dent told severely upon his health, and he was taken 
home, being considered in a hopeless condition. While 
at Mt. Morris he heard Hon. E. B. Washbume make 
his first speech. 

On recovering health, Mr. Cullom concluded to 
study law, under the instruction of Abraham Lincoln, 
at Springfield, who had by this time attained some 
notoriety as an able lawyer; but the latter, being ab- 
sent from his office most of the time, advised Mr. 
Cullom to enter the office of Stuart & Edwards. 
After about a year of study there, however, his health 
failed again, and he was obliged to return once more 
to out-door life. Accordingly he bought hogs for 
packing, for A. G. Tyng, in Peoria, and while he re- 
gained his health he gained iir purse, netting $400 in 
a few weeks. Having been admitted to the Bar, he- 
went to Springfield, where he was soon elected City 
Attorney, on the Anti-Nebraska ticket. 

In 1856 he ran on the Fillmore ticket as a Presi- 
dential Elector, and, although failing to be elected as 
such, he was at the same time elected a Representa- 
tive in the Legislature from Sangamon County, by a 
local coalition of the American and Republican par- 
ties. On the organization of the House, he received 
the vote of the Fillmore men for Speaker. Practicing 



176 



SHELBY M. CULLOM. 



law until 1S60, he was again elected to the Legisla- 
ture, as a Republican, while the county went Demo- 
cratic on the Presidential ticket. In January follow- 
ing he was elected Speaker, probably the youngest 
man who had ever presided over an Illinois Legis- 
lature. After the session of 1861, he was a candidate 
for the State Constitutional Convention called for 
that year, but was defeated, and thus escaped the 
disgrace of being connected with that abortive party 
scheme to revolutionize the State Government. In 
1862 he was a candidate for the State Senate, but 
was defeated. The same year, however, he was ap- 
pointed by President Lincoln on a Government 
Commission, in company with Gov. Boutwell of 
Massachusetts and Cnarles A. Dana, since of the 
New York Sun, to investigate the affairs of the 
Quartermaster's and Commissary Departments at 
Cairo. He devoted several months to this duty. 

In 1864 he entered upon a larger political field, 
being nominated as the Republican candidate for 
Congress from the Eighth (Springfield) District, in 
opposition to the incumbent, JohnT. Stuart, who had 
been elected in 1862 by about 1,500 majority over 
Leonard Swett, then of Bloomington, now of Chicago. 
The result was the election of Mr. Cullom in Novem- 
ber following by a majority of 1,785. In 1866 he 
was re-elected to Congress, over Dr. E. S. Fowler, by 
the magnificent majority of 4,103! In 1 868 he was 
again a candidate, defeating the Hon. B. S. Edwards, 
another of his old preceptors, by 2,884 votes. 

During his first term in Congress he served on the 
Committee on Foreign Affairs and Expenditures in 
the Treasury Department; in his second term, on 
the Committees on Foreign Affairs and on Territories ; 
and in his third term he succeeded Mr. Ashley, of 
Ohio, to the Chairmanship of the latter. He intro- 
duced a bill in the House, to aid in the execution of 
law in Utah, which caused more consternation among 
the Mormons than any measure had previously, but 
which, though it passed the House, failed to pass the 
Senate. 

The Republican Convention which met May 25, 
1876, nominated Mr. Cullom for Governor, while the 
other contestant was Gov. Beveridge. For Lieuten- 
ant-Governor they nominated Andrew Shuman, editor 
of the Chicago Journal. For the same offices the 
Democrats, combining with the Anti-Monopolists, 
placed in nomination Lewis Steward, a wealthy 



farmer and manufacturer, and A. A. Glenn. The 
result of the election was rather close, Mr. Cullom 
obtaining only 6,800 majority. He was inaugurated 
Jan. 8, 1877. 

Great depression prevailed in financial circles at 
this time, as a consequence of the heavy failures of 
1873 and afterward, the effect of which had seemed 
to gather force from that time to the end of Gov. 
Cullom's first administration. This unspeculative 
period was not calculated to call forth any new 
issues, but the Governor's energies were at one time 
put to task to quell a spirit of insubordination that 
had been begun in Pittsburg, Pa., among the laboring 
classes, and transferred to Illinois at Chicago, East 
St. Louis and Braidwood, at which places laboring 
men for a short time refused to work or allow others 
to work. These disturbances were soon quelled and 
the wheels of industry again set in motion. 

In May, 1SS0, Gov. Cullom was re-nominated by 
the Republicans, against Lyman Trumbull, by the 
Democrats; and although the former party was some- 
what handicapped in the campaign by a zealous 
faction opposed to Grant for President and to Grant 
men for office generally, Mr. Cullom was re-elected 
by about 314,565, to 277,532 for the Democratic State 
ticket. The Greenback vote at the same time was 
about 27.000. Both Houses of the Legislature again 
became Republican, and no representative of the 
Greenback or Socialist parties were elected. Gov. 
Cullom was inaugurated Jan. 10, 1SS1. In his mes- 
sage he announced that the last dollar of the State 
debt had been provided for. 

March 4, 1883, the term of David Davis as United 
States Senator from Illinois expired, and Gov. Cul- 
lom was chosen to succeed him. This promoted 
Lieutenant-Governor John M. Hamilton to the Gov- 
ernorship. Senator Cullom's term in the United 
States Senate will expire March 4, 1889. 

As a practitioner of law Mr. C. has been a member 
of the firm of Cullom, Scholes & Mather, at Spring- 
field ; and he has also been President of the State 
National Bank. 

He has been married twice, — the first time Dec. 
12, 1855, to Miss Hannah Fisher, by whom he had 
two daughters; and the second time May 5, 1863, 
to Julia Fisher. Mrs. C is a member of the Method- 
ist Episcopal Church, with which religious body Mr. 
C. is also in sympathy. 



GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS. 



'79 




*7 



>^< 






^M^^ r 





OHN MARSHALL HAM 1 1 ,- 
TON, Governor 1883-5, was 
born May 28, 1847, in a log 
bouse upon a farm about two 
miles from Rich wood, Union 
County, Ohio. His father was 
Samuel Hamilton, the eldest son 
of Rev. Wm. Hamilton, who, to- 
gether with his brother, the Rev. 
^a Samuel Hamilton, was among the 
early pioneer Methodist preachers in 
Ohio. The mother of the subject of 
this sketch was, before her marriage, 
Mrs. Nancy McMorris, who was 
born and raised in Fauquier or Lou- 
doun County, Va., and related to the 
two large families of Youngs and Marshalls, well 
known in that commonwealth; and from the latter 
family name was derived the middle name of Gov. 
Hamilton. 

In March, 1854, Mr. Hamilton's father sold out 
his little pioneer forest home in Union County, O., 
and, loading his few household effects and family 
(of six children) into two emigrant covered wagons, 
moved to Roberts Township, Marshall Co., 111., being 
2 1 days on the route. Swamps, unbridged streams 
and innumerable hardships and privations met them 
on their way. Their new home had been previously 
selected by the father. Here, after many long years 
of toil, they succeeded in paying for the land and 
making a comfortable home. John was, of course, 



brought up to hard manual labor, with no schooling 
except three or four months in the year at a common 
country school. However, he evinced a capacity 
and taste for a high order of self-education, by 
studying or reading what books he could borrow, as 
the family had but very few in the house. Much of 
his study he prosecuted by the light of a log fire in 
the old-fashioned chimney place. The financial 
panic of 1857 caused the family to come near losing 
their home, to pay debts ; but the father and two 
sons, William and John, "buckled to'' and perse 
vered in hard labor and economy until they redeemed 
their place from the mortgage. 

When the tremendous excitement of the political 
campaign of i860 reached the neighborhood of Rob- 
erts Township, young Hamilton, who had been 
brought up in the doctrine of anti-slavery, took a zeal- 
ous part in favorof Lincoln's election. Making special 
efforts to procure a little money to buy a uniform, he 
joined a company of Lincoln Wide-Awakes at Mag- 
nolia, a village not far away. Directly after the 
ensuing election it became evident that trouble 
would ensue with the South, and this Wide-Awake 
company, like many others throughout the country, 
kept up its organization and transformed itself into a 
military company. During the ensuing summer they 
met often for drill and became proficient ; but when 
they offered themselves for the war, young Hamilton 
was rejected on account of his youth, he being then 
but 14 years of age. During the winter of 1863-4 he 
attended an academy at Henry, Marshall County. 



r8o 



JOHN MARSHALL HAMILTON. 



and in the following May he again enlisted, for the 
fourth time, when he was placed in the 141st 111. 
Vol. Inf., a regiment then being raised at Elgin, 111., 
for the 100-day service. He took with him 13 other 
lads from his neighborhood, for enlistment in the 
service. This regiment operated in Southwestern 
Kentucky, for about five months, under Gen. Paine. 
The following winter, 1864-5, Mr. Hamilton taught 
school, and during the two college years 1S65-7, he 
went through three years of the curriculum of the 
Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio. The 
third year he graduated, the fourth in a class of 46, 
in the classical department. In due time he received 
the degree of M. A. For a few months he was the 
Principal of Marshall " College " at Henry, an acad- 
emy under the auspices of the M. E. Church. By 
this time he had commenced the study of law, and 
after earning some money as a temporary Professor 
of Latin at the Illinois Wesleyan University at 
Bloomington, he entered the law office of Weldon, 
Tipton & Benjamin, of that city. Each member of 
this firm has since been distinguished as a Judge. 
Admitted to the Bar in May, 1S70, Mr. Hamilton 
was given an interest in the same firm, Tipton hav- 
ing been elected Judge. In October following he 
formed a partnership with J. H. Rowell, at that time 
Prosecuting Attorney. Their business was then 
small, but they increased it to very large proportions, 
practicing in all grades of courts, including even the 
U. S. Supreme Court, and this partnership continued 
unbroken until Feb. 6, 1883, when Mr. Hamilton 
was sworn in as Executive of Illinois. On the 4th 
of March following Mr. Rowell took his seat in Con- 
gress. 

In July, 1871. Mr. Hamilton married Miss Helen 
M. Williams, the daughter of Prof. Win. G. Williams, 
Professor of Greek in the Ohio Wesleyan University. 
Mr. and Mrs. H. have two daughters and one son. 

In 1876 Mr. Hamilton was nominated by the Re- 
publicans for the State Senate, over other and older 
1 bmpelitors. He took an active part '■ on the stump " 
in the campaign, for the success of his party, and was 
elected by a majority of 1,640 over his Democratic 
Greenback opponent. In the Senate he served on 
the Committees on Judiciary, Revenue, State Insti- 
tutions, Appropriations, Education, and on Miscel- 
lany; and during the contest for the election of a 
U. S. Senator, the Republicans endeavoring to re- 



elect John A. Logan, he voted for the war chief on 
every ballot, even alone when all the other Republi- 
cans had gone over to the Hon. E. B. Lawrence and 
the Democrats and Independents elected Judge 
David Davis. At this session, also, was passed the 
first Hoard of Health and Medical Practice act, of 
which Mr. Hamilton was a champion, again . : 
much opposition that the bill was several times 
" laid on the table." Also, this session authorized 
the location and establishment of a southern peni- 
tentiary, which was fixed at Chester. In the session 
of 1S79 Mr. Hamilton was elected President prolan. 
of the Senate, and was a zealous supporter of John 
A. Logan for the U. S. Senate, who was this time 
elected without any trouble. 

In May, 1S80, Mr. Hamilton was nominated on 
the Republican ticket for Lieutenant Governor, his 
principal competitors before the Convention being 
Hon. Wm. A. James, ex-Speaker of the House of 
Representatives, Judge Robert Bell, of Wabash 
County, Hon. T. T. Fountain, of Perry County, and 
Hon. M. M. Saddler, of Marion County. He engaged 
actively in the campaign, and his ticket was elected 
by a majority of 41,200. As Lieutenant Governor, 
he presided almost continuously over the Senate in 
the 33d General Assembly and during the early days 
of the 33d, until he succeeded to the Governorship. 
When the Legislature of 1883 elected Gov. Cullom 
to the United States Senate, Lieut. Gov. Hamilton 
succeeded him, under the Constitution, taking the 
oath of office Feb. 6, 1883. He bravely met all the 
annoyances and embarrassments incidental upon 
taking up another's administration. The principal 
events with which Gov. Hamilton was connected as 
the Chief Executive of the State were, the mine dis- 
aster at Braidwood, the riots in St. ("lair and Madison 
Counties in May, 1SS3, the appropriations for the 
State militia, the adoption of the Harper high-license 
liquor law, the vetoof a dangerous railroad bill, etc. 

The Governor was a Delegate at large to the 
National Republican Convention at Chicago in June, 
1S84, where his first choice for President wis John 
A. Logan, and second choice Chester A. Arthur; but 
he afterward zealously worked for the election of Mr. 
Blaine, true to his party. 

Mr. Hamilton's term as Governor expired Jan. 30, 
[885, when the great favorite "Dick" Oglesby was 
inaugurated. 




few 



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JOSEPH W. FIFER. 



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OSEPH WILSON FIFER. This 

;l *, , i \f?$.aj[ , i' % distinguished gentleman was 
'Tffext elected Governor of Illinois 
November 6, 1888. He was 
popularly known during the 
campaign as "Private Joe." He 
had served with great devotion 
to his country during the He- 
hellion, in the Thirty-third 
Illinois Infantry. A native of 
Virginia, he was horn in 1840. 
His parents, John and Mary 
(Daniels) Fifer, were American 
born, though of German de- 
scent. 1 lis father was a brick 
and stone mason, and an old 
Henry Clay Whig in politics. John and Mary 
Fifer had nine children, of whom Joseph was the 

sixth, and naturally with so large a familv it "as 
all the father could do to keep the wolf from the 
door; to say nothing of giving his children any- 
thing like good educational advantages. 

Young Joseph attended school some in Vir- 
ginia, hut it was not a good school, and when 
his father removed to the West, in 1857, Joseph had 
not advanced much further than the "First Reader." 



Our subject was sixteen then and suffered a great 
misfortune in the loss of his mother. After the death 
of Mrs. Fifer, which occurred in Missouri, the 
family returned to Virginia, but remained only a 
short time, as during the same year Mr. Fifer 
came to Illinois. He settled in McLean County and 
started a brickyard. Here Joseph and his broth- 
ers were put to Work. The elder Fifer soon 
bought a farm near Bloomington and began life as 
an agriculturalist. Here Joe worked and attended 
the neighboring school, lie alternated farm-work, 
brick-laying, and going to the district school for 
the succeeding few years. It was all work and no 
play for Joe, yet it by no means made a dull boy 
of him. All the time he was thinking of the great 
world outside, of which he had caught a glimpse 
when coining from Virginia, yet he did not know 
just how he was going to (i;et out into it. lie 

could not feel that the woods around the new 
farm and the log cabin, in which the family lived, 
were to hold him. 

The opportunity to gel out info the world was 
soon offered to young Joe. lie traveled a dozen 
miles barefoot, in company with his brother < leorge, 
and enlisted in Company C, 33d Illinois Infantrv ; 
he being then twenty years old. In a few days 



184 



JOSEPH W. FIFER. 



the regiment was sent to Camp Butler, and then 
over into Missouri, and saw some vigorous service 
there. After a second time helping to chase Price 
out of Missouri, the 33d Regiment went down 
to Milliken's Bend, and for several weeks "Private 
■Toe" worked on Grant's famous ditch. The regi- 
ment then joined the forces operating against Port 
Gibson and Viekshurg. Joe was on guard duty in 
the front ditches when the Hag of surrender was 
run upon the Ith of July, and stuck the bayonet 
of his gun into the embankment and went into the 
city with the vanguard of Union soldiers. 

The next day, July 5, the 33d joined the force 
after Johnston, who had been threatening Grant's 
rear; and finally an assault was made on him at 
.Jackson, Miss. In this charge •'Private .Toe" fell, ter- 
ribly wounded. He was loading his gun when a 
minie-ball struck him and passed entirely through 
his body. He was regarded as mortally wounded. 
His brother, George, who bad been made a Lieu- 
tenant, proved to be the means of saving his life. 
The Surgeon told him unless he had ice his brother 
Joe could not live. It was fifty miles to the nearest 
point where ice could be obtained, and the roads 
were rough. A comrade, a McLean county man, who 
had been wounded, offered to make the trip. An 
ambulance was secured anil the brother soldier 
started on the journey. He returned with the ice. 
but the trip, owing to the roughness of the roads. 
was very hard on him. After a few months' care- 
ful nursing Mr. Fifer was able to come home. The 
33d came home on a furlough, and when the 
boys were ready to return to the tented field, 
young Fifer was ready to go with them; for he was 
determined to finish his term of three years. He 
was mustered out in October, 1864, having been 
in the service three years and two months. 

"Private Joe" came out of the army a tall, 
tanned, and awkward young man of twentj'-four. 
About all he possessed was ambition to be some- 
body — and pluck. Though at an age when most 
men have finished their college course, the young 
soldier saw that if he was to be anybody he must 
have an education. Yet he had no means to ena- 
ble him to enter school as most young men do. 
He was determined to have an education, however, 
and that to him meant success. For the following- 



four years he struggled with his books. He entered 
AVeslcyan University Jan. 1, 1865. He was not a 
brilliant student, being neither at the head nor the 
foot of his class. He was in great earnest, how- 
ever, studied hard and came forth with a well- 
stored and disciplined mind. 

Immediately after being graduated he entered 
an office at Bloomington as a law student. He had 
already read law some, and as he continued to work 
hard, with the spur of poverty and promptings of 
ambition ever with him, he was ready to hang out 
his professional shingle in 1869. Being trust- 
worthy he soon gathered about him some influen- 
tial friends. In 1871 he was elected Corporation 
Counsel of Bloomington. In 1872 he was elected 
State's Attorney of McLean County. This office 
he held for eight years, when he took his seat in 
the State Senate. Here he served for four years. 
His ability to perform abundance of hard work 
made him a most valued member of the Legisla- 
ture. 

Mr. Fifer was married in 1870 to Gertie, daugh- 
ter of William .1. Lewis, of Bloomington. Mr. 
fifer is six feet in height and is spare, weighing 
only 150 pounds. He has a swarthy complexion, 
keen black eyes, quick movement, and possesses a 
frank and sympathetic nature, and naturally makes 
friends wherever he goes. During the late Guber- 
natorial campaign his visits throughout the Slate 
proved a great power in his behalf. His happy 
faculty of winning the confidence and good wishes 
of those with whom he comes in personal contact is a 
source of great popularity, especially during a polit- 
ical battle. As a speaker he is Huent, his language 
is good, voice clear and agreeable, and manner 
forcible. 1 1 is manifest earnestness in what he says 
as well as his tact as a. public speaker, and his elo- 
quenl and forceful language, makes him a most 
valuable campaign orator and a powerful pleader 
at the bar. At the Republican State Convention, 
held in May, 1888, Mr. Fifer was chosen as its candi- 
date for Governor. lie proved a popular nominee, 
and the name of '• Private Joe " became familiar 
to everyone throughout the State. He waged a 
vigorous campaign, was elected by a good majority, 
and in due time assumed the duties of the Chief 
Executive of Illinois. 



Vermilion County 



ILLINOIS, 




^EJ ^sEfe \3? 




£&:, 



*15+- 



-Hr- 



INTRODUCTORY. 




^HE time has arrived when it 
becomes the duty of the 
people of this county to per- 
petuate the names of their 
pioneers, to furnish a record 
of their early settlement, 
F^W^w and relate the story of their 
progress. The civilization of our 
day, the enlightenment of the age 
and the duty that men of the pres- 
ent time owe to their ancestors, to 
themselves and to their posterity, 
demand that a record of their lives 
and deeds should be made. In bio- 
graphical history is found a power 
to instruct man by precedent, to 
enliven the mental faculties, and 
to waft down the river of time a 
safe vessel in which the names and actions of the 
peopie who contributed to raise this country from its 
primitive state may be preserved. Surely and rapidly 
the great and aged men, who in their prime entered 
the wilderness and claimed the virgin soil as their 
heritage, are passing to their graves. The number re- 
maining who can relate the incidents of the first days 
of settlement is becoming small indeed, so that an 
actual necessity exists for the collection and preser- 
vation of events without delay, before all the early 
settlers are cut down by the scythe of Time. 

To be forgotten has been the great dread of mankind 
from remotest ages. All will be forgotten soon enough, 
in spite of their best works and the most earnest 
efforts of their friends to perserve the memory of 
their lives. The means employed to prevent oblivion 
and to perpetuate their memory has been in propor- 
tion to the amount of intelligence they possessed. 
Thi pyramids of Egypt were built to perpetuate the 
names and deeds of their great rulers. The exhu- 
mations made by the archeologists of Egypt from 
buried Memphis indicate a desire of those people 



to perpetuate the memory of their achievements 
The erection of the great obelisks were for the same 
purpose. Coming down to a later period, we find the 
Greeks and Romans erecting mausoleums and monu- 
ments, and carving out statues to chronicle their 
great achievements and carry them down the ages. 
It is also evident that the Mound-builders, in piling 
up their great mounds of earth, had but this idea — 
to leave something to show that they had lived. All 
these works, though many of them costly in the ex- 
treme, give but a faint idea of the lives and charac- 
ters of those whose memory they were intended to 
perpetuate, and scarcely anything of the masses of 
the people that then lived. The great pyramids and 
some of the obelisks remain objects only of curiosity; 
the mausoleums, monuments and statues are crum- 
bling into dust. 

It was left to modern ages to establish an intelli- 
gent, undecaying, immutable method of perpetuating 
a full history — immutable in that it is almost un- 
limited in extent and perpetual in its action ; and 
this is through the art of printing. 

To the present generation, however, we are in- 
debted for the introduction of the admirable system 
of local biography. By this system every man, though 
he has not achieved what the world calls greatness, 
has the means to perpetuate his life, his history, 
through the coming ages. 

The scythe of Time cuts down all ; nothing of the 
physical man is left. The monument which his chil- 
dren or friends may erect to his memory in the ceme- 
tery will crumble into dust and pass away ; but his 
life, his achievements, the work he has accomplished, 
which otherwise would be forgotten, is perpetuated 
by a record of this kind. 

To preserve the lineaments of our companions we 
engrave their portraits, for the same reason we col- 
lect the attainable facts of their history. Nor do we 
think it necessary, as we speak only truth of them, to 
wait until they are dead, or until those who know 
them are gone: to do this we are ashamed only to 
publish to the world the history of those whose lives 
are unworthy of public record. 



YK KM I LION COUNTY. 



191 





AMES S. SCONCE. It is a fitting 
j"3; testimonial to the worth and char- 
[!j|$ee acter of this citizen to present 
his portrait and biography on 
these, the opening pages of the 
Album <>f Vermilion County. 
Of the many citizens of Carroll 
Township none were better 
known or more highly esteemed 
than this gentleman, who was 
born near Brook's Point, Ver- 
milion County, Nov. 11. 1831, 
and died Sept. 21, 1888, at the 
age of fifty-seven years. In 
childhood he attended the pub- 
lic schools, as well as those more 
advanced, at Danville, receiving a liberal educa- 
tion. I lis father and mother were Samuel and 
Nancy (Waters) Sconce, both natives of Bourbon 
County, Ky., the birth of the former occurring in 
1802, while the mother was born six years later. 

The elder Mr. and Mrs. Sconce removed to Illi- 
nois in 1828, and settled in Vermilion County in 
1829. They had three children, who grew to ma- 
turity, namely: .lames S.. America .1.. and Thomas 
,1. America .1.. is the widow of Oliver Calvert, 
and now makes her home at the residence of her 
brother, lately deceased. Thomas .1. died in this 
county. .Ian. 1. 1888, while the father passed away 
in January, 1874. The mother is still living, with 
the widow of her son, at the advanced age of 
eighty-one years. 

The Sconces were prominent in the early history 



-?~§*i<s~e- 



of America, and more especially in Kentucky, of 
which State they were early settlers. The great- 
grandfather of the subject of this sketch was one of 
the earliest settlers of Bourbon County, where he 
lived in a loe house, built especially to resist the 
depredations of the Indians. There were eight 
brothers, and they were among the brave settlers 
who reclaimed that beautiful country from the sav- 
ages, and in so doing are entitled to the thanks of 
a grateful nation. Nearly all of these brothers emi- 
grated South and West. There is a large family of 
this name in Texas. James S. Sconce's father, Sam- 
uel, was born in Bourbon County, Ky. He lived 
in the county of his birth until 1828, when he 
removed to this State, and in the following year 
located in Vermilion County. His wife came with 
her parents to the vicinity of Brook's Point, in 
1829, her marriage occurring at that place the fol- 
lowing year. Samuel Sconce engaged in farming, 
and from start to finish was successful. In 1852 he 
engaged in the mercantile business in Indianola, 
under the firm name of Bailey A- Sconce. This 
firm continued to do business until the big fire, 
which destroyed their stock. Mr. Sconce then re- 
tired from active life, and died Jan. 'J, 1874, leav- 
ing behind him a reputation of which any man 
might be proud. In 1849 he took a drove of 200 
fat cattle to Philadelphia, where he sold half of 
them and drove the rest to New York, returning 
the entire distance on foot. He also hauled pro- 
duce to Chicago in the early days. 

()n November 14. 1831, James S. Sconce was 
born, in this county, and was one of its first cbil- 



192 



VERMILION COUNTY. 



dren born. He was early taught industry, and be- 
ing reared upon a farm was consequently used to 
hard work. He remained with his parents until he 
was twenty-four years of age, when he engaged as 
a clerk in the store of Bailey & Sconce, drawing a 
salary of 8300 a year for four years. In 1859 he 
went to Kansas, where he pre-empted 160 acres in 
Lyon County, and at the end of three months lie 
traded this piece of land for a similar tract in Illi- 
nois. Here commenced his career as a stockman 
and drover. During this time he made the ac- 
quaintance of his estimable wife, Miss Emma San- 
dusky, or as her father wrote it " Sodowsky." She 
was the only daughter of the well-known Short- 
horn breeder of Carroll Township. After marriage 
Mr. Sconce lived one year with his father-in-law, 
when he located on the present homestead, remain- 
ing there until the day of his death. He worked 
systematically, and to this may be attributed his 
success. At any rate he became wealthy, and 
when he died was the owner of 2,100 acres of the 
most desirable land in the county. Upon this he 
built an elegant home, said to be the finest country 
house to be seen in the State. It is a large struct- 
ure, built of brick, beautifully located on a slight 
elevation, while the surroundings are all that an 
admirer of the beautiful could picture. Giant 
trees shade the grounds, and what nature has 
omitted art has supplied. The lawns and gardens 
are laid out artistically, adding to the beauty and 
picturesqueness of the landscape, and making it a 
"thing of beauty" not excelled in this great State 
of Illinois. The place is called " Fairview," at the 
suggestion of Mrs. Sconce. The house is heated by 
the Rutan system, and every room is supplied with 
hot and cold water, while tfie spacious parlors and 
corridors are illuminated by gas. 

When Mr. Sconce died he left a fortune variously 
estimated at from 8200.000 to 8:500,000, every 
cent of which was accumulated by judicious farm- 
ing and stock-raising. It will be many years be- 
fore the recollection of this good man will fade 
from the memories of the people. His life was 
simple and his methods straightforward, his manner 
gentle, kind hearted to the poor, indulgent to the 
weak, charitable to the erring, and his memory like 
a sweet fragrance ascends on high. Generous 



friend, kind husband, noble citizen, and sincere 
Christian, the world is better for thy living, and 
the flowers of a sweet memory will ever blossom 
upon thy grave. 

Like his illustrious ancestors Mr. Sconce was a 
fine looking, active man. He had keen blue eyes, 
a personal characteristic so marked in his family, 
and was of a sanguine temperament. A lifetime of 
usefulness and business activity had developed in 
him good judgment, and as he became older his 
attention was directed closely toward the things 
revealed in Holy Writ. He was a consistent 
and active member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. Politically, he was a Democrat from con- 
viction and from principle. In 1882 he consented 
to run for the State Senate, making a brilliant can- 
vass anc> running ahead of his ticket. He served 
as Township Supervisor, and always evinced a 
deep interest in public affairs, and especially in the 
welfare of his township, his county and his State. 
His library was filled with choice and valuable 
works, especially those treating upon the tariff, a 
question which was studied by him with deep in- 
terest, he believing with other leading Democrats, 
in a tariff for revenue only. 

In matters pertaining to schools he took a great 
interest. For several years prior to his death he 
was a Regent of the Wesleyan University of 
Kloomington, 111., which was financially favored 
by his generosity. As a husband and father he 
was most loving and devoted. As a result of his 
wedlock two children were born: Anna, who was 
a student of Morgan Park two years, and of Wes- 
leyan University one year; and Harvey J., a blight 
lad of fourteen years. He was greatly attached to 
his children, and in them was centered his great 
love. The poor young farmer and business man, 
who is almost discouraged in life, will miss in Mr. 
Sconce a friend, for it was one of his salient char- 
acteristics to help those who would help themselves, 
and as an illustration of this, it may be stated that 
his will provided that those who owed him on 
loans, should be allowed to pay his estate in small 
yearly installments, that they might not be dis- 
tressed. 

He was buried with Masonic honors at the Wood- 
lawn Cemetery. The funeral was attended by an 



VERMILION COUNTY. 



1 93 



immense throng, and the procession was headed by 
200 Masons in mourning, and was over three miles 
in length, the largest funeral line ever seen in Ver- 
milion County. It was remarked by one who 
knew Mr. Sconce well that "a secret society which 
commanded the fealty of a man like James Sconce 
must have something in it." If he hived Ma- 
sonry it was equally true that the Masons loved 
him. To his faithful wife the death of her hus- 
band was sad beyond expression. "Sorrows come 
not single." A less noble woman would have given 
up to despairing sorrow at the loss of her husband, 
her father, and her mother within the space of one 
short year. Of true Christian grace and motherly 
heart she bore up bravely in her bereavement, fully 
determined henceforth to give up her life to her 
Master, and to the welfare of her children. As 
before stated she is the only living child of Harvey 
Sandusky and Susan Baum. Coining from illus- 
trious ancestors, an effort will be made to herewith 
present a few facts in regard to each of her parents. 
In the year of 1721 there came to America an 
exile from Poland, of noble birth and proud spirit, 
and lofty patriotism. He headed a rebellion against 
the despotism of Russia and her allies in the dis- 
graceful oppression of the defeated but not subdued 
Poles. For this brave act he was exiled and came 
to Richmond. Va. That noble man was James 
Sodowsky, who afterward married the sister of 
Gov. Inslip, of the Colony of Virginia, and from 
them descended Harvey Sandusky, the father of 
Mrs. Sconce. Men of courage and force of char- 
acter, the family has been represented in every for- 
ward movement of civilization in this great coun- 
try for more than a century: with the gallant pio- 
neers in beating back the savages of the wilderness; 
with the brave Continentals, battling for freedom 
in the heroic days of '70; at the front in the War 
of 1812; with Daniel Boone in the wild Kentucky, 
where the grandfather of Harvey settled just after 
the close of the Revolutionary War. His father, 
Abraham Sandusky, was born there, and married 
Miss Jane McDowell, who bore him eight children, 
Harvey being the eldest. In 1831 he removed 
from Kentuck}' to Illinois, and settled with his 
family on the Little Vermilion River, where he 
continued to reside until his death. His oldest son, 



Harvey, was born in Bourbon County, Ky., May 
17, 1817, and came to Illinois with his father, lit- 
erally growing up with the country. In his twenty- 
fourth year he was married to Susan, daughter of 
Charles and Susan Baum, who had emigrated from 
Ohio and settled on the Little Vermilion River. 
After marriage Mr. Sandusky located on the es- 
tate which has since become so famous as "Wood- 
lawn Stock Farm." Here, by intelligent, and indus- 
trious use of their opportunities, he and his faithful 
wife built up a princely home, and surrounded it 
with an abundance that enabled them to dispense 
the largest charity and most unbounded hospitality. 
Mrs. Sandusky was converted to Christianity in 
her girlhood, and rejoiced in the hope of an im- 
mortal life. 

In the old family Bible is found this record : 
"Harvey Sodowsky this day found peace with 
God, March 15, 1858." For forty years their's 
was a house of prayer. To them were born three 
children: The oldest died in infancy; the second 
is Emma, the wife of the subject of this sketch; 
Gilbert, the third child and only son, died at the 
early age of twenty-three years. Harvey San- 
dusk}' died on Saturday, Dec. 18, 1880, and the 
following Tuesday was buried by the side of his 
son in the beautiful Woodlawn Cemetery, which he 
had selected and donated to the public. "Uncle 
Harvey," as he was familiarly called, was in many 
respects a noble man. There is always good in a 
heart that is always tender, and his was a very ten- 
der heart. To feed the hungry, to clothe and help 
the needy, afforded him the greatest pleasure. The 
foot -sore itinerant, whose horse had died, was taken 
to the stables and told to "select the best nag in 
the lot," without pay or promise. That preacher 
was sent on his way rejoicing, and thereby the 
Cos pel was spread to those beyond. By him the 
homeless were sheltered, the friendless cheered, and 
the wretched soothed. 

He was a very successful man in business, was 
enterprising and public spirited. In the stalls and 
on the fields at Woodlawn are perhaps the finest 
specimens of Short- horn cattle in America, if not 
in the world. For fifty years he had been interested 
in raising and exhibiting fine stock. No man in 
America has been more successful than he, as the 



191 



VERMILION COUNTY. 



premium lists of principal fairs will show. Evi- 
dently he lias added untold riches to the general 
community by his enterprise in this particular. But 
his work is done, and the toils of his busy life have 
ceased. The familiar figure lias dropped out of the 
picture of this life, and let us hope that it has 
dropped into the life that lies beyond the other' 
shore. His home is lonely without him, his fam- 
ily mourn him, his neighbors will miss him, his 
friends regret his absence, but "God doeth all 
things well." — (Extract from the Rev. G. A. Fra- 
sier.) His wife, Susan Sandusky, came from an 
equally illustrious family. She was the daughter 
of Charles and Sarah (Moyer) Baum. They were 
likewise Polish patriots, and by the Russian au- 
thorities banished from their native land. They 
for a few years lived in Germany, and then emi- 
grated to the Colony of Virginia. This noble ex- 
ile and progenitor of the Baums of Vermilion 
County, was Charles Baum, the great-grandfather 
of Mrs. Emma Sconce. He married Miss Barbara 
McDonald, a relative of the brave Gen. McDonald, 
of Marion's arm}-. He entered the Colonial forces, 
and served on reserve duty in protecting the 
frontier. After the war he settled in 1 hicks County, 
and the year following Wayne's treaty with the 
Indians, sailed down the Ohio River with his fam- 
ily. They landed at the mouth of Bullskin Creek, 
and there, close to what is now the river town of 
Chilo, established the first settlement in the Ter- 
ritory of Ohio. One of his sons was Charles Baum, 
Mrs. Sconce's grandfather, lie married Susan, 
daughter of John Moyer, a Revolutionary soldier, 
who fought many years under the immediate com- 
mand of Gen. Washington. 

John Moyer lived in Pennsylvania some time 
after the war, then removed to Ohio, of which 
State he also was an early pioneer. Charles Baum, 
the grandsire of Mrs. Sconce, came to Vermilion 
County in 1839. He lived to be ninety-six years 
old, had prospered well, and was a consistent 
Christian. From the Rev. G. A. Erasier we quote 
the following concerning Mrs. Susan Sandusky. 
'•( )ur community is again called to mourn the loss of 
a most estimable lady, who fell asleep at her home 
near Indianola, March 21, 1888. She was a daugh- 
of Charles and Susan Baum, born in Claremont 



County, Ohio, Sept. 25, 1818. She was'converted 
and joined the Methodist Episcopal Church] when 
quite young, and was married May 20, 1840. Her 
life was singularly pure and exemplary, and she 
adorned those stations in which true womanhood 
shines the brightest. As a wife, mother, friend 
and neighbor she was indeed a model woman. 
None doubted the genuineness of her Christian ex- 
perience. Always consistent, always true, she was 
a power for good in the community. Her chari- 
ties and uniform kindness for the poor had won for 
her the love of all who knew her. Her devotion 
to duty, and her unswerving fidelity had won the 
confidence and esteem of all. She was not only 
ready, but willing to die. In a conversation a few 
daj's before her death she expressed a desire to 
'reach her Father's house.' She leaves but one 
child to mourn her absence from the old home- 
stead. Mrs. James S. Sconce, the only remain- 
ing child was with her mother during her last ill- 
ness, faithfully, lovingly attending to every want, 
and tearfully watching the slowly ebbing tide of 
life till all was still in death. In this great be- 
reavement Mrs. Sconce has the sympathy of the 
entire community. The old homestead is left deso- 
late. A family has passed from earth. We hope 
that on the other side of the river they are again 
united." 

Mrs. Emma Sconce was born in the old Harvey 
Sandusky homestead, better known under the name 
of ••Woodlawn," a name suggested by her for her 
father's large farm, which was so famous in pro- 
ducing herds of prize-winning Short-horn cattle. 
Here she grew up under the influences of a Chris- 
tian home, attending Georgetown Academy for 
some time. Her loyalty has marked her entire ca- 
reer from childhood to widowhood. As the wife 
of James S. Sconce she was ever a most worthy, 
affectionate, and loving companion; as mistress of 
the "Fairview" mansion she is modest, kind, gen- 
erous and hospitable; while the taste with which 
the mansion is furnished reflects great credit upon 
its mistress. She possesses a great deal of knowl- 
edge, general and special, and is respected and es- 
teemed by all who know her. She is a devout 
Christian, and rich and poor alike are graced by 
her favors. She deeply mourns the loss of her 



VERMILION COUNTY. 



195 



husband, for their marriage proved to be a most 
happy one. She is truly the type of noble Ameri- 
can womanhood, and as a mother is fairly wor- 
shipped by her two children, and they in turn 
are held most affectionately dear. Her modesty 
prevents her giving further facts in regard to her- 
self. Her attorney, however, has furnished the 
following figures concerning her estate: Personal 
property of James S. Sconce, deceased, $62,000; 
personal property of Harvey Sandusky, deceased, 
$20,000; total number of acres of land held by Mrs. 
Sconce. 3, <!(><). 



1RAM ARMANTROUT. In no portion of 
the world is there illustrated the result of 
patient industry more forcibly than in the 
great West. Could the young man of fifty 
years ago have had the power to look forward into 
the future and discover not only what he himself 
would accomplish, but vvhat would lie done by his 
brother pioneers, he would have labored with 
greater courage than he has already done; for no 
one can dispute that the first settling upof this pari 
of the country was necessarily an experiment. Few 
however, stood in doubt as to the final result, but 
fewer still would have prophesied the achievements 
which have really been accomplished. 

The subject of this sketch was one of the earliest 
settlers of Middle Fork Township, whence he re- 
moved to Butler Township in April, 1855. He 
took up a half-section of government land, em- 
bracing a part of sections 2, 22 and 13, in township 
22, range 13, before there had been any attempt at 
cultivation. In the fall of 1856 he put up a small 
frame house, and being unmarried, took in a tenant, 
with whom he lived. lie had, prior to this, broken 
sixty acres. He proceeded with the improve- 
ments of his property single-handed until the 
spring of 1859, when he took unto himself a wife 
and helpmate, Miss Celinda Pugh. They spent the 
first few years of their wedded life in the little 
house, and in due time, being prospered, our sub- 
ject was enabled to erect a larger dwelling. He 
also built a good barn and planted forest and fruit 
trees, which flourished, and he now has the finest 
orove in the neighborhood. He occupied this farm 



until March, 1889, when he wisely retired from 
active labor and purchased property in Rossville. 
where he took up his abode and purposes now to 
live. 

Our subject was born in Montgomery County, 
Ind.. Aug. 12. 1829, and lived there until 1855 
with his father and mother. The former. Valen- 
tine Armantrout, was bom in Rockingham County, 
Va., April 27, 1799, and removed with his father, 
Frederick Armantrout, to Warren County, Ohio, 
in 1808, where he was reared to manhood. He 
married Miss Catherine Kesling, and they so- 
journed in the Buckeye Stale until 1828, when they 
removed to Montgomery County. Ind. There the 
father engaged in farming and blacksmithing com- 
bined, and lived until his decease, which took place 
March 17. 1846. 

To the parents of our subject were born seven 
children, of whom he was the third, and of whom 
four are living: Ambrose is a resident of Chautau- 
qua County, Kan.; Simon lives in Waynetown, 
Montgomery Co., Ind.; Sarah became the wife of 
C. S. Bratton, of Rossville, and she is now de- 
ceased. Mary Ann is the wife of .lames Applegate, 
of this county ; Melinda died at the age of seventeen 
years; Henry died in Linn County. Kan., in 1887. 
The paternal grandfather was a resident of Vir- 
ginia during the Revolutionary War, in which his 
father and two brothers fought, while he remained 
at home. He was drafted, but Washington sent 
him home. The family is of German descent, and 
the first representative in this country settled in 
Virginia. 

At the time of leaving Butler Township Mr. 
Armantrout was its oldest living male resident. One 
lady, Mrs. Pyles, had been there one year longer 
than himself. As a farmer he was more than or- 
dinarily successful, and also prosecuted stock-rais- 
ing with excellent results. He was prominent in 
local affairs, being the fust Road Commissioner in 
the township, in which office lie served eleven years, 
lie officiated as ( lonstable four years, was Justice of 

the l'eaee seven years. Seliool Trustee nine years, 
and School Director for a long period. Politically. 

he is a Republican. 

Of the six children born to Mr. anil Mrs. Arman- 
trout. the' third child, a son, Harmon, died when 



196 



VERMILION COUNTY. 



one year old. The survivors are Scott, C'elia M., 
Drusilla, Carrie and Ida.. Scott married Miss 
Emma Walters, and ljves on the home farm; Celia 
May is the wife of Ira G. Philips, and the mother 
of one child, a daughter, Mabel; they live near 
the homestead. The others are unmarried and 
remain with their parents. Mrs. Celinda (Pugh) 
Armantrout was born in Warren County, Ind.. 
Aug. 26, 1833, and is the daughter of George 
l'ugh, who was a native of Pennsylvania:. He mar- 
ried Miss Elizabeth Anderson, and they reared a 
large family of children; He followed farming his 
entire life, and after leaving his native State set- 
tled near Lebanon, in Warren County, Ind., where 
he spent his last days. His death occurred about 
1 864, at the age of seventy years. 



^pS^LIVER HARRISON CRANE. The leading 
(( ))' event '" ""' lile "' tllis gentleman was his 
^^f / birth, which occurred in Fountain County, 
Ind., on the 4th of March, 1841, the day of the in- 
auguration of President William Henry Harrison) 
and in honor of whom the infant was given his sec- 
ond name. He is now a man of forty-eight, years, 
and one of the most substantial fanners of Grant 
Township, being the owner of 1 GO acres of choice 
land, pleasantly located on section 29, township 23, 
range 12. 

Mr. Crane spent the first eighteen years of his 
life in his native county, acquiring a practical edu- 
cation in the common schools and becoming famil- 
iar with farm pursuits. In the fall of 1859, leaving 
the parental roof, he came to this county- and as- 
sumed charge of the land which his father had en- 
tered from the Government at $1.25 per acre. He 
hoarded at the house of a neighbor until the spring 
of 186 1 ; then put up a house into which he removed 
with his young wife, having been married Feb. 7 
of that year to Miss Charlotte Bowling of his own 
county in Indiana. 

Mr. and Mrs. Crane, although removing into a 
more modern domicile, have occupied the same 
farm which they moved upon at the time of their 
marriage. Their labors and struggles have been 
similar to those of the people around diem; their 



rewards likewise. Industry and economy have been 
repaid fourfold, and now. in the enjoyment of all 
the comforts of life and many of its luxuries, they 
sit under their own vine and fig tree and are blest 
with the respect of their friends and neighbors. 
For some time after Mr. Crane settled here there 
were no neighbors north for fifteen miles, the near- 
est being at Ash Grove. Deer, wolves and other 
wild animals were plentiful, but these slowly dis- 
appeared as the country became settled up. 

The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Crane, eleven 
in number, are recorded as follows: The two eldest 
died in infancy; Elmer E. was born May 28, 1865; 
John N., Sept. 3, 1867; Lillian L., Jan. 6, 1870; 
Alfaretta, Feb. 11, DS72; Winifred, Dec. 4, 1873; 
Morris S.. Nov. 2, 1876; Mary A., June 21, 1879; 
Perry 1>„ Jan. 28, 1883; Anna M., Oct. 23, 1885. 
The eldest son living, Elmer, married Miss Olive 
Keplinger, is a resilient of Northwest Nebraska and 
the father of two children. Mrs. Charlotte (Low- 
ling) Crane was born July 3, 1843, in Fountain 
County, Ind., and is the daughter of Willis P. and 
Mary (Bruce) Bowling, who were natives of Ohio. 
The father was born in Warren County, Jan. 25, 
1816, and lived there until a lad of eight years. 
Ill's parents then removed to Indiana, and after the 
death of his father in Fountain County he contin- 
ued on the farm, where he reared his family and 
spent his last days. This farm is located in Van 
Buren Township six miles northeast of Covington. 
The maiden name of the mother of Mrs. Crane was 
Mary Bruce, and the parents were married in 1838. 
( )f the eight children born to them three are living — 
Charlotte, Arthur and Morris. The two boys live 
at the old farm in Fountain County, Ind., with their 
father. The latter, with his estimable wife, is a 
member of the Christian Church, and the family 
stand high in their community. 

Mrs. Mary (Bruce; Bowling was born in Law- 
rence County, Ohio, Jan. 21, 1817, to Joshua and 
Margaret (Lines) Bruce, the father a farmer by oc- 
cupation. When Mary was a girl of eleven years, 
ihe\ left the Buckeye State and removed to Foun- 
tain County. Ind., where she remained under the 
parental roof until her marriage. 

Joel Crane, the father of our subject, was born 
Jan. 28, 1817, in Warren County, Ohio, near I he 



VERMILION COUNTY. 



\:r, 



birthplace of Mr. Bowling. lie lived there until 
1832, and then, a lad of fifteen years, migrated 
to Fountain County. Ind., with his parents, where 
he was married and still lives on the old farm 
northeast of Covington which his father took up 
from the Government. His wife was formerly Miss 
Elizabeth Jenkins, and they reared a family of three 
children — Oliver H., Lewis C. and Cyrus, the lat- 
ter two of Missouri and Kansas respectively. Mrs. 
Elizabeth (Jenkins) Crane was born Dec. 5, 1820, 
in Ohio, and departed this life at the homestead in 
Indiana -Sept. 2, 1853. She left the Buckeye State 
with her parents in 1839 and remained with them 
until her marriage. 

Mr. Crane, our subject, has been a man always 
fall of business and one who has little respect for 
the drones in the world's busy hive. He has kept 
himself well posted upon events of general interest, 
and is one with whom may be spent an hour very 
pleasantly and profitably. His course in life has 
been that of an honest man, while his industry has 
been rewarded with a competence. 



rft 



HARLES Bl'HL. This gentleman occupies 
no unimportant position among the self- 
^*t^7 made men of this county who have arisen 
by their own efforts from the foot of the ladder 
and who by unflagging industry and perseverance 
have accumulated a competence and in their later 
years are retired and in the enjoyment of it. Mr. 
Buhl represents a goodly amount of property — in- 
deed is recognized as a capitalist — and has contrib- 
uted his full quota to the business interests of Dan- 
ville and vicinity. He comes of substantial ances- 
try and is a native of Pennsylvania, having been 
born in Butler Comity, Feb. 8, 1812. 

Our subject remained a resident of his native 
place until a young man of twenty years, acquiring 
a practical education in the common school and 
being variously occupied. Finally resolving upon 
a change of location, he made his way in 1838, to 
Detroit and for two years thereafter employed 
himself as a teamster. In the fall of 1848, he vis- 
ited Chicago and being favorably impressed with 
the outlook, established himself in the hat, cap 



and fur business on Lake street, second door west 
of Clark street where he operated successfully until 
about 1850. Then selling out he invested the 
proceeds in a farm of 697 acres, embracing the 
present site of Kensington and which he secured 
for the sum of $5,000. Nine months later he sold 
the bottom land — about 300 acres — to the Michigan 
Central Railway for the (nice which he had paid 
for 1 he whole. For about- ten years thereafter he 
engaged in fanning, and then sold out and coming 
to Danville invested a portion of his capital here 
where he lias since made his home. 

.Mr. Buhl has been engaged in different enter- 
prises since coming to Danville. He invested a 
portion of his capital in the lots embracing Nos. 1 17 
to 123 or. Fast Main street where he has put up 
buildings, the rents from which yield him a hand- 
some income. He has at different times owned 
considerable land in the county and has now eigh- 
teen acres of valuable land just outside the city 
limits. Although a sound Republican politically 
he has never sought office, but was twice elected to 
represent his ward in the City Council and has 
served as a member of the School Board. From 
these, however, he withdrew before the expiration 
of his term. During the Civil War his son Sidney 
served as a soldier in the Union Army. 

Mr. Buhl was married in Pennsylvania July 9, 
1834, to Miss Eliza Ann McConaughy, and they 
became the parents oi six children, four of whom 
are living, namely: Sidney. Frank. Emma and 
Laura. Mrs. Buhl was born in New Lisbon. Ohio. 
Jan. 1, 1820, and is the daughter of James and 
Elizabeth McConaughy, with whom she lived in 
the Buckeye State until her marriage. Mr. McC. 
was a farmer by occupation and the parental house- 
hold included ten children — four sons and six- 
daughters. Sidney Buhl, the only sou of our sub- 
ject married Miss Sally Myers and they have one 
child, a daughter. Georgia; he is in the employ of 
the American Express Company. Frank i- a resi- 
dent of Louisiana where he operates a fruit farm and 
nursery; Emma is the wife of William Myers, to 
whom she was married Jan. 1. 1888; Mr. M., is em- 
ployed as a carriage salesman and they live in 
Danville. Laura was married June ,'j. 1883, to Mr. 
John Lawrence, a boo! and shoe merchant, located 



198 



VERMILION COUNTY. 



at 1 17 East Main street. The daughters are mem- 
bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

Christian Buhl, the father of our subject, was a na- 
tive of Germany, and came to America when a young 
man, and settled near Zeleinople, Pa., where he en- 
gaged in the manufacture of hats. He also became 
the owner of considerable land and spent the re- 
mainder of his life in that vicinity. He had mar- 
ried Miss Fredrika Gearing and they reared a fam- 
ily of ten children, of whom Charles was about the 
fifth in order of birth, and of whom seven are now 
living. Mr. Buhl died in Pennsylvania at the ad- 
vanced age of eighty-seven years. His wife sur- 
vived him three years and was also eighty-seven 
years old at the time of her decease. 



J'lOlIN W. BANDY, junior member of the 
linn of Smith & Bandy, druggists, is also 
owner of the Bandy Block «'ii Vermilion 
street, Danville, and is well-known to the 
citizens of the city and vicinity as representing 
some of its most important business interests. He 
is a native of this place and was born April 8, 
is H. Of his father, William Bandy, one of the 
earliest pioneers of this county and an aged vete- 
ran of seventy-seven years, a sketch will be found 
elsewhere in this volume. 

The first four years of the life of our subject 
were spent upon a farm and then the family re- 
moved to Danville, where John W., acquired a 
practical education in the common schools. When 
approaching manhood he entered the office of the 
Danville Plaindealer, then tinder the control of 
John Leslie and with whom he remained until the 
office was purchased by Judge Daniel Clapp. 
Young Bandy continued with the latter until 1864. 
That year he began the study of medicine with Dr. 
Samuel Humphrey as preceptor and after a time 
began practicing to a certain extent, lie, how- 
ever, concluded that he was better adapted to 
some other business than that of a physician, which 
resolution was strengthened by his failing haalth. 
He spent three or four years in recuperating and in 
1 872 engaged as clerk in the store of E. E. Boudi- 
not about five years. At the expiration of this 



time he was admitted to partnership with his em- 
ployer. Three years later he sold out to Mr. E. G. 
Smith, a native of Danville, and the only surviv- 
ing member of the family of Giles Smith. These 
gentlemen have been in partnership since that 
time and Mr. Bandy has been in the store since 
1872. Mr. Bandy is a gentleman of great energy 
and enterprise, and has accumulated a good prop- 
erty, including one of the finest brick blocks on 
North Vermilion street which was erected in 1887, 
and is equipped witli all modern improvements. 

Mr. Bandy was married in Danville, Sept. 28, 
I 86 1, to Miss Margaret Humphrey, wdio became the 
mother of one child and who died together with the 
child in 18(15. Our subject contracted a second mat- 
rimonial alliance with .Miss Mar}' A. Campbell, of 
Lafayette, Ind., Aug. 29, 1879. Of this union there 
was one child, a son, Claude W., who was born Aug. 
29, 1*80, and is still living. Mrs. Mary A. 
(Campbell) Bandy was born June 1,1853, about 
fifteen miles southeast of Logansport, Ind., and 
spent her childhood and youth in Indiana. Both 
Mr. and Mrs. Bandy are members of good standing 
of the lumber Methodist Episcopal Church. Until 
about 1865 Mr. Bandy voted with the Republican 
party but has since that time affiliated with the De- 
mocracy. He has never had any ambition for office, 
preferring to give his best efforts to his business 
affairs. His home comprises a neat residence in the 
northeast part of the city and as the son of a prom- 
inent family he occupies no secondary position in 
social and business circles. 



ENRY L. BUSHNELL is one of the leading 

i and successful business men of Hoopeston. 
lie is the proprietor of the North Elevator, 
((|!) which has a capacity of 75,000 bushels. He 
also owns several other large elevators on the line 
of the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroad. He is 
also general agent for the Brazil Block Coal Com- 
pany, handling from 2,500 to 3,000 cars yearly. 
besides his local trade. 

Mr. Bushnell was born Oct. 2, 1843, near what is 
now Dunlap, 111., and there remained with his father 
until he left school to enter the army. He enlisted 



VERMILION COUNTY. 



199 



on July 2, 18G2, in Company E, 77th Illinois In- 
fantry. This regiment was assigned to the 13th 
Army Corps, originally under Gen. Smith, but 
which was latterly under the command of (Jen. 
Banks, and participated in the battles of Black 
River, Jackson, Champion Hill, Black River Bridge, 
the siege of Vicksbnrg, and also in the entire cam- 
paign which resulted in the opening of the Missis- 
sippi River. At Vicksburg he was wounded on the 
22d of May, 1863, in the left knee, after which he 
was in the field hospital until his recovery. The 
last seventeen months of the service he was Second 
Lieutenant of his company. While on the expedi- 
tion with Banks up the Red River, lie was cap- 
tured at Mansfield, La., April 8, 1864, and taken tn 
Camp Ford, Tyler, Tex., and was there held until 
the close of the war. While a prisoner of war he suf- 
fered untold hardships, which impaired his health, 
the effects of which he feels to this day. After his 
release he joined his regiment at Mobile, Ala.. Jan- 
uary. 18G. r >. but remained there but a few days when 
lie proceeded to St. Louis, where he was -properly 
exchanged. Here he was detailed mi Gen. Dodge's 
Staff, remaining on this duty until Aug. 1, when he 
was mustered out of the service having served for 
several months mure than his regular enlistment. 
After leaving Hie army he returned tn Peoria, 111., 
and engaged in the lumber business with his father. 
In this he continued for some time, having an ex- 
tensive trade, and becoming accustomed to railroad 
business in the mean time, he was appointed Assis- 
tant General Freight Agent of the Chicago & 
Eastern Illinois Railroad, with headquarters at Ter- 
re Haute, lie continued in this capacity for five 
years, when in July 1883, lie resigned and removed 
to Hoopeston where he has since been engaged in 
business, and it is not too broad an assertion to 
state that he transacts more business than any other 
man in Eastern Illinois. 

Mr. Bushnell has served his city as Mayor for 
two terms and for one term has been an Alderman. 
He has also served five years on the Board of Edu- 
cation, of which he is now President. He has never 
aspired to office but his great business talents are 
always in request by his neighbors, and lie cannot 
see bis way Vlear to refuse them. He is a hard- 
working Republican, is recognized as a leader in 



his party, and can lie found attending all its conven- 
tions and gatherings. He is a member of the First 
Baptist Church and lias been a Sunday-school Su- 
perintendent for twenty years. 

On September 18, 1867, Mr. Bushnell married 
Miss Hattie A. Littell, of Peoria, and they have 
become the parents of ten children, two of whom 
only are living, six dying of diphtheria. The living 
are William F., who was born Jan. 25, 1872 and 
Jessie A., April 21, 1883. Mrs. Bushnell was born 
in New York City, March 18, 1844 and is the 
daughter of Isaac Littell, who came West in 1855. 
In closing this brief sketch, it is proper to say that 
there are no more popular people in this section of 
the country than Mr. and Mrs. Bushnell. 



^S§8=M~^~~ 



OHARLES M. V.j 
, county, may usua 
regulated boniest 



rIARLES M. BALM, a native of Ibis 
ally be found at his well- 
tead on section 25. Be- 
sides general agriculture, be is largely interested 
in the breeding of draft horses and has been of 
signal service in elevating the standard of horse 
flesh in this part of the State. Active, energetic 
and industrious, he is a scion of the pioneer cle- 
ment which located in this county at an early day 
and assisted largely in its growth and develop- 
ment. 

There arc some interesting facts connected with 
the family history of Mr. Baum which cannot by 
any means be properly omitted from this sketch. 
His father, Samuel Baum, a farmer by occupation, 
was born twenty-five miles south of the city of 
Cincinnati, Ohio, and was the son of Charles 
Baum, supposed to have been born in Pennsyl- 
vania, whence he removed first to Ohio and later 
to Illinois. He was a gunsmith by trade, but after 
coining to this country occupied himself mostly as 
a farmer, and died at the advanced age of ninety- 
eight years. Three of his seven children an' yet 
living. :iinl Samuel, the father of our subject, was 
the oldest of the family. Samuel Baum came to 
Illinois as early as 1828, and located on the l.ittle 
Vermilion, near the present site of Indianola. The 
country then was very thinly settled and Vermil- 
ion County was considered quite a frontier. The 



200 



VERMILION COUNTY. 



journey was made overland in a Dearborn wagon, 
and they brought with them a bug-horned cow 
tied behind the wagon. The incidents of that long 
and wearisome journey, during which they camped 
and cooked by the wayside and slept in the wagons 
at night, and the after experiences, replete with 
toil and privation, if properly related, would fill a 
good-sized volume. 

The parents of our subject, however, possessed 
the hardy spirit requisite in the pioneers of '28 
and entered with courage upon the task set before 
them. The mother was in her girlhood Miss Sarah 
Weaver, daughter of Michael Weaver, who also 
came to this county in 1828, and the young people 
were married in Ohio. Mr. Weaver prior to this 
time had served as a soldier in the War of 1812, 
and was greatly prospered as a tiller of the soil of 
Illinois, becoming one of Vermilion County's 
wealthiest men. Mrs. Bauin was the eldest of the 
eight children comprising the parental family, of 
whom only two are now living. 

The parents of our subject were married in 1823. 
Samuel Baum became a very successful farmer, 
the owner of 1,400 acres of land, and devoted him- 
self largely to stock-raising- After the labors of a 
well spent life he departed hence in March, 1861. 
The mother had passed to the silent land fourteen 
years previously, in 1817. Of the ten children 
born to them seven are still living. Charles M. was 
the sixth child and was born Dec. 22, 1838, at the 
old homestead near Indianola. lie pursued his 
first studies in the district school and in due time 
entered Bryant & Stratum's Commercial College, 
Indianapolis, from which he was graduated and at 
the age of twenty-two years began work for him- 
self on his father's farm. 

Our subject operated as a general agriculturist 
two years, then for one year turned his attention 
to shipping stock. In the meantime lie went into 
Texas and purchased 500 Texas cattle, which he 
drove through the Indian Territory, in 1866, to 
Chicago, consuming eight months on the journey. 
He disposed of his stock, then returning to New- 
town, this county, embarked in the mercantile 
business for two and one-half years. He then pur- 
chased ground for asawmill anil in company with 
Robert Craig put up the necessary building, equip- 



ping it with machinery and operated the mill for 
two years. Then selling out he resumed his for- 
mer business as a live stock shipper and afterward 
farmed again for about two years. 

About this time Mr. Baum became interested in 
fine horses and began importing Clydesdales from 
Canada and was thus occupied two years. After- 
wards he began breeding fine horses, for which his 
well-equipped farm of 200 acres affords every con- 
venience. He has thirty head mostly Clydesdales, 
including the Knight of Colander, imported by 
Galbraith Bros., of Janesville, Wis., and a very 
valuable registered mare imported by himself. 
Mr. Baum's horses are gaining an enviable reputa- 
tion in this part of the State. 

On the 22d of March, 1869, our subject was 
united in marriage with Miss Mary .1., daughter 
of William and Emily (Vanderin) Craig, who were 
among the pioneer settlers of this county. Of this 
union there have been born five children: Grace, 
Ernest. Katie. Charles and Frank, all of whom arc 
at home with their parents. Mr. Baum has been 
active in politics since becoming a voting citizen, 
and is proud to record the fact that his first Presi- 
dential candidate was the martyred President, 
Abraham Lincoln. lie keeps himself well posted 
upon the political issues of the day, and for twelve 
years has officiated as School Director in his dis- 
trict. He is President of the Newtown Horse and 
Cattle Fair and a member of the Clydesdale 
American Association, also for the Newtown Horse 
Protector Association. He has been for the last 
three years a Road Commissioner. It will thus be 
seen that he has made a good record as a citizen 
and is amply worthy of representation in the Bio- 
graphical Album of Vermilion County. 



Sfp5)LLIS ADAMS. The history to which our 
ks) attention is now directed is that of a man 
] rr_-^j£ ' possessing some admirable traits of charac- 
ter and one whose course in life has been such as to 
command the esteem and confidence of all who 
have known him. During the vicissitudes of life 
he has spent many years in arduous labor, has 
handled probably a million dollars in money, has 



VERMILION COUNTY. 



201 



dealt honestly and fairly by his fellow-men and 
should reap a large measure of consolation from 
ihe fact that comparatively few have made person- 
ally so clean and admirable record. There are few 
who have not experienced adversity in their strug- 
gle with the world, some more and some less, and 
while with some it has hail the effect to make them 
sour and cynical, others have learned wisely from 
the lesson and in this respect at least come off con- 
querors in the struggle. Nature endowed Mr. 
Adams with those qualities of mind and heart, 
which have enabled him to make the best of cir- 
cumstances and leave the rest to Providence. 

The native place of our subject was not far from 
the New England coast in Sussex County, N. J., 
his birth occurring Sept. 25, 1817. He commenced 
the battle of life for himself at the early age of 
fourteen years, clerking in a store from that time 
until a young man of twenty, lie then accompan- 
ied liis father's family to Virginia and remained 
on a farm in the Old Dominion for a period of 
live years. Then leaving the parental roof he emi- 
grated to Orange County, N. V., where he was 
employed as clerk in the grocery store of Mr. 
Reeve in Goshen. Two years later he established 
himself as a general merchant at Unionville in the 
same county and sold goods there for fifteen years. 

Mr. Adams finally becoming wearied of mer- 
cantile pursuits concluded he would seek the 
farther West and settle upon a farm. Coming to 
this county, in 1857, he purchased 480 acres of 
land south of Fainnount and put- up the largest 
residence in this vicinity. Thereafter he occupied 
himself at farming and merchandising until 1886, 
when on the account of the failing health of his 
wife he removed to Kansas, living there with a 
daughter one year and then returned to this county. 

Our subject in 184 4 was united in marriage with 
Miss Amanda l{., a daughter of Samuel King of 
Pennsylvania and a prominent farmer in his neigh- 
borhood. The ceremony took place at the home of 
the bride's mother in Philadelphia. This union 
resulted in the birth of three children, the eldest of 
whom. Frank A., was married and died leaving his 
widow with two children. Anna is the wife of 
Stanley Conklin. a member of the firm of Jarvis, 
Conklin & Co., in Kansas City, Mo., and they 



iiave two children. George C. married Miss 
Nellie, daughter of Hiram Catlett of Vance Town- 
ship, and they have two children. Mrs Adams 
has been sorely afflicted with rheumatism, being in 
feeble health for the past twenty years and in 1884 
was stricken with total blindness. She and her 
children are members of the Baptist Church in 
which Mr. Adams has been a Deacon for thirty 
years. In politics, .Mr. Adams was first a Whig 
and later a Democrat. Although seventy-two 
years old he is in the enjoyment of good health and 
although having met with many reverses main- 
tains the cheerful and genial disposition whirl, 
has always attracted to him numbers of warm 
friends. He appreciates the importance of pre- 
serving the family record and a few years ago 
wrote up a complete history of his life placing it 
in the hands of his sun. 

The father of our subjeel was Joseph Adams, a 
native of New Jersey and a farmer by ocupation. 
He married Miss Martha Post, a native of New 
Jersey and they lived there until 1839. Then 
disposing of their interests in that State they re- 
moved to Spottsylvania County, Va., where the 
mother died at the age of fifty-two years. Joseph 
Adams spent his last years in Virginia and de- 
parted this life in July, L845. 

The parental household included eleven children, 
ali of whom lived to mature years. Grandfather 
Adams was a prominent man in Sussex County 
N.J. and held the position of Judge for some 
years. 

L«pF^lK)MAS D. M< KEE, of Oakwood Town- 

'(lll\) S '"^' llas f< " y ears been Prominent in busi- 
\^# ness circles, operating as lawyer, banker and 
farmer. His home is located on sec-lion 15, and 
the farm is chiefly devoted to stock-raising, an in- 
dustry which has always proved profitable in this 
section. Mr. McKec was born in New York State 
June :>, Is:;.'., al tin- old homestead of his parents, 
John C. and Jeanette (Stewart) McKee,the former 
Of whom was a native also of the Empire State, and 
the mother of Scotland. 

John C. McKee was born in 1809,, and died al 
the age of seventy -six years. The paternal grand- 



202 



VERMILION COUNTY. 



father, Thomas McKee, was born about 1784 in 
Dryden, Tompkins Co., N. Y., where he spent his 
entire life, dying at the age of sixty-two years. 
The great-grandfather, James McKee, was born in 
the North of Ireland, and died at the age of ninety- 
six years. Grandfather John Stewart married a 
Miss Mcintosh and emigrated to America, settling 
near Dryden, N. Y., where he engaged in farming 
and died at the age of sixty-two .years. Thomas D. 
had the privilege of seeing all three of the old 
veterans. 

The parents of our subject were married in New 
York State, and afterwards lived upon the same 
farm which still remains in the family, and which 
is located on the old State Road four and one-half 
miles from Cortland, between the latter place and 
Ithica. The mother passed away in 1877, and the 
father in 1885. Their family consisted of eleven 
children, all of whom grew to mature years, and of 
whom our subject is the eldest. Thomas I)., like 
his brothers and sisters, attended the village school 
at McLean, and later was a student in Cortland 
Academy at Homer, N. Y. He prosecuted his law 
studies in the State and National Law School at 
1'oughkeepsie under the presidency of J. W. Fow- 
ler, from which he was graduated and then set out 
for the West. 

Mr. McKee left his home in New York State in 
1855, and going to Maysville, Wis., taught school 
there six months. Prior to this before leaving his 
native State lie had been similarly occupied at 
South [Cortland. In 1857 he went to Faribault, 
Minn., and platted Morristown together with sev- 
eral other towns. He then migrated to St. Louis, 
Mo., and from there to Leavenworth, Kan., during 
the da3'g of the troubles in the latter State and wit- 
neesed many scenes of violence, enacted on the soil 
of "bleeding Kansas." In that State he operated 
as a surveyor, and taught the lirst school estab- 
lished at Atchison. After a two-year's sojourn in 
that region he returned home, completed his law 
course in Poughkeepsie, and. in L861, returning to 
Illinois, established himself at Homer. Champaign 
County, and began the practice of his chosen pro- 
fession. 

The next important event in the life of our sub- 
ject was his marriage with Miss Mary Groenendyke, 



and six or seven years afterwards the newly wedded 
pair established themselves at their present home 
stead. While at Homer Mr. McKee, in company with 
D. S. Pratt, established the bank at Homer, and later 
our subject purchased the interest of his partner 
therein. That same year through the speculation 
of his clerk the bank was obliged to close its doors. 
This individual had been trusted implicitly without 
bonds, and had made away with #23,000 in cash. 

Subsequently Mr. McKee became interested in 
farming pursuits and began operations on 240 acres 
of land, which amount has been augmented so thai 
the farm now embraces G80 acres all in one body. 
It is all in productive condition, lint largely de- 
voted to stock-raising — forty to fift3' cattle in a 
3 r ear, about 200 head of swine and numbers of veiy 
fine imported Belgium horses. 

To Mr. and Mrs. McKee there were born five 
children, four of whom are living: Samuel G., 
Stewart T., Mallie and John, all at home with their 
parents. Our subject has been for many years the 
School Director in his district, and has served on 
the School Board in Homer for six years. He was 
President of the Town Board there for several 
terms, and it was largely through his influence that 
sidewalks were laid and shade trees were planted. 
He also labored assiduously in suppressing the liq- 
uor traffic. He votes the straight Republican 
ticket, and is uniformly in favor of those measures 
tending to elevate society and advance the inter- 
ests of the people. Mrs. McKee is a very capable 
and estimable lady, with a good talent for business 
and is a member in good standing of the Presbyte- 
rian Church. 

Samuel Groenendyke, the father of Mrs. McKee, 
was born in Seneca County, N. Y., in 1803, and 
married Miss Lacy Thompson, of Cumberland 
County, Pa. In 1821 he removed with his family 
tu the vicinity of Terre Haute, Ind., and thence to 
Vermillion County, hid., where he established his 
permanent home. He finally became the owner of 
nearly 2,000 acres of land. Later he established him- 
self as a general merchant at Eugene, and also had 
a brauck store at Homer, 111. He was very indus- 
trious and enterprising, and was the first pork- 
packer in his locality, lie aided largely in encour- 
I aging the various industries of the new country, 





Stock-Farm and Residence of J. W.Goodwi 




SEC5.2I.22, 26.27 &• 28. Pi LOtTr.VerMI LION Co. 



PORTRAIT AND UK (GRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



20; 



and was prominent in his aommunity, being espec- 
ally well known by the old settlers. The parental 
family included three children, two daughters and 
a son. Samuel, who is now a resident of Eugene. 



-*>- 



**-# 



\i; ( )1IN W. GOODWINE is one of the Leading 
farmers and stock-growers of Vermilion 
County, and the owner of one of its largest 
and most valuable farms, finely located in 
the township of Pilot, his substantial residence, 
with its attractive surroundings, being situated on 
section 26. lie is the son of a former well known 
prosperous pioneer of this section of the country, 
who was in his day an extensive land owner, and 
did much toward developing the vast agricultural 
resources of the county. 

The father was a native of Kentucky, of English 
descent, his parents having been early pioneers of 
that State. In 1810 he went to Bartholomew 
County, Ind., and was among its earliest settlers, 
subsequently removing from there to Warren 
County in the same State. In 1820 he came to 
Warren County while it was still in the hands of 
the pioneers, and located on government land. Inly- 
ing at that time 2oo acres, lie built a log house 
for the shelter of his family and entered with char- 
acteristic zeal upon the development of a farm 
from the wild prairies, and from time to time in- 
creased its acreage till he became the possessor of 
2,400 acres of fine farming land at the time of his 
death, so fortunate was he in his undertakings. He 
died March 8, 1851. His wife, who died in 1824, 
was :i native of Germany, her maiden name being 
Elizabeth Snyder, and she came with her parents to 
this country when she was young. Of her mar- 
riage nine children were horn: .lames, Martha, and 
John, the only ones now living. James married 
Sophia Buekcls. of Warren County, Ind., where he 
is engaged in farming, and they have five children 
— William, Christina, Indiana, Horace and Fre- 
mont; Martha married Richard Lyon, of Warren 
County. Ind.. and they have three children — Fohn, 
Martha and Thomas. 

John Goodwine spent the early years of In- life 
in his native State, gleaning such an education :i- 



was afforded by the pioneer schools of thos- «' 
and on the home farm :i good practical training in 
the management ol a farm. He came to Vermil- 
ion County March 15. 1848, and when he began an 
independent life for himself he had a better start 
than niMiiy farmer's sons, having inherited 300 
acres from his father's estate. But notwithstanding 
such an advantage he worked with persevering en- 
er.jy. and by wise management and a. judicious ex- 
pi ndiiure of money he has become possessed of one 
ot the largest and finest estates within the limits of 
Vermilion County, owning over 1,000 acres of 
highly improved hind, besides having given his 
children 2,000. He dues an extensive business in 
general farming, and makes a specialty of raising 
Short-horns, having a fine herd of highly graded 
cattle of that breed. 

Mr. Goodwine has been twice married. His first 
wife was Jane Charleton, of Indiana, and to them 
were born five children — Marion, John. James. 
Mary J. and Fremont. Marion married Susan Sel- 
sor, and lives in Marysville. this county. They 
have five children, one of whom is dead; the others 
are Ilattie, Fred, Daly K. and Ary ; John married 
.Alary Alexander, and the}' had one child. Annie ; h:s 
first wifedied October, 1872, and about 1874 lie wa.s 
again married to Mis- Alice Lane, and they have 
six children — John, Wilber, Nora, Ulysses, Cora 
and Villa; James, a farmer in this county, married 
Minerva King, of New Jersey, and they have three 
children — Nellie. Roy and Goldie; Mary J. mar- 
ricil James M. Tillotson, of Warren County. Ind.. 
now a farmer in Louisiana, and they have three 
children — lessie. Estella and Mabel. 

The maiden name of the present wife of oursuh- 
jeet was Arminda Sperry, and she was born in this 
county Dec. 2 1. 1842. Her parents. Krastus and 
Ruth (Rees) Sperry, were of German antecedents 
though they were horn in this country, the father 
in Ohio June 3, 1819, and the mother in Indiana 
Aug. 19, 1819. Mr. and Mrs. Goodwine have four 
children, namely: Martha. Helen, Dora and Grant 
VV., all of whom are at home with their parents. 

Mr. Goodwine possesses in a rare degree far-see- 
ing sagacity and energy, so combined with those 
useful qualities of prudence and steadfastness of 
purpose, that lie could not fail to increase his wealth 



208 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 






by legitimate means, and accomplish whatever he 
attempted. His career in life has been an honor- 
able one, ami his place is among the most useful 
and worthy of the citizens of Vermilion County, 
with whose interests his own have been so inti- 
mately connected these many years, and whose ma- 
terial prosperity he has greatly extended. lie has 
served on the juries of the State and county, and 
as an intelligent, observant man is greatly inter- 
ested in the political issues of the day, giving his 
support to the Republican party on all questions of 
National or local importance. 

A fine large double page view of the handsome 
residence and surroundings on the farm of Mr. 
Goodwine is among the attractive features of the 
opening pages of the album, and is a fitting intro- 
duction to those which follow. It shows what can 
be accomplished by a life of industry and energy, 
coupled with a good business capacity. 



^IjOlIN R. BALDWIN. There are few of the 
older residents along t| ie western line of 
this county who are unfamiliar with the 
^J^ name which stands at the head of this bio- 
graphical sketch. It is that of a man selfmade in 
the broadest sense of the term — one who in his 
young manhood resolved to make life a success if 
it could be accomplished by industry and wise 
management. Many men who are successful per- 
haps do not as fully realize the fact as those around 
them who have been less so, but the present stand- 
ing of Mr. Baldwin, socially and financially, should 
give him an extremely comfortable feeling, for his 
career has been worthy of emulation. It is main- 
tained that every man has his hobby, and Mr. 
Baldwin, a great lover of the equine race, has for 
many years given his attention to the breeding of 
and dealing in horses, and in this branch of business 
can scarcely be excelled. He is an excellent, judge 
of this noblest of the animal kingdom, and while 
developing their fine points has made of the indus- 
try a profit as well as a pleasure. 

The farm property of Mr. Baldwin is pleasantly 
situated on section 17, Vance Township, and com- 
prises a homestead furnished with all the modern 



improvements, both for agricultural pursuits and 
for stock operations. Mr. Baldwin is now past 
sixty-one years old. having been born March '■>, 
1828, and is a native of Mason County, Ky. His 
father, George Baldwin, who was born in Virginia, 
is still living and in good health, although having 
arrived at the ripe old age of over eighty-six 
years. In addition to the possession of a strong 
constitution he has for the last thirty years espec- 
ially avoided the use of liquor in any form. His 
life occupation has been that of a farmer, and he is 
now living at a comfortable home in Fairmount, 
where he enjoys the acquaintance of a large circle 
of friends. 

The mother of our subject was, in her girlhood, 
Miss Rebecca Downing. She was born in Ken- 
tucky, and was married in her native state, wdiere 
the family lived until l.s;39. Thence they removed 
to Ohio, and in the fall of I860 came to this 
county, and settled three miles south of Fairmount. 
They became the parents of seven children, four of 
whom are living, and the mother departed this life 
in 1881. 

The paternal grandfather of our subject emi- 
grated from Prince Edward County, Va.. to Mason 
County, Kv.ju 18! 4, during the period of its earliest 
settlement. He there spent the remainder of his life, 
dying in 1813. In the meantime he served as 
a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and had a son, 
Pleasant Baldwin, who carried a musket in the 
War of 1812. The latter died in 1880. 

The early education of John R. Baldwin was 
obtained [tartly in Kentucky and partly in Ohio, 
ami he remained a member of the parental house- 
hold until the time of his marriage. This interest- 
in & event was celebrated Feb. 22. 1850, the bride 
being Miss Catherine J., daughter of Nathan Glaze, 
of Maryland. After then- marriage Mr. and Mrs. 
Baldwin settled on a rented farm near Ripley, 
Ohio, where they lived until 1856. They then re- 
moved to a farm which Mr. Baldwin had purchased 
on Straight Creek Ridge, Ohio, and which he partly 
improved and sold at a good profit two years later. 
The next two years he operated as a renter, then 
purchased more land, which he sold at war prices. 
At the expiration of this time Mr. Baldwin, de- 
termining to see something of the Western country, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



2u9 



came to Illinois, and after viewing the country 
went back home, published his sale of personal 
property, established his family in Ripley, ami in 
May, 1865, started out on another tour oi investi- 
gation. This time he was accompanied by his 
father, they boarding a boat at Ripley which con- 
veyed them t<> St. Louis and thence to Rockport 
Landing, Mo. They were prevented from landing 
at Lexington on account of the bushwhackers, who 
were unaware that the war was over. They next 
pursued their travels by stage and hack to St. Jo- 
seph. 1 hence to Quincy and Chicago, 111., and from 
there by way of Indianapolis and Cincinnati home. 

Having seen so many different places, and all 
with some advantages, our subject now found him- 
self in a dilemma as to where it was best to settle. 
He finally concluded to remain in Ohio until he 
could get all his money together He rented a 
farm and commenced dealing extensively in horses 
and cattle, shipping to Cincinnati and realizing 
handsome returns. The fall of 1868 again found 
him Westward bound, and passing through this 
county. From here he went to Southern Missouri 
by way of Kansas City, and gravitated back to this 
county via St. Louis ami the Illinois Central Rail- 
road. He found nothing in his opinion superior 
to this region, and accordingly rented a house in 
Fairinouut, and returning to Ohio had collected, by 
the 11th of March, 186'.). all his money, and re- 
turned to this county. He did not then intend to 
invest his capital here, and in less than two weeks 
had loaned about $4,000. He finally purchased the 
land comprising his present homestead, and which 
was embellished with the best dwelling on the prai- 
rie. His stock shipping operations have extended 
as far Fast as Boston and Albany, N. Y., and he 
has probably sold more young horses than any 
other man in his neighborhood, these being shipped 
largely to Pennsylvania buyers, who come to him 
and make their purchases at first hands. 

During the last ten years Mr. Baldwin has 
operated as a breeder, and sold four colts of his 
own raising to Pennsylvania buyers for $850. He 
does no more shipping, but since abandoning this. 
has sold sixteen head of horses for over $3,400, lie- 
sides three carloads at from $150 to $190 each. 
One remarkable ckeumstance in his career is the 



fact, that in Ohio he never lost but 810 in his horse 
operations. Since coming to Illinois he has handled 
large numbers of valuable horses without loss. In 
one carload he lost $262, but made it all right on 
tiie next shipment. 

Of the twelve children born to our subject and 
his estimable wife nine are living: Charles N., the 
it, married Miss Susie Gunder, is the father of 
three children, and lives two and one-half miles 
southwest of Danville; Mary . I., the wife of Bar- 
io:i Elliott, is the mother of thret children, and 
they live a half mile east of Fairinouut; .1. Henrj 
married Miss Lizzie Price. Ls the father of six chil- 
dren, and lives three miles south of Fairinouut: 
Emma Belle, Mrs. William Hill, lives in Oak wood 
Township, and is the mother of one child: Laura 
E. married Edwin North, and they live in Sidell. 
without children: Cora L.. Mrs. Lincoln Smith, has 
no children, and they live three and one-half miles 
northwest of Fairmount; Lizzie. Oscar G. and Poh- 
erl L. remain at home with their parents. 

.Mrs. Baldwin was the fifth child of her parents, 
and was born .Vug. :! 1 . 182'.). in Brown County. 
Ohio. Her father, a prominent man in his neigh- 
borhood, came to Illinois in the spring of L866. 
and died in Hancock County, in 1883, in the nine- 
tieth year of his age. The mother survived her hus- 
band five years, dying in L888, in Hancock County 
at the advanced age of ninety-two. Their family 
consisted of four daughters and six sons. Mrs. 
Baldwin's people on both sides of the house wen' 
largely represented, many of them living to a great 
age. Her grandfather on her mother's side was 
the father of nine children, four of whom lived to 
be from eighty to eighty-eight years old; their 
united ages being .i.'i2. Her father. Nathan 
Glaze, served as a soldier in the War of 1812, and 
was a pensioner at the time of his death. Both he 
and his wife were members of the Christian Church 
for the long period of sixty years. Mrs. Baldwin 
has been a member of the Baptist Church. 

Conservative in polities. Mr. Baldwin votes the 
straight Republican ticket, and recalls the fact that 
the largest and most enthusiastic political meeting 
which lie ever attended, was one held in the intei 

of William Henry Harrison, in 1 840, at Ripley, 
Brown Co., Ohio, when Mr. Baldwin vas a lad of 



210 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPAICAL ALBUM. 



twelve years. lie has mixed very little in public 
life with the exception of serving as School Di- 
rector twelve years. His interests have chiefly 
centered in live stock, and he has been a prominent 
worker in the County Fair Association. His con- 
nection with this in Ohio extended from 1 853 to 
18G7, and in Illinois from 1869 to 1886. He was for 
four years a member of the Board of Directors of 
Vermilion County Agricultural and Mechanical 
Association at Danville, and took an important 
part in the discussion of the matters pertaining to 
its best interests. He is a Royal Arch Mason, be- 
longing to Homer Lodge Chapter, and in Fair- 
mount is a member of lodge number 590, in which 
he has served as Master for two years, having 
passed all the Chairs. He is a stockholder in the 
Homer Agricultural Fair Association. 



plUMUND P. JONES has a valuable farm in 
^] Danville Township, pleasantly located four 



E 



/I I — -A miles southeast of the city in the center of 
a rich agricultural region. He is a fine type of 
the sturdy, intelligent, self-reliant natives of Ver- 
milion County who were born here in the early 
days of its settlement, reared amid its pioneer 
scenes, and after attaining a stalwart manhood, 
took their place among its practical, wide awake 
citizens and have ever since been active in devel- 
oping and sustaining its many and varied interests. 
The subject of this sketch comes of good pioneer 
slock, and both his paternal and maternal ancestry 
were early settlers of Kentucky, and there his fa- 
ther and mother, William and .lane (Martin) 
Jones were born, the former in Harrison County, 
Feb. 24, 1796, and the latter April 15, 1795. They 
were united in marriage Jan. 23, 1816, ■ and con- 
tinued to reside in their native State till 1828, 
when with their six children they came to Illinois 
with a team and cast in their fortunes with the 
early pioneers of Vermilion County, locating near 
Danville, in Danville Township. They lived a 
short time on section 16, and then the father 
bought a tract of land on section 11. It was heav- 
ily timbered, and the family lived in a rail-pen for 
a time as a temporary shelter, and then Mr. 



Jones built a log house on the place, and in that 
humble abode the subject of this sketch-was born 
Jan. 13, 1830. The father improved a part of his 
land, and a few years later removed to another 
place, and resided in different parts of the town 
till his demise, Oct.'30, 1859. A faithful citizen 
was thus lost to the community, one who had led 
an honest, sober-minded life, and was deserving of 
the respect accorded to him. His worthy wife 
survived him till Sept. 10, 1867, when she too 
passed away at the home of our subject. The fol- 
lowing is recorded of the eight children born to 
them: John P. is deceased; Elizabeth is the wife of 
Henry Sallee, of Oakwood Township; Joseph M. is 
deceased; Sarah A. married Dennis Olehy, and is 
now deceased; William Perry and Mazy J. are 
deceased; Edmund P. is the subject of this sketch; 
Thomas J. lives in Oakwood'Township. 

The subject of this sketch remembers well the 
wildness of the country around about as it first ap- 
peared to him when he became old enough to 
observe his surroundings, and the beautiful scene 
presented by the virgin prairie and primeval for- 
est before civilization had wrought its marvelous 
changes, is indellibly impressed on his mind. Deer, 
wild turkeys and other game were plentiful and 
roamed at will, unless brought down by the uner- 
ring aim of the hunter anxious to replenish the 
scant larder in his humble pioneer home. There 
were no railways for many years after our subject's 
first recollection, and the nearest market was at 
( Ihicago, 125 miles distant, till after the canal was 
finished, and then produce was taken to Perrys- 
ville, Ind. The farmers of those days had to con- 
duet their agricultural operations in the most prim- 
itive manner, and Mr. Jones says that when he was 
young grain was cut with a sickle, and when the 
cradle came into use that was considered a great 
improvement, and the present harvesting machine 
was undreamed of. Threshing machines were then 
unknown, and the grain was either trampled out 
by horses or else whipped out by Hails. The plows 
in use had wooden mold-boards, and all corn was 
dropped by hand and covered with a hoe. while 
grass was cut with a scythe and hay was pitched 
with a wooden fork. Nor was the work of the 
busy housewife lightened by modern improve- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



211 



ments. The good mother rooked the food before 
the fire in the old-fashioned fireplace, and used to 
spin, weave and make all the cloth for the family. 
The intelligent pioneers early sought to give their 
children educational advantages, and the first 
schools were conducted in rude log school-houses 
provided with seats made of puncheon with wooden 
pins for legs, and the window comprising an 
opening from which a log had been removed 
and greased paper inserted through which the 
light had to penetrate, and a large fireplace, 
the chimney of stick and clay, for heating purposes. 
In such a structure our subject gleaned his educa- 
tion, lie commenced in his boyhood to assist his 
father on the farm, and gained from him a thor- 
ough practical knowledge of farming in all its 
branches. lie remained an inmate of the parental 
household till he attained man's estate and then 
started nut in life for himself by renting land and 
carried on agriculture thereon for a while. At 
the time of his marriage he went to Iroquois 
('(.unity and settled on a tract of wild land there, 
remaining till 1859, when he returned to Vermil- 
ion County, and in USUI he bought forty acres of 
land on section 13 of Danville Township. It was 
partly fenced and a few acres had been broken, 
but aside from that no improvements had been 
made, not even any buildings had been (■reeled. 
He built a frame houseon forty acres adjoining his 
original purchase, and has since bought other land, 
till he now has 220 acres, under excellent cultiva- 
tion and capable of producing latge crops. His 
residence, a well built house, is located on section 
12. and he has other substantial buildings, and 
everything about the place is conveniently ar- 
ranged and .veil ordered. 

Mr. Jones has been twice married. He was first 
wedded < )rt. 19, 1854, to Sarah A. Cox, who was. 
like himself, a native of Danville Township, born 
May 5, 1831. She closed her eyes to the scenes of 
earth after a brief and happy married life, dying 
in Iroquois County, Nov. n, 1858. Mr. Jones 
was married to his present wife, formerly Mary E. 
Villars, Feb. 21, 1861. Mrs. Jones is a native of 
Clinton County. Ohio, born Dec. 11, 1840, to 
William and Ruth I \Y hi taker) Villars (see sketch 
of William Villars for parental history). Mr. and 



Mrs. Jones have had six children, four of whom 
are living, as follows: Rosa Belle married Joshua 
Olehy.of Danville Township; John W. married Mary 
J. Rouse, and they live in Danville Township; Lillie 
A. married Albert E. Villars of Newell Township; 
(lark S. is at home with his parents. 

Mr. Jones is a man of self-respecting, energetic 
character, well dowered with firmness and decision, 
and his conduct in all the various relations of life 
is such as to inspire the trust and esteem of all 
with whom he comes in contact either in a busi- 
ness or in a social way. He and his wife belong to 
the Pleasant Grove United Brethren Church, and 
are active in aiding their pastor and fellow-mem- 
bers in any good work, and they are always to be 
found on the side of the right. In him the Dem- 
ocratic party in this section of the country find a 
stanch ally. 

THOMAS LEE. Among others who came to 
Central Illinois during the period of its pio- 
v neershlp was the sturdy English-born citizen 
with the substantial traits of character handed down 
to him by his ancestors, the qualities of industry and 
perseverance, which were bound to win. He as- 
sisted in the development of the soil, in the build- 
ing up of communities, and almost without an ex- 
ception acquired a competence. Mr. Lee is one of 
the representative men of his nationality and an 
early settler. He came to Illinois in 1856 and took 
up his residence in Vermilion County in 1874 on 
section 32, township 23, range 12. During the pe- 
riod of his fifteen years' residence here he has 
opened up a good farm of 120 acres and secured 
himself against want in his old age. 

Our subject was born in Devonshire, England, 
Sept. 17, 1838, and lived there until approaching 
the eighteenth year of his age. He was the first 
child of the family to leave home, and the occasion 
was one naturally mixed with regret and some ap- 
prehensions. Embarking at Liverpool, lie made 
the long voyage across the Atlantic in safety, land- 
ing in New York, and proceeded directly to Illinois, 
locating first in Peoria County. He worked on a 
farm there several years, and about 1860 changed 




•212 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



his residence to Woodford County. In that county 
he purchased wild land, where he opened up a good 
farm and lived about twelve years. During this 
time he put up good buildings, planted an orchard, 
fenced his land, and, in fact, effected the improve- 
ments naturally suggested to the progressive agri- 
culturist. 

In Woodford County, 111., our subject was mar- 
ried, March 8, 1862, to Miss Grace Huxtable. The 
young people began life together on the new farm, 
and after selling out, Mr. Lee traveled all over the 
West and the Pacific Slope, but came back to Illi- 
nois, not being able to find any section of country 
which suited him better. He then came to this 
county and purchased the farm where he now lives. 
There were no buildings upon it to speak of, but he 
soon provided a shelter for his family, and here he 
has since remained, carrying on general farming 
and stock-raising successfully. He cast his first vote 
for Abraham Lincoln in 1860, and has since been 
a stanch supporter of the Republican party. He 
believes in the doctrines of the Baptist Church, of 
which he is a member, attending servicesat Hoopes- 
ton. 

Seven of the eight children born to Mr. and Mrs. 
Lee are still living — Herschel J., Lizzie, Clarence, 
Delraer. Newton, Jennie and Morris. The eldest 
son has been in the farther West for the past four 
years. Lizzie became the wife of Loren Briggs, 
and they live on a farm west of the Lee homestead ; 
they have two children. Clarence married Miss 
Ada Redden and lives in Butler Township. The 
(it her children are at home with their parents. Mrs. 
Lee was likewise born in Devonshire in 1843, and 
came to America with her father when a child of 
nine years; the family settling on Kickapoo Prairie. 
The father farmed there for a time and then re- 
moved with his family to Woodford County, where 
Mr. Lee made the acquaintance of his future wife. 
Mr. Huxtable, also a native of Devonshire, came to 
America in 1852, and carried on farming in Wood- 
ford County until 1 887. Then, retiring from active 
labor, he took up his residence in Benson, Wood- 
ford County, where he now lives and is married to 
his second wife. His first wife died in England. 

William Lee, the father of our subject, also a na- 
tive of Devonshire, England, spent his entire life 



there. He married Miss Susanna Davey, and they 
became the parents of five sons and three daugh- 
ters, all of whom, with the exception of two daugh- 
ters, came to America, together with the mother, 
who died in Benson in January, 1888. 



*^' I^&C ■''— "." 



WILLI 
.... £ 



ILLIAM DICKINSON, an honored resi- 
dent and well-to-do farmer of Catlin Town- 
ship, is numbered among the far-sighted 
men of practical ability and cool judgment, who 
have been instrumental in promoting its growth, 
and making it a rich agricultural centre. He owns 
a well-ordered farm on section 26, every acre of 
which is highly cultivated, and, with its neat build- 
ings and other appointments, it does not compare 
unfavorably with the man}- other fine farms of which 
Vermilion County can boast. Here Mr. Dickinson 
lias passed thirty -six of the best years of his life, 
coming here while yet in the prime of a stalwart 
manhood, and that these years have been well 
spent in diligent and cheerful labor, is shown by 
the substantial home that lie has built up, in which, 
now that the infirmities of age are upon him, he 
can rest from his toils, and enjoy its comforts with- 
out the necessity of labor and drudgery. 

Our subject is of English antecedents and birth. 
His parents, John and Hannah Dickinson, were 
both natives of England, and they died in Lincoln- 
shire. Their son, William Dickinson, of whom this 
sketch is written, was born in the old home in Lin- 
colnshire, April 27, 1819, and amid its pleasant 
surroundings, he grew to man's estate. He early 
engaged in fanning, and became quite a farmer 
before he left the oln country to try life in the new 
world, coming here in 1853, lauding in New York 
city the first day of May. He came directly to 
Vermilion County in this State, having previously 
heard of its wonderful agricultural resources, and 
has been engaged in tilling the land in Catlin Town- 
ship ever since, though on account of his advanced 
age he has retired somewhat from the active duties 
of the management of his estate. His farm com- 
prises 197 acres of choice land, well cultivated and 
supplied with all the necessary buildings and ma- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



•213 



chinery, and is indeed one of the most desirable 
places in the vicinity. 

Mr. Dickinson was a married man when he emi- 
grated to this country, he having been previously 
wedded in the historical old town of Boston, in 
Lincolnshire, to Miss Emma Barker, a native of 
that shire. Ten children were born of their union, 
as follows: Harriet A., wife of Frederic Jones, 
whose sketch appears on another page of this vol- 
ume ; Elizabeth M.. wife <>f George Stonebraker; 
William, who married Callie Laflen; Emma, the 
wife of Arthur Jones, whose sketch appears on 
another page of this work; .lames; Matilda, the 
wife of .lames Bentley: Henry, Hannah B., John 
and Joseph. 

Aug-. 14, 1888, she who had walked by the side 
of our subject many a year, leaving, for his sake, 
home and friends in the dear old England, and for 
many a year cheering and strengthening him in his 
work, passed out of his life, and entered into the 
rest that passeth understanding. 

"Her work is compassed and done; 
All things arc seemly and ready 
And her summer is just begun." 

Mrs Dickinson — obiti m.-v. 
Mrs. Emma Dickinson, to whose memory this 
notice is inscribed, was born in, Boston, Lincoln- 
shire, England, Sept. 22, 1823, making her age at 
time of death, sixty-four years, ten months and 
twenty-two days. Her maiden name was Emma 
Barker. She was married to William Dickenson, 
March 2. 1847. They emigrated to this country 
May 1 4th, 1853, and located within three miles of 
where the family now reside. Her sister, .Mrs. Ma- 
tilda Clipson came over at the same time. She was 
the mother of ten children, live giils and five boys, 
of whom the following were born in England: 
Harriet A., wife of Frederic Jonos; Mary 1-;.. wife 
of George Stonebraker; Emma, wife of A. .lone-. 
and William, the eldesl son. The following were 
born in America: .lames, Henry. John, Joseph 
and Matilda, wife of Janus Bentley, and Hannah 
K. the youngest daughter. The children are all of 
mature age, and the family have never before been 
bereaved by death. The deceased was a member 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church in England, and 



although she did not identify herself as a member 
here, she was an attendant on divine services, and 
lived an exemplary and Christian life. Her illness 
dates back several years, however, she was not con- 
fined to her bed until about the beginning of Sep- 
tember, since which time she was unable to help 
herself. Her sufferings were very great, but were 
borne with a resignation which none but a Chris- 
tian woman could possess. She was a devoted 
wife, a faithful mother, the light of the home and 
the pride of the family. While we must bid her a 
fond farewell, her virtues will not be forgotten. 

A short funeral service was held at the home by 
Rev. A. C. Cummings. The music was under the 
direction of Mrs. Elsie McGreggor, and the follow- 
ing persons were chosen as pall bearers: A. G. 
Olmstead, G. W. L. Church, Jno. Parker, jr., T. 
Brady, J. M. Douglass and (i. W. Tilton. 

By request of the deceased, a sacred song was 
sung during the services by little Benny Louis, ac- 
companied by his sister. A large procession of 
friends accompanied the family to the Jones ceme- 
tery, where the body now reposes. 

Mr. Dickinson is justly regarded as one of the 
solid, reliable citizens of this township, as during 
the man\ years that he has resided here, he has 
evershown himself to be faithful to his duties and 
responsibilities in every department of life in which 
he has acted, as a husband, father, neighbor and 
citizen, and it may truly be said that his character 
is such as to inspire respect and esteem. 



*-$%&<: 

AMES M. GEDDES, an Illinois pioneer of 
'56, and a man who has been the architect 
of his own fortune, is now the owner of a 
line properly, comprising a well-appointed 
farm located on section 7, in ROSS Township. He 
is a scion of an excellent old famil\ of Scotch an- 
cestry, and the sou of Joseph Geddes, whose father, 
George Geddes, emigrated from Hie Land of the 
Thistle to America about 1788. Making hi-- way 
to the Territory of Ohio, he located on a tract of 
land in the wilderness, near where the town of 
East Liverpool now stands, but which then for miles 
around was destitute of any signs of ci\ ilization. He 



21 I 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



had been married in,, Boston, Mass., to a lad}' who 
was descended from old Plymouth stock — people 
who came over in the Mayflower — and who was 
reared in the strict doctrines of the old Presbyte- 
rian faith. They began their wedded life together 
in the wilds of Ohio, where they reared their fam- 
ily, and spent the remainder of their days, each 
attaining to a ripe old age. Of their children, 
seven in number, Joseph, the father of our subject, 
was the youngest, and was born in 1 805. He was 
reared at that home in the wilderness. The coun- 
try was gradually settled up, and among the other 
adventurous pioneers who followed in the wake of 
the Geddes family were William Moore, whose 
daughter, Catherine, became the wife of Joseph 
Geddes, and the mother of our subject. The 
mother's parents lived jusc across the Ohio River 
in Brook County, Ya., until their deaths occurred. 

Joseph Geddes and his young wife continued to 
reside near the old folk in East Liverpool about 
six years, and in the meantime their son, James M., 
the subject of this sketch, was'born April 21, 1837. 
About 1839 they removed to Tuscarawas Count}', 
and later to the northeastern part of Indiana, where 
Joseph Geddes departed this life at the age of 
sixty-five years, and the mother at the age of sev- 
enty-six They became the parents of twelve chil- 
dren, all of whom, with one exception, are living. 
The second child, Elizabeth, died when about seven 
years old. Those besides our subject, are named 
respectively, John, William, Mary A., Wilson, 
Richard, Robert, Nancy J., Lucinda, Joseph, and 
Minerva. The latter, the youngest of the familv, 
is thirty-six years old. The household circle re- 
mained undivided by death for more than fifty 
years— a circumstance scarcely equalled in the his- 
tory of any other family in this region. 

The parents of our subject, during their younger 
years, we ■ identified with the Presbyterian Church, 
but later bee. Me connected with the United Breth- 
ren, in the faith of which they died. James M., 
upon coming to Illinois in 1856, located first at 
Momence, but later removed to Iroquois County. 
There he was married, in 1862. to Miss Emma, 
daughter of Thomas and Anna (Barkley) Young. 
They lived there until the spring of 1883, engaged 
in farming pursuits; then our subject disposed of 



his interests in that section and purchased his pres- 
ent line farm of 160 acres, which he proposes to 
make his permanent home. Upon coming to this 
Slnli' he was without other resources than his good 
liral l.h and strong hands, anil like the wise man of 
Scripture, he has increased his 'talent ten fold. 
During his younger years he experienced all the 
hardships and difficulties of life in a new country, 
and improved his fust farm from the raw prairie. 
He cast his first Presidential vote for Lincoln, and 
has been a steadfast supporter of Republican prin- 
ciples, especially since the outbreak of the war, and 
has ever maintained an ardent admiration for the 
martyred President, Lincoln. Both he and his 
wife belong to the Christian Church at Prairie 
Chapel. Their seven children, who are all living, 
wire named respectively: Elmer L., Joseph E., 
Maude, Ruby, Nellie, Grace and Nora. They 
form a bright and interesting group, and are being 
given the educational advantages which will fit 
them for intelligent and worth}' members of so- 
ciety. 

RANKLIN BALDWIN. It must be ad- 
mitted that although no man attains to suc- 
cess without encountering difficulties and 
drawbacks, life still has its compensations, espec- 
ially when the individual has chosen that wise path 
of rectitude and honor which has led him to a po- 
sition where he is looked upon by his fellow men 
with confidence and esteem. The career of Mr. 
Baldwin has been pregnant with interesting events 
and experiences, some of them dark and trying 
and some of them filled in with a large meas- 
ure of satisfaction. The former served to devel- 
op the naturally strong points of a substantial 
character while the latter have shown like the sun 
upon a rugged mountain side, rounding up the 
whole to a complete end. 

The native place of our subject was in the vicin- 
ity of Decatur, Ohio, and the date of his birth, 
April 26, 1832. When he was a mere child his 
parents set out for the West and after landing in 
Grant County, Ind., stopped there and raised one 
crop. In the spring of 1838 they folded their 
tents for a further journey Westward, starting out 




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



215 



with a four-horse team and taking with them their 
household goods and a quantity of provisions. 

Arriving at the Wabash River at Covington, they 
then loaded their belongings on to a tony boat. 
The wind being strong and the river high, thej 
came very near being capsized and drowned and 
received such a fright that our subject distinctly 
remembers the event to this day. They succeeded 
however, in making the crossing in safety and ar- 
rived in this county on the 30th day of March, 
stopping at Danville, that place then being a vei \ 
small town. The country around was compara- 
tively unsettled, the cabins of the pioneers being 
few and far between. There was onlyone or tw< > wag- 
on roads and wild animals were plentiful. The fel- 
low feeling which makes all man kin prevailed, and 
each new comer was greeted with a heartiness 
which made him feel welcome. The father of our 
subject died the succeeding fall and the family 
were left to struggle along as best as they could 
under the stress of limited means, and the hard- 
ships and difficulties of life on the frontier. The 
mother was a lady of more than ordinary capacity 
and by careful management kept her family to- 
gether until they were old enough to take care of 
themselves. Finally, laying aside tin' cares and 
labors of life she removed to the home of her 
daughter in Dallas County. Iowa, where her death 
took place at the age of seventy-six years. 

The subject of this sketch acquired his educa- 
tion mostly in the subscription schools. When fif- 
teen years old the mother broke up housekeeping 
and Franklin began working out by the dav, 
month and job, and managed to maintain himself 
very comfortably, splitting wood by the cord, 
plowing, sowing and gathering in the harvest. In 
the fall of 1<h.->(;, he took an important step toward 
establishing a home of his own. being married to 
Miss Fditha .lane, daughter of John and Polly 
(Stewart) Naylor. The newly wedded pair took 
up their residence near Yankee Point ami Mr. 
Baldwin occupied himself as before, until 1864, 
when he purchased a tract of land from which he 
built up a good farm and which he occupied for a 
period of twenty-one years. In January. 1886. he 
and his estimable wife decided, and wisely, they 
would retire from active labor, and accordingly 



leaving the farm removed to the new village of 
S i (1 ell, of which they have since been residents. 

Mr. Baldwin in the fail of 1885, purchased from 
Sanson Rawlings a stock of hardware and has since 
been engaged in trade, building up a good patron- 
age. In the year 1. ss7.be completed a neat res- 
idence on East Market street and with ample means 
and all the comforts of life, is enabled to live eas- 
ily and enjoy the fruits of his early industry. 

Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin became the parents of 
nine children, the eldest of whom, John M., mar- 
ried Miss Lucy Thornton and is farming in Car- 
roll Township, they have three children; Perry A., 
married Miss Sarah E. Lawrence and occupies the 
homestead; they have four children — Maude, Ellen 
Lester, and Rosa; Charles M., married Miss Emily 
dices, and they are the parents of one child; he 
conducts a grocery store in Sidell; William A. and 
Wilbur A. were twins, the former is farming in 
Sidell Township, and Wilbur is with his brother 
( harles in the grocery; Benjamin lives at the home- 
stead ; Norah E., died at the age of eighteen months ; 
Robert. \\\, is in Carroll Township with his brother 
John. 

The father of our subject was in his early man- 
hood an old line Whig, and Franklin remembers 
the election of 1840, when the grandfather of Pres- 
ident Harrison was elevated to the first, position in 
the land. He cast his first Presidential vole for 
J. C. Fremont, and was a staunch supporter of Re- 
publican principles. 

James Baldwin, the father of our subject, mar- 
ried Miss Rachel Parry and both were natives of 
Brown County, Ohio. The paternal grandfather, 
John Baldwin, came from England prior to the 
War of 1812, and settled near Ripley in Brown 
County, Ohio. The grandfather of our subject 
participated in the above war. enlisting at the age 
of twenty-one years, after Hull's surrender. The 
father of our subject came to this county in the 
spring of 1838, and rented a part of the Draper 
farm, but died the ensuing fall when Franklin was 
a lad of six years. There were eleven other chil- 
dren, one of whom, the youngesl bom. William, 
died at the age of three years. 

The remaining children of the parental family of 
our subject are recorded as follows: Caroline, the 



216 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



eldest, is a resident of Madison County, Iowa, and 
is seventy-four years old; Amanda lives in Marys- 
ville, this SUite, and is aged seventy-two; Polly, 
sixty five years of age, is a resident of Georgetown. 
111.; .lane, aged fifty-live is a resident of Dallas 
County, Iowa; Thomas lives at Yankee Point, this 
county, and is fifty-nine years old. He and our 
subject are the only two sons living. The other 
children were named respectively, Elizabeth. Dari- 
us, John N., James and Elijah. 

Mrs. Baldwin's father was born in Ohio, and her 
mother in Ireland. Mrs. Baldwin was born in Ver- 
million County, Intl., June 11, 1840, and there 
spent her childhood and youth, attending the com- 

i school and being trained by an excellent 

mother to those housewifely duties, a knowledge 
of which is essential in a well-ordered household. 
She has stood bravely by her husband in his toils 
and struggles and he avers that it is owing largely 
to her good sense and wise counsels that he has 
been enabled to attain to his present position, so- 
cially and financially. They take a natural and 
pardonable pride in their fine family of children to 
whom they have given all the advantages in their 
power. Mr. Baldwin believes in education and 
has carried out his sentiments in this respect in 
providing his children with good schooling. The 
family is widely and favorably known throughout 
Sidcll Township and vicinity where they count 
their friends by the score. 



y^ILLIAM McBROOM occupies a high place 
among the venerable and honored citizens 

W^J of Catlin Township, and though not among 
the earliest settlers of this part of Vermilion 
County, he may be denominated one of its pioneers. 
He is still living on the pleasant tract < if land on 
section 35, that at the time of his purchase formed 
a part of the wild prairie, and which lie has since im- 
proved into a line farm, lie and his wife arc serenely 
passing their declining years in one of the cosiest 
and neatest homes in this community, where they 
are held in respect and affection by the many who 
know them. 

Mr. MeBroom is a Kentuckian by birth, born in 



Preston County April 28, 1815, the eldest of the 
five children of Joseph and Phebe (Young) Me- 
Broom, the former a native of Virginia and the 
latter of Chilieothe, Ohio. After their marriage 
they had settled in Preston County, Ky.. and thence 
they removed to Crawfordsvillc, Ind., in 1827, be- 
coming early settlers of that place. Mr. MeBroom 
bought a tract of land, and cleared forty acres of 
it where the city now stands. He was a man of 
considerable enterprise, and besides engaging in 
agriculture, he made brick in that locality for four 
years, operating two brickyards at a time, and 
making the first brick that was ever made in that 
county. His useful career was closed in 1841, in 
the home that he built up there in Montgomery 
County, and a valued citizen was then lost to the 
community. His wife survived him several years, 
but for fourteen years previous to her death, which 
occurred in Cass County, Neb., at the home of her 
daughter, Mrs. Sarah Y r oung, she was an invalid. 

Our subject was still in his boyhood when his 
parents took him to Crawfordsvillc, Ind., and there 
he grew to maturity, developing into a strong, 
shrewd, capable man. He learned the trade of 
wagon-making in that county, and followed it 
exclusively for a long term of years, finding it 
quite profitable. He removed to Tippecanoe 
County, and was engaged in his trade there, manu- 
facturing wagons for some ten years He then re- 
turned to Montgomery County, where he resided 
until the month of October, 185 I. when he came to 
Vermilion County, and settled in Catlin Township, 
purposing to give his attention to agriculture on 
this rich, alluvial soil, and he has ever since made 
his home here. He owns 120 acres of land that is 
very fertile and productive, and is supplied with a 
good set of buildings; everything about the place 
is orderly, and the farm is under good manage- 
ment. 

Mr. MeBroom has been three times married. 
The maiden name of the wife of his early manhood 
was Rhoda Ann Stover, ami she was, like himself, 
a native of Kentucky. She bore him one child. 
which died in infancy, and, the mother dying also, 
both were buried in the same grave. Mr. MeBroom 
was married a second time in Montgomery County. 
Mrs. Elizabeth Boyd becoming his wife; she was a 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



217 



daughter of Joseph Hanks. To them three chil- 
dren were born — Joseph, John and Thomas, the 
latter dying when about a year old. Mrs. Me- 
Broom departed this life in Tippecanoe County. 
Ind.. in 1848. Our subject was married to his 
present wile in that county March 13,1851. Her 
maiden name was Emily Allen. She was the 
daughter of the late Judge William and Susan 
(Spurgeon) Allen, and widow of Jacob Snyder. 
He died in Montgomery County Nov. 17. 1846. 
She had by her first marriage four children — Sarah, 
Susan. Ivea Ann, Amanda M. Sarah was the wife 
of Arthur C. Schocky, and she died in Kansas. 
Mrs. McBroom's parents were natives of Ken- 
tucky, and she was the sixth of their ten children. 
She was born in Bourbon County, Ky., May "20, 
1818. By her marriage with our subject she has 
had six children, as follows: Phoebe E., Alfred, 
Franklin. Josephine, William and Eddie J. Phoebe 
and Franklin are deceased. 

Although Mr. and Mrs. McBrooin are well ad- 
vanced in years, the snows of age have not yet 
chilled their hearts or deadened their sympathies 
towards the needy and suffering. They still take 
an active interest in the affairs of the day, and 
keep well posted on topic- of general interest. Mr. 
McBroom's career in life has been a useful one to 
himself and to the community at large, as he has 
contributed his quota towards its upbuilding, and 
1ms always acted the part of a good citizen. He is 
decided in his political views, and is a faithful ad- 
herent of the Democratic party. 

||INSON R. BOARDMAN. Occasionally 

we Bnd a man who has had the enterprise to 
see something of the world before settling 
down to the sterner duties of life, as in the ease of 
the subject of this notice. He has been quite s 
traveler throughout the Western country, and 
Spent a number of years on the Pacific Slope. He 
came to this county in the fall of 1840, and settled 
on this farm in 1859, where he has 265 acres of 
choice land on section 26, township 2:!. range 12. 
This has been his home for the long period of 
thirty-five years, and he is still on the sunny side 




of seventy, surrounded by all the comforts of life, 
and blest with the esteem and confidence of his 
fellow citizens. 

.Mr. Boardman was born in Ontario County, N. 
Y.. May 3, 1N22, and there spent his youthful 
days, acquiring a practical education in the com- 
mon school. He was bred to farming pursuits. In 
the spring of 1849, young Boardman decided to 
visit California, and. purchasing an ox team at In- 
dependence, Mo., started across the plains with a 
company of 125 men. They "crossed the Missouri 
River at St. .loseph. and followed the usual trail 
taken by emigrants. They were five months on 
the road, but at the end of that time 123 of the 
men were scattered to different places, only our 
subject and one man reaching their destination in 
company. The others finally drifted to the same 
place after having wandered around north of the 
Sacramento River. 

Upon his arrival in California, our subject en- 
gaged in mining from early in the fall until late 
in the winter, then went, down to Nappa, when 
there was only one building in Sacramento lint 
acres of tents. He staid there with an attack of 
fever, which lasted about four weeks, and then en- 
tered the employ of the proprietor of the city, with 
whom he remained, hauling lumber at $150 per 
month until fall, when he made his way to Oregon, 
where he spent the winter. Inthespring he entered 
the mines of Northern California, but with rather 
poor success, then returned to Oregon, but finally 
went hack to California and rented land, where he 
carried on agriculture until returning home. 

This return journey was made by our subject via 
the water route, across the isthmus to New ( li leans. 
and up the Mississippi, Mr. Boardman arriving in 
this county again in the spring of 1853. Thai 
year he visited New York State. Subsequently 
.Mr. Boardman employed himself at farming, hav- 
ing in view the establishment of a home of his 
own, and on the 16th of November, 1854, was 
united in marriage with Mrs. Susan Carter. Soon 
afterward he settled on his present farm, where he 

has since made his home, altl gh the farm did 

not equal its present dimensions, haVin« been 
added I.. l).»ili by himself and lii- -..us. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Boardman there were born four 



2 IN 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



children, all of whom are living. Inez is the wife 
of Thomas Evans, and they are residing in Grant 
Township; Herbert V. and Ernest C. are at home 
with their father; Marcus A. is traveling Auditor 
for the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroad Com- 
pany. Mr. Boardman has been for a number of 
years a member of the Presbyterian Church at 
Rossville, and politically gives his support to the 
Republican party. He is a man quiet and unosten- 
tatious in his manner of living, and has been con- 
tent to pursue the even tenor of his way, making 
very little stir in the world, and never seeking po- 
litical preferment. 

The parents of our subject were .lesse C. and 
Mary (Runyon) Boardman, the former a native 
of Connecticut. When about eight or nine years 
old he removed with his parents to New York 
State, where he was married and settled on a farm 
in Ontario County. His wife, the mother of our 
subject, died there when the latter was four years 
old. .lesse Boardman spent his last days near 
Rushville, Ontario County, and departed this life 
when about sixty-seven years old. 



'OITJSf E. SMITH is classed among the able 
and highly intelligent young farmers of Ver- 
milion County, who are active in sustaining 
and extending its great agricultural inter- 
ests. His well appointed farm on section 26, Pilot 
Township, is in all respects finely improved, and 
compares well with other estates in the vicinity. 
He has stocked it with cattle, horses and hogs of 
fine grades, and lie is cultivating it with good re- 
sults so as to make money. He is a native born 
citizen of this county, Dec. 3, 1854, being the date 
of his birth. His father, George G. Smith, was 
born in Muskingum County, Ohio, Aug. 31, 1828, 
and he came to this county in company with his 
parents, who were of German antecedents and 
birth, in 183G. They thus became the pioneers of 
Vermilion County, and were respected residents 
here till death closed their earthly career, the grand- 
father of our subject dying in 1864, and the grand- 
mother in 1842. The following is recorded of the 
nine children born to the parents of our subject: 



Elizabeth married George Wilson, of Ohio, now a 
farmer of Blount Township, and they have two 
children; EliasD.. a farmer of Blount Township, 
married Clara Smith and they have three children; 
Sarah lives with her parents; Eva married Andrew 
Lanham, of Blount Township, now of Ross Town- 
ship, anil they have one child; Wesley, a farmer, 
married Emma Sperry, of Blount Township, and 
they have one child; Marshall, Woodard and Jo- 
sephine are the others. 

John Smith received the preliminaries of a sound 
education in the public schools, which he attended 
till he was twenty-one years old, and then being 
ambitious to advance still farther in his studies, he 
attended the State Normal School, where he pur- 
sued an excellent literary course that thoroughly 
fitted him for the profession of teaching that he 
afterward adopted. He was successfully engaged 
at that vocation eight years, but after marriage he 
abandoned it to give his attention to agriculture, 
and bought eighty acres of finely improved farm- 
ing land. lie subsequently sold that and pur- 
chased his present farm of 16(1 acres of land equally 
good, and well adapted to general farming. It is 
under high cultivation, and is provided with a 
comfortable, conveniently arranged set of farm 
buildings. 

Mr. Smith has much financial capacity, is en- 
dowed with good mental qualities that have been 
stimulated by a liberal education, and he carries on 
his farming operations with intelligent skill that 
will one day place him among the wealthy and 
substantial citizens of this township, if he prospers 
as he has heretofore done. In his politics he is an 
ardent champion of the Democratic part3', and has 
been since the days when he cast his first vote for 
Samuel J. Tilden, the great New York statesman, 
his last vote for president being in favor of Grover 
Cleveland. 

The marriage of Mr. Smith with Miss Mary E. 
Firebaugh, of Blount Township, occurred March 
25, 1876. She was born Dec. 11, 1853, in the 
aforementioned township, her parents being Wil- 
liam R. and Melvia (Flora) Firebaugh, the father 
being of German descent. They emigrated from 
Ohio to Indiana, and thence to Illinois. The mo- 
ther departed this life in 1872. The father still 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



219 



resides in this county. They were the parents of 
five children: Curtis married Christina Porter, of 
this county, and they have two children ; Elizabeth 
married George Snyder, of this county, now liv- 
ing in Oakwood Township, and the} - have two 
children; Robert, a farmer, married Leo Fairchilds, 
of Blount Township, and they have two children. 
Emma married Milton Fairchilds, of Blount Town- 
ship. The following is the record of the five chil- 
dren born of the pleasant wedded life of Mr. and 
Sirs Smith: Irvin W., was born June 3, 1877: 
Edwin R., Jan. 23, 1879; Alfred G.. Jan 9, 1881; 
Everett J., Sept, 5, 1884; Alga. Nov. 6, 1886. 



: as • 




j^LLEN T. CATHERWOOD is one of the 

most prominent and busy men of Iloopes- 



lii ton, having large interests in various 
(@^ branches of industry in the town. He is 

one of the originators and present owner of the 
lloopeston Canning Factory, and is also its Gen- 
eral Manager. This enterprise was inaugurated in 
1882, and at first was operated on a small scale, 
but has gradually increased until it, has become 
a very important factor in the business interests of 
lloopeston. Last year the establishment used 
about 2,000 acres of corn and peas, being all 
raised by the company, which is composed of Mr. 
Catherwood, J. S. MeFcrren and A. II. Trego. The 
concern furnishes employment to 300 people and 
fifty teams, and the outpul of corn alone last year 
amounted to 2,500,000 cans. The value of the 
plant and stock is given at ¥150,000. 

Mr. Catherwood is also engaged in the grain 
business on the line of the Lake Erie and Western 
Railroad, on which road he owns huge elevators 
at different points, having associated with him 
partners at each place. He also owns a large 
grain farm of 1.520 acres in the State of In- 
diana in company with Mr. Williams. It will be 
seen that Mr. Catherwood has a large business. 
which is composed of grain handling, farming and 
manufacturing, and. it is safe to say, that there is 
no man in this part of the country better abb' to 
handle these immense interests. He has held dif- 
ferent public offices, ami here shows his capacity 



for doing business for othersas well as for himself. 
He was made Chairman to investigate the differ- 
ent plans of waterworks, with a view to the selec- 
tion of the best for lloopeston. He visited differ- 
ent places in the country, and after a decision was 
finally reached, which practically embodied his 
recommendations, be was given the general super- 
vision of the erection of the waterworks. With his 
partner. Mr. Trego, this important improvement 
reached a successful completion. 

Mr. Catherwood was born in Belmont County. 
Ohio, Dec. 15. IS 12. and when fifteen years of 
age, and two years after the death of his father. 
he, with his mother and family, removed to Chris- 
tian County, 111., where he remained with his 
mother on their farm until his marriage, which oc- 
curred in October. 1874. In 1876 he removed to 
Vermilion County, settling on a farm near Hoopes- 
ton. He engaged in this business for awhile, 
when he purchased a grocery store. While he had 
no previous experience in the mercantile business, 
his solid common sense guided him on to pros- 
perity in bis newly-chosen vocation. He continued 
in this trade, and also engaged extensively in 
stock-raising (which be still follows) until he 
launched into the grain business, as has been before 
stated. 

Mr. Catherwood's wife's maiden name was Miss 
Cornelia Hartwell, and they are the parents of 
three children living — Robert, Maud and Naomi, 
and three who died while young. Mr. Catherwood 
is a member of the Masonic fraternity, being a 
Knight Templar. lie is ever willing and ready 
to aid anyone who is deserving, and, as a leading 
man of lloopeston. has an enviable record. It is 
safe to assume thai there are few better men in this 
portion of the State of Illinois. 

James Catherwood. father of Allen T., was born 
in Ireland, and when twenty years of age came to 
this country and settled in Delaware, where he 
married Miss Lydia Tussie. Soon after bis mar- 
riage he removed to Ohio, where all his children 
were born, Allen being the youngest of ten. He 
was a general farmer, and was considered a suc- 
cessful man in his calling. When his death oc- 
curred, in 1855, his wife and her family removed 
to Christian County, as before slated, where she 



220 



PORTRAIT A.ND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



purchased a farm, which she operated until the 
marriage of Allen, wtien he, with the other chil- 
dren, bought her a nice property in Taylorvilie, 
where she now resides with a single daughter. 



+4V&- 



Vfi OHN McVEY, general merchant, of Tilton, 
and Postmaster of Vandercook Post-office, 
Vermilion Co., is one of the most prominent 
business men in this locality, and is one of 
the leading civic officials. He is of Celtic ancestry 
and was born in County Longford, Ireland, in June, 
1837. His father, John McVey, was a native of 
the same county, and was there reared and married, 
continuing his residence in the home of his nativity 
till 1837. In that year he came to the United 
States, seeking to better bis fortune, leaving his 
family behind, intending to send for them at a later 
date after he became permanently established. He 
located in Schuylkill County, Pa., where he en- 
gaged in mining for several years, till an accident 
in the mines caused his death in 1852, while yet 
scarce past life's prime. 

His son John, of whom we write, was but an in- 
fant when he had the misfortune to lose the loving 
care of a good mother, and his father being in this 
country, lie was taken to the home of bis grand- 
parents, and was reared by them till 1851. In that 
year he followed his father to America, setting sail 
from Liverpool and landing in New York after a 
voyage of seven weeks, a poor boy in a strange 
land. Me hastened to join his father whom he had 
scarce seen, he having been an infant when he had 
left home, and they were reunited in Pennsylvania. 

Our subject s i commenced life for himself as a 

mule driver in a coal mine. In 1857 he decided 
that he would like to try life in the great West, and 
making his way to this State he tried to obtain work 
in a coal mine at Danville. Not succeeding in that 
attempt lie got employment on a railway for a few 
months. and then engaged in mining. In May of that 
veai' he answered Lincoln's call for 90-day men, 
and enlisting in Company C, 12th Illinois Infantry. 
served with his regiment till the expiration of his 
term of enlistment, when he was honorably dis- 
charged and returned to Danville. In August, 1802, 



he again went forth to aid his adopted country, 
and enrolling his name with the members of Com- 
pany C. 125th Illinois Infantry, he went to the front 
with his regiment, and bravely faced the foe on 
many a hotly contested battlefield. The most im- 
portant battles in which he took part were those of 
Perry ville, Ky.,and Chicamauga. On the way from 
Chattanooga to Atlanta with General Sherman, he 
fought in the various engagements with the rebels 
that they encountered and in the siege and capture 
of the latter city. He was also present at the battle 
of Jonesboro, where he was severely wounded, and 
was obliged to go to the hospital for treatment. He 
rejoined his regiment that winter at Savannah. 
After that he was unable to carry a. musket, so did 
not march with his comrades, but went by boat to 
Washington, where he was honorably discharged in 
May, 1865. 

After his experience of military life, Mr. McVey 
returned to Danville and resumed mining, which 
occupation he continued till 1873. He then rented 
land and engaged in farming the ensuing five years. 
During that time he established himself in the mer- 
cantile business at Tilton, his wife, a. woman of 
more than ordinary ability, acting as manager. She 
proved so successful that Mr. McVey finally deter- 
mined to enlarge the business and devote his time 
to it, and from that small beginning has grown his 
present prosperous business. He is the only mer- 
chant in Tilton, and carries a. large stock of general 
merchandise, groceries, etc., and has a neat, well 
appointed store. 

.Inly 2. 1869, Mr. McVey took a step that has 
had an important bearing on his afterlife whereby 
he secured a wife in the person of Mrs. Julia 
(Mcllenev) Mulhatton, who has been an important 
factor in his prosperity. She is, like himself, a na- 
tive of Ireland, born in County Monaghan, and 
is the daughter of Patrick and Ann (iMulhollan) 
McHeney, and the widow of .lames Mulhatton. 
Her parents were both natives of Ireland, and her 
father dying when she was very young, her mother 
soon after look her children to England, and later 
came to America, five of her children coming at 
different times. Mrs. McVey was first married in 
County Durham, England, when but a girl in her 
teens, to .lames Mulhatton. When she was nineteen 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



221 



years of age she accompanied her husband to the 
United States, and they lived one year in Pennsyl- 
vania. They subsequently came to Vermilion 
County, and here Mr. Mulhatton died while in the 
prime of life. 

Our subject is a fine specimen of the genus homo 
denominated the self-made man. as all that he has 
and all that he is he owes to his own exertions. 
He is a man of honor, whose character is unblem- 
ished, and his standing in business and social circles 
is of the highest. His frank, genial, and pleasant 
manner has given him a warm place in the hearts 
of his many associates and he is popular with all 
classes. In politics he affiliates with the Demo- 
crats, but is friendly with all parties. He has re- 
presented Danville Township as Assistant Supervi- 
sor of the County Board four years; has served 
several terms as a member of the Tilton Town 
Council, and is at present President of that honora- 
ble body of men. He and his wife are members of 
the St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, contribute 
liberally to its support, and are active in its every 
good work. 

- ooo - 

f OHX W. BOGGESS, M. I)., stands high in 
the medical profession as represented in 
Vermilion County, and he has also acquired 
9Jj a fair reputation as an intelligent, enter- 
prising agriculturalist, owning and managing the 
farm on which he makes his home, pleasantly lo- 
cated on section 29, Catlin Township, he having 
retired to this place a few years ago on account of 
failing health. This, his native township, has good 
reason to lie proud of her son. and he has always 
exerted his influence to elevate her citizenship. 

The father of this subject, likewise named John, 
was a Virginian by birth. Monroe County being 
his native place. His mother, .lane G. (McCorkle) 
Boggess, was born in Green Briar County, W . Va. 
After marriage his parents settled cither in Green 
Briar County, or in Monroe Countj . W. Va., where 
the father was engaged as a. farmer and stock 
raiser. In 1830 he settled up bis affairs in that 
seel ion of the country, and with his family emi- 
grated to the wilds of Vermilion County, and be- 
came an early pioneer of Catlin Township, settling 



in what is known as Butler's Point. About 1846 
he removed with his wife and children to Wiscon- 
sin, considering this locality, with the newly bro- 
ken prairie sod and other miasmatic influences, 
quite unhealthful then. He did not, however, 
sell his real estate in this township, and after an 
absence of three years, he returned to this locality 
with his family, and settled on the old Elliott 
place, just west of Catlin, living there for conven- 
ience a short time, and then went back on to his 
farm. In 1856 they went to Danville to reside. 
and dwelt there four years for the purpose of edu- 
cating their children. Mr. Boggess then returned 
again to his farm in this township, and continued 
to live here till his death, which occurred in Feb- 
ruary, 1871. His wife had preceded him to the 
grave, dying in May, 1868. They had eleven 
children; William, who died in Catlin Township, 
when about twenty-two years old; Diana M.. the 
wife of Joseph Griffith, died when she was thirty- 
seven years old; Rebecca M. is the wife of William 
M.Ray; Elizabeth died when about seventeen years 
old; Harvey H. died at the age of thirty-eight 
years: Charles T. is a farmer in Vermilion County; 
America.!, is the wife of James Davis; Enoch P. 
isafarmcrin Vermilion County; Julia died when 
she was six years old; Melissa died in infancy; 
John W. 

The latter, of whom we write, was born in Cat- 
lin Township. Feb. 27, 1843, and with the excep- 
tion of three years spent in Wisconsin, when he 
was but an infant, and the four years in Danville 
when he was attending school, he was reared to 
man's estate in the township of his birth. He was 
educated partly in th«j public schools, and in the 
seminary at Danville, which he attended till he Was 
sixteen years old. After that he became a teacher. 
and was engaged in that vocation in the winter of 
1 sen and in the summer of 1861. In 1862, ambi- 
tious to extend his education, he entered ihe Illi- 
nois Wesleyan University at Bloomington, ami was 
graduated from that institution in 1866, having 
attained high rank for excellent scholarship. He 
then took up the study of medicine, and \\ Idle pur- 
suing his course he laughl scl I to pay his ex- 
penses. He was under the tutorship of Dr. A. II. 
Luce, a well-known physician "i Bloomington, 



•>•)•> 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



and remained with him till the fall of 1867. In 
the winter of that year, he entered the Chicago 
Medical College, the medical department of the 
Northwestern University, and pursued his studies 
with characteristic vigor. In the spring of 1868, 
he resumed teaching in Catlin Township, in order 
that he might be at home with his mother, to whom 
he was devotedly attached, and whose health was 
fast failing, and his presence soothed her dying 
hours. In the fall of 1 868 he returned to college, and 
resuming his studies, was graduated in March 1870, 
with all honor for having attained a high standard 
in his class. lie established himself in his profession 
in Oeonomowoc, Wis. But he did not remain there 
long, however, as in the fall of that year he heard 
of a good opening for an enterprising young phy- 
sician at Coon Rapids, Iowa, and proceeding to 
that place, he opened an otlice there, and continued 
there till the spring of 1872, when he located in 
Nevada, Iowa, the county seat of Story County, 
which presented a broader field, and during his ten 
years residence there, he built up an extensive and 
lucrative practice, becoming one of the leading 
physicians of the count)'. In 1882 lie retraced his 
steps to his native count}', and opening an office in 
Danville, he soon had more patients than he could 
attend to, as his fame as a successful and skillful 
practitioner had preceded him to his old home; but 
under the continuous strain of overwork his health 
gave way, and he was forced to retire from the ar- 
duous duties of his profession, and having a nat- 
ural taste for out-of door labor, and, as a wise phy- 
sician fully believing in its health restoring pro- 
perties, he came to Catlin Township in 1884 and 
went to farming, and has ever since devoted him- 
self to that occupation. He owns a fine farm of 
sixty acres, and has it under excellent cultivation. 
The doctor was married in Carroll County, Iowa, 
Dee. 29, 1872, to Miss Velora B. Piper, who pre- 
sides over his home with true grace, and makes it 
cosy and attractive to its inmates and to their nu- 
merous friends, and even the stranger that hap- 
pens under its roof is kindly made welcome. Mrs. 
Boggess is a native of Pennsylvania, born in Bed- 
ford County, Jan. 8, 1853, a daughter of Thomas 
A. and Mary (Funk) Piper. The following is the 
record of the four children born to her and her 



husband: Charles Wesley, born March 2, 1874, 
died Aug. 8, 1874; Carrie M., born July 6, 1875; 
Walter Thomas, April 24, 1879; Genevieve, April 
28. 1888. 

The doctor possesses, in a rare degree, those 
noble traits of character that mark a man of honor 
and veracity, one in whom his fellow-citizens feel 
they may safely put their trust. He is a man of 
extensive learning and information, and on his 
retirement from active practice, the medical pro- 
fession of Vermilion County lost one of its most 
able members. He is greatly interested in the wel- 
fare of his native township, and takes an active 
part in everything that tends to promote its moral 
elevation, educational or material status, and is 
especially active in religious affairs, he and his wife 
being esteemed members of the Methodist Episco- 
pal Church, and he has been an active Sunday- 
school worker, holding the office of superintendent 
and also being a teacher. He is influential in po- 
litical matters, being one of the leading Republi- 
cans in this vicinity, and a member of the Repub- 
lican Central Committee of 1888, of his township. 



ON. CHARLES A. ALLEN, member of 
.. the Thirty-sixth General Assembly, from 
the Thirty-first District, comprising Vermil- 
ion and Edgar counties, was elected on 
the Republican ticket, first in 1884, and re-elected 
twice thereafter, having entered now upon his third 
term. He has been a member of the Judicial Com- 
mittee and several other important committees, 
including Insurance, and has served as Chairman 
of the Railroad and Warehouse Committee, also of 
Corporations and Educational Institutions. Dur- 
ing the Logan fight he was the first man on the 
roll call, at that time a very important position. 
He has frequently represented his district in Stale 
and other conventions and is in all respects a very 
prominent man in Eastern Illinois. 

Mr. Allen was born in Danville, July 6, 1851, 
and removed with his parents when a child of two 
years to the Ridge where they were the earliesl 
settlers. Charles A., upon leaving the districl 
school prepared himself to become a student of 



.«*s 




yfy~u^^i ^/}-ll^c^ 




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



225 



Michigan University from the Law Department of 
which he was graduated in 1875. He commenced 
the practice of his profession at Rossville where he 
remained until 1881, then changed his residence 
to Hoopeston. which has since remained his home. 
In addition to a lucrative law practice, he has been 
largely engaged as a real estate dealer, and has oc- 
cupied many positions of trust and responsibility 
among his fellow citizens. Socially, he is a char- 
ter member of the K. of P. and is identified with 
the I. O. O. F. and Masonic fraternity. 

The marriage of our subject with Miss .Mary, 
daughter of L. M. Thompson, of Rossville, was 
celebrated April 4, 1878. A sketch of Mr. Thomp- 
son appears elsewhere in this volume. Of this 
union there have been born two children — John N. 
and Lawrence T. The father of our subject was 
William I. Allen, one of the first settlers of Ver- 
milion County, and a sketch of whom appears on 
another page. 



-4-+ 



*~i* 



|? ON. JOSEPH G. CANNON, Member of 
Jljl' Congress representing the Danville district 
J^y of Illinois. On the opposite page appears 
(^) a portrait of this gentleman, who has been 
for many years a prominent factor in the official, 
social and political life of this section of the State. 
and who has made a national reputation as a legis- 
lator and a statesman. 

For many years there was a large exodus of the 
Society of Friends from North Carolina to the Wa- 
bash Valley, who left their former homes to get 
away from the curse of slavery. Among the num- 
ber was Dr. Horace F. Cannon, who, accompanied 
by his family, removed in 1840 to make his home 
in Park County. Ind. Thus, far removed from 
the scenes of their youth he and his wife passed 
the residue of life in the Northern country, 
surrounded by old friends who had also come 
North, and by many new friends whom they had 
nut in their new home. Dr. Cannon was in early 
manhood united in marriage with Gulielma Hol- 
lingsworth. He was a. native of Greensboro, N. O, 
and in his early maturity practiced his profession, 
being a physician and surgeon. After his removal 



to the Wabash Valley he passed the remainder of 
his life in the practice of his profession, and died 
an accidental death in 1851 when he was forty- 
five years of age. He was a man of character and 
considerable local note, being a prominent early 
Abolitionist. 

Joseph G. Cannon, of whom this brief record is 
written, was born in New Garden, Guilford Co., 
N. C, May 7, 1836. His education was received 
at the Western Manual Labor School, now known 
as Bloom ingdale Academy. At the age of fifteen 
his school work ended, and for five years thereafter 
he was engaged as a clerk in a store. 

At the age of twenty-one, having a strong desire 
for professional life, Mr. Cannon entered the law 
oflice of the Hon. John P. Usher, who afterward 
became one of President Lincoln's secretaries. In 
1859 he was admitted to the bar to practice in the 
courts of the State of Illinois, and located at Tus- 
cola, Douglas Co., 111., for the practice of his pro- 
fession, in which he continued until 1872. In that 
year he was elected to Congress, and has since been 
consecutively re-elected, now serving his ninth term. 
He made Tuscola his home until 1876, when he re- 
moved to Danville, where he has for many years 
resided. 

Mr. Cannon now stands as one of the foremost 
men in the House of Representatives. His position 
he owes to the confidence of his constituency, who 
have given him long service, and to his industry 
in the public service. His early preparation was 
not all he would have desired, as he was deprived 
of a college course, and for financial reasons was 
compelled to enter the law practice as soon as he 
could, so il was only by strenuous exertion that he 
lifted himself for the responsible position he 
occupies. 

After serving for six years on the Committee for 
Post-offices and Post-roads. Congressman Cannon 
was appointed a member of the Committee on Ap- 
propriations, on which he has served until the 
present time. Said Mr. Cannon, with the justifiable 
pride and satisfaction arising from having accom- 
plished a good work: -'I had charge of the Postal 
Appropriation Bill while on Committee, upon which 
legislation was had reducing letter postage from 
three to two cents, and containing other important 



22G 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



postal revisions and reforms." During the Forty- 
seventh Congress the Republicans had control of 
the House. In this same Congress Mr. Cannon 
was continued on Appropriations, having special 
charge of the Legislative, Executive and Judicial 
Appropriation Bill, which carries appropriation for 
the officials of the Public Service, and upon which 
many reforms were wrought. For many years, 
being the head of the minority on that committee, 
it has fallen to him to make a statement of the esti- 
mates and appropriations for and expenditures by 
the Government. It has usually been received by 
Congress and the country as authoritative and ex- 
haustive. 

The Republicans have a small majority in the 
present Congress, which will organize the first 
Monday of December next (1889). It seems to 
be generally conceded that from seniority of service 
and equipment for work. Mr. Cannon will he chosen 
Chairman of the Committee on the organization 
of the House, unless he is elected Speaker, for 
which position he is a candidate. His service in 
the House, his acquaintance with public men and 
affairs has given him good standing with the Re- 
publicans, and also with those of the opposite 
party, who respect him for his sincerity and hon- 
esty, even though they differ with him in politics. 
His party in the House of Representatives did 
him the honor for six years of making him Chair- 
man of its Caucus and of the Caucus Committee, 
which has charge primarily of suggesting the policy 
of the Republicans in the House touching matters 
of legislation. 

Mr. Cannon being engaged in politics, has paid 
lint little attention to law practice of late years. 
He has business interests in the city of Danville, 
and also owns farms both in Vermilion and Doug- 
lass counties. 

Although politics has engaged a great deal of 
the consideration and thought of Mr. Cannon, he 
has spared the necessary time to found home ties 
of his own. His marriage was solemnized on the 
7 tli of January, 1862, with Miss Mary P. Reed, of 
Canfield, Ohio. Their union has been blessed by 
the birth of two daughters. Helen and Mabel, who 
are now at home, having recently finished their 
college education. Thus Congressman Cannon, in 



his leisure hours, partakes of the enjoyment of a 
beautiful home, and the society of those he loves, 
and whose interests are ever uppermost in his 
mind. 



yALKEK T. J 
wheelwright 
village in De 



ALKER T. BUTLER is an enterprising 
of Sidell. He located in this 
December, 1887, at which time 
he erected his shop on Chicago street. He has laid 
the foundation for a large business, which is con- 
stantly increasing, and in the spring of 1889 he 
enlarged his business in a substantial manner. Mr. 
Butler is one of the solid men of his adopted town, 
and one whose word is as good as a bank note. 

On February 23, 1840, Mr. Butler first saw the 
light of day in Edgar County, 111., about a mile 
from Chrisman. His father, Asa Butler, was born 
near Lexington, Ky., while his mother, Catharine 
Porter, is a native of Madison County, that State. 
The Butlers were originally from Virginia, and 
came to Kentucky in an early day. The father was 
a blacksmith, the entire male portion of the family 
of Butlers being mechanics. One of the uncles 
was a cabinet maker at the age of ninety-two, and 
the subject of this sketch saw him at work making 
spinning wheels at that great age. In 1834 Asa 
Butler and his wife removed to Vermilion County, 
settling close to Indianola, erecting a shop there. 
He left this place and went to Chrisman, where he 
remained for a long time. This couple are the 
parents of nine children, whose names are given: 
Ephraim P., Elizabeth A., William F., Ellen F., 
Walker Turner, Same F., Lucinda G, Rosa A. and 
and an infant child, the two latter being deceased. 
The father died at Indianola in 1878 at the age of 
seventy-two years, while the mother is still living 
on the old Butler homestead. 

Ephraim resides in Richardson County, Neb.; 
Samuel is in the employ of the Burlington & 
Missouri River Railroad Company at South 
Omaha, Neb., as a billing clerk; Eliza is liv- 
ing in Indianola with her mother; William F. was 
accidentally killed by a traveling man who mistook 
his head for a prairie chicken; the man after- 
ward went insane; Ellen F. is the wife of James 
R. Adams, who is farming near Georgetown; Lu- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



227 



cinda C. married Melvin L. Porter, who is en- 
gaged in the clothing business at Danville; Walker, 
of whom this sketch is written, was reared on a 
farm, working alternately at farming and in the 
blacksmithshop. His schooling was obtained in 
the subscription schools. His first attendance 
upon the public school was in Edgar County. 
111., where the schoolhouse was erected by sub- 
scription, and built of logs. He worked on the 
farm nine months, attending school the balance 
.of the year. He continued in this way until he 
became eighteen years of age. when he went to 
work exclusively at his trade. On March 26. 1861, 
he was married to Miss Susan J. Porter, daughter 
of Richard Porter, and a half-sister of Mrs. Hewes. 
Her mother was Elizabeth Howard. The Porters 
originally came from Woodford County. Ky., emi- 
grating to Illinois in ISM. 

At the time the War of the Rebellion broke 
out Mr. Butler was a half owner in a shop, and 
had just passed his honeymoon. There was every 
inducement* for him to remain at home, and pros- 
per in his business, but his duty Lay in enlisting 
in the Union army, which he did in May, 1801, 
by joining Company I). 25th Illinois Infantry, being 
mustered into service on June 4, following, at 
Danville. His regiment drilled at Arsenal Park, 
St. Louis, for two months, and here he was elected 
Captain of his company. He was young and in- 
experienced, and being modest, he refused to 
serve, but afterwards accepted the position of 
Sergeant. On account of a severe wound in the 
right foot, he was honorably discharged, after which 
he came home, and devoted his entire attention 
to his trade. His army record was a brilliant 
one, and the men are very few who would refuse 
a commission as he did, which exhibits his entire 
unselfishness and patriotism. He remained in In- 
dianola until 1871), when he removed to Ridge 
Farm, there engaging in business at his trade until 
1887, when he came to his present location. 

Mr. Butler is one of the original members and 
organizers of the Baptist Church of Sidell, which 
came into existence May 2, 1889, and of which 
he was elected Deacon. He has belonged to this 
church since he was eighteen years of age. and 
for twenty-two years was Superintendent of a 



Sabbath-school. He is also Vice-President of the 
Sunday-school Association of Carroll Township. 
Mr. Butler belongs to Vermilion Lodge, No. 205, 
A. F. & A. M., and was its Master for three terms, 
and also its delegate to the Grand Lodge at Chi- 
cago in the years 1873, 1874 and 1875. He is 
also a charter member of the C. A. Clark Post, 
No. 184, G. A. R.. located at Ridge Farm. The 
office of School Director has been filled by him 
for fifteen years. 

.Mr. and .Mrs. Butler have had five children: Mel- 
vine S., Gracie E., Adoniram J., Leslie F., Bessie 
and Willie. Melvine S. was educated at the Jack- 
sonville Blind Institute. He died, and his parents 
deeply felt his loss. Gracie E. is the wife of 
John Fletcher, a farmer of Edgar County, HI.; 
they have three children: Henry T., Howard and 
Charles. Adoniram J. and the rest of the chil- 
dren are living at home. .Mr. Butler is . tanch 
Republican, and for several years has served his 
party on the County Central Committee. He has 
always been in favor of temperance laws, and 
their strict enforcement, and ic was largely through 
his instrumentality that the sale of whisk3r was 
finally abolished in Carroll Township. Mr. But- 
ler is one of the very best men of Vermilion 
County, and is so regarded by his neighbors. 



WILLIAM CAST. The subject of this notice 
bered among the pioneer residents 
to-do farmers of this county, who 
carved out their fortunes by the labor of their 
hands, and to whom we are indebted for the devel- 
opment of the rich resources of the Prairie State. 
Mr. Cast has been a resident of Danville Township 
for a long period, and is held in high repute among 
its best citizens. 

The subject of our sketch was born in Vernon 
Township. Clinton Co., Ohio. April 17,1821, and is 
the son of Aquilla and Mary (Villars) Cast, the 
former born in Kentucky. Dec. 7, 1799, and the 
latter born in Pennsylvania, Dec. 13, 17'.KS. The 
paternal grandfather. Ezekiel Cast, is supposed to 
have been likewise a native of Kentucky, whence 
he removed to Ohio in 1805, while it was in the 



yflLLlAM 
isnumbe: 
and well- 



228 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



third year of its dignity as a State. He was one of 
the earliest pioneers of Clinton County, and pur- 
chased a tract of timber land in Vernon Township, 
where he improved a farm and resided until his 
death. 

The father of our subject was quite young when 
his parents removed to Ohio. He was reared and 
married in Clinton County, and purchased land in 
Vernon Township, where he engaged in larming 
until his death in September, 1831. The mother sur- 
vived her husband for a period of twenty-five 
years, and died in Clinton County in 1 HOG. Her 
father, James Villars, is supposed to have been a 
native of Pennsylvania, whence he removed to 
Ohio in 1806. making the journey down the river, 
and landing at Cincinnati, which was then in its 
embryo state. He also, like grandfather Cast, was 
one of the earliest pioneers of Clinton County, 
and like him cleared a farm from the wilderness, 
where he spent his last days. He married Miss Re- 
becca Davis, of Pennsylvania, and she also died in 
Clinton County, Ohio. 

Aquilla Cast, and his estimable wife became the 
parents of eight children, seven of whom grew to 
mature years, and of whom William, our subject, 
was the fourth in order of birth. He was only ten 
years old when his father died, but remained on the 
farm with his mother, acquiring his education in 
the common school and becoming familiar with the 
labors incident to the routine of farm life. He 
continued a resident of Clinton County until 1843, 
then started out to seek his fortunes, his destination 
being this county. He was equipped with a team 
of horses and a wagon and accompanied by his 
family, they bringing with them their household 
goods. After fourteen days' travel they landed in 
Danville Township, and Mr. Cast, in the fall of that 
year, purchased 100 acres of land, the nucleus of 
his present farm. 

There were no railroads in Illinois for some years 
after Mr. Cast settled in this county, and for a long 
period Covington and Perrysville were the nearest 
markets. Deer, turkeys and other game were 
plentiful. The Cast family battled with many dif- 
ficulties and some hardships, and underwent the 
usual experience of life on the frontier. Our sub- 
ject proceeded steadily with the improvement of 



his property, and was greatly prospered in his la- 
bors. As time passed on, he added to his lauded 
estate, and now has a well-improved farm of 320 
acres. He has erected good buildings, and has 
gathered around himself and his family all the 
comforts and conveniences of modern life. 

The marriage of our subject with Miss Rachel 
Villars was celebrated at the bride's home in Clin- 
ton County, Ohio, Oct. 28, 1843. Mrs. Cast was 
born in Vernon Township, Clinton Co., Ohio, May 
16, 1823. Her father. William Villars, was born 
in Pennsylvania, Aug. 31, 1802, and is the son of 
James and Rebecca Villars, who removed to Ohio 
when he was four years old. He was reared in the 
Buckeye State, and married Miss Rath Whittaker, 
a native of Clinton County. Her parents were 
Oliver and Mary Whittaker, natives of New Jer- 
sey, who removed to Clinton County, Ohio, during 
its earby settlement. The father of Mrs. Cast in- 
herited a large tract of land in that county, where 
he carried on farming until 1843. He then came 
to this county, purchasing land in Danville Town- 
ship, and has been a resident here since that time, 
and is now in his ninety-seventh year. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Cast there were born four chil- 
dren, the eldest of whom, James W., married Miss 
folia Karris, and is the father of two children — 
Mabel and Minnie. John Oliver married .Alary 
Thayer, and has two children — George and Carrie. 
Mary is the wife of Perry Brown, of Chetopa, 
Kan. George Aquilla died at the age of nineteen 
months. In politics Mr. Cast has been a staunch 
Democrat, as was also his father, and Mrs. Cast 
also. 

-*- 4*43 j- 

~NDREW H. KIMBROUGH, M. D.. was 
born near Elizabethtown, Hardin Co., Ky., 
on the 27th day of February, 1823. His 
father, Richard C. Kimbrough, was a 
native of YVexhall County, S. C, and his grand- 
father, Goldman Kimbrough, was born in the State 
of Virginia. The Kimbrough family settled early 
in Virginia, and in Colonial times owned a large 
tract of land and were extensive farmers. The}' 
served with distinguished ability in the Revolu- 
tionary War. The grandfather of Andrew H. 




PORTRAIT AN]) BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



223 



Kimbrough removed from Virginia to South Caro- 
lina after the Revolutionary War and later to 
Alabama, where lie bought large blocks of land, 
and where he dieil in 1835. He was a large slave- 
owner. 

Richard C. Kimbrough, the father of Dr. Kim- 
brough, was under age when the War of 1812 
broke out, and in order to enlist, he ran away from 
home and served in the army until the close of the 
war. He was in several battles including the 
Horse Shoe light and was with Gen. Jackson at 
New Orleans. He was wounded in the former 
battle. After the close of the war he went with 
some of his comrades to Hardin County, Ky., and 
there taught school until his marriage, and then 
with a brother, he engaged in the business of tan- 
ning. In 182.5 he emigrated to Illinois and was 
therefore a pioneer of Edgar County. The re- 
moval was made with teams, bringing all the house- 
hold goods along, camping out on the way. He 
entered a tract of eighty acres of land in Wayne, 
now Stratton Township. There was no house on 
the place and he was compelled to rent a cabin, but 
in the following spring he erected a house on his 
his own land, which was surmounted by a stick 
and clay chimney. There were no sawmills in the 
county, a fart which compelled him to make his 
own boards in order to build the doors. He had 
no nails and so used wooden pegs instead. The old 
fashioned fire-place was used to cook food in those 
days, stoves being an unknown utensil in the 
economy of kitchen work. The cloth with which 
they made their clothes was constructed from yarn 
spun entirely by hand. He bought another eighty 
acres of land which added to his former purchase 
made a good farm. He died in 1833. The maiden 
name of the mother of the subject of this sketch was 
Jane Morrison, a native of Kentucky. Her father, 
James Morrison, it was thought was born in Vir- 
ginia and removed from tliere to Kentucky ami 
settled in Hardin County. He was a farmer and 
spent his last years there. The maiden name of 
his wife was Mary McWilliaras. She was born in 
Virginia and removed to Kentucky with her par- 
ents in 1791. This family were pioneers of Hardin 
County, where they brought a large tract of timber 
land and improved a farm which Mr. McWilli.-uns 



afterward lost on an old claim. Mr. McWilliams 
spent his last years in that State. The mother of 
our subject was married a second time in 1847 to 
Hall Sims and resided in Edgar County until her 
death. 

Andrew II. Kimbrough was eleven years old 
when his father died leaving his mother with six 
children to care for. He resided with his guard- 
ian until 1 842. and then returned home and man- 
aged the farm for his mother until her second 
marriage, when he purchased her interest in the 
farm. He continued farming until 1854. He had 
some time before resumed the study of medicine, 
but had to abandon that on the account of the lack of 
funds, but later he again took up the study and grad- 
uated from Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, 
in March, 1858. In that year he commenced 
practice at Georgetown, this county, and contin- 
ued so doing until 1K73, when he removed to 
Danville and has practiced there continuously since 
that time. He married Sarah Ashmore, who was 
born in Clark County, April 10, 1820. She was a 
daughter of Amos and Patience Ashmore, natives 
of Tennessee. They were truly pioneers of Clark 
County, 111. 

Andrew II. Kimbrough is the father of three 
children — Laura II., E. R. Eugene, and Lillie A. T. 
Politically, he is a Democrat, and socially, is a 
member of Franklin Lodge K. of II. He joined 
the I. O. 0. F. in 1850 and has filled all the chairs. 



-~»>- 



-o»o~(e5>x\JW)-<*o.. 



ENRY DAN' IS. The man who ventured 
V into Central Illinois during its pioneer 
days is worthy of more than a passing 
mention. Few who did not undergo the 
experience can have a full realization of the hard 
lot of the early settlers. The distant markets, 
the inadequate price for the crops which they 
raised under great difficulties, the inferior educa- 
tional advantages, and the miasma from the fre- 
quently low, wet land, which confronted the 
pioneers with illness — a physician miles away — 
and the generally wild condition of their surround- 
ings, no railroads or stage lines, and in some 
sections scarcely a well-defined wagon track, made 



230 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



life in the pioneer times a dire struggle frequently, 
for existence. 

The subject of this sketch has had a full exper- 
ience of pioneer life in all its details, but at the 
same time he has been the privileged witness of 
changes almost miraculous. He was born in this 
count}', May 5, 1841, his father, William Davis, 
being among the earliest pioneers. The latter was 
a native of Ohio, and descended from excellent 
Scotch- Irish stock. He was prospered in his labors 
as a tiller of the soil of Illinois, and in due time 
became the owner of 2.000 acres of land, a large 
portion of which he gave to his children. 

The father of our subject still has about 1,000 
acres of land, all in this county, and is likewise in- 
terested in the hardware business at Fairmount, 
while he has considerable other property. The 
mother, Mrs. Elizabeth (Hayes) Davis, was a na- 
tive of Ohio, and the parental household included 
ten children, six of whom are living, and of whom 
Henry is th fourth in order of birth. He. like 
his brothers and sisters, pursued his early studies in 
the old log schoolhouse, the system of instruction 
of that day being fully in keeping with the fashion 
and furnishings of the temple of learning, into 
which light was admitted through greased paper, 
and the seats and desks of which were made of 
slabs, the floor of puncheon, a wide fireplace ex- 
tending nearly across one end, and the chimney 
built outside of dirt and sticks. Young Davis at- 
tended school mostly on stormy days, when he 
could not work at home. He had few companions 
and little recreation, as the county was very thinly 
settled, and for a distance of forty miles south 
there was not a single cultivated farm. 

Our subject remained at home working with his 
father until about twenty -two years old, and then 
determined to strike out for himself. The first in- 
teresting event which followed was his marriage 
with Miss Nancy Cox, on the 24th of December, 
1803. This lady remained the companion of her 
husband less than nine years, her decease taking 
place Oct. 24, 1874, leaving no children. Their 
wedded life had been begun in a log house on the 
present farm of Mr.Davis, and that humble dwel- 
ling is still standing. Mr. Davis was married a 
second time, Sept. 7, 1875, to Miss Rebecca E. 



Baird. This union resulted in the birth of three 
children — Fred L., born May 24, 187G; Grace 
Elizabeth, July 30, 1877; and Sarah Mabel, Dec. 
18, 1878. Mrs. Rebecca E. (Baird) Davis de- 
parted this life July 18, 1880. 

On the 5th of April. 1881. Mr. Davis was mar- 
ried a third time, to Miss M. Belle, daughter of 
Nathan B. and Mary F. (Wilson) Pemberton. Mr. 
Pemberton was a native of Ohio, and his wife of Ken- 
tucky. The father of Mrs. Davis left his native 
State, when twenty-one years old, going to Ken- 
tucky, where he engaged in farming and was married. 
Nineteen years ago they left the Blue Grass State 
for Indiana, where they lived on a farm for seven 
years, then came to this county, and settled two 
miles northwest of Fairmount. After living there 
two years they made another removal, and are now 
living one and one-half miles west of Catlin, in the 
enjoyment of good health, Mr. Pemberton being 
sixty-seven and his wife fifty-eight years old. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Pemberton there were born 
seven children, live of whom are living, and of 
whom Mrs. Davis was the third. She first opened 
her eyes to the light in Maysville, Ky.. July 29, 
1855. She received excellent educational advan- 
tages, and grew up an attractive and accomplished 
young woman, fitting herself for a teacher, and 
pursuing this calling m Indiana prior to her mar- 
riage. Mr. Pemberton some years ago was wounded 
by an ax in his own hands, which struck his knee, 
and which resulted in confining him to the hou^e 
for three years thereafter. He has suffered from 
this almost continuously since that time. He has 
been a plain and upright man and a member of 
the Baptist Church, while Mrs. Pemberton belongs 
to the Presbyterian Church. 

Mr. Davis erected his present residence about 
1874, and in connection with his farming opera- 
tions gives considerable attention to live stock, 
raising about seventy-five head of swine annually, 
besides graded cattle and horses. His farm com- 
prises 120 acres of land, including a timber strip 
of fifteen acres. One year he was engaged in the 
grocery trade at Fairmount. Politically he has 
always been a strong Democrat, and has held the 
office of Commissioner of Highways for the past 
nine years. He is a School Director in his district, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



231 



and for five years past has been President of the 
Vermilion County Agricultural and Mechanical As- 
sociation. He is also a member of the Board of 
Directors of the Fair Association, and is crop re- 
porter for the Agricultural Department at Spring- 
Held. He has exercised no small influence upon 
party politics in this region, officiating as a mem- 
ber of the Central Committee, and as a delegate 
to the various county conventions. Both he 
and his excellent wife are members in good stand- 
ing of the Baptist Church, in which Mr. Davis has 
labored faithfully in the Sunday-school, and offic- 
iated as Librarian. Without making an}' preten- 
sions to elegance, the Davis homestead is without 
question the abode of peace and comfort, and while 
the head of the family has acquitted himself in a 
creditable manner, his veiy intelligent and amiable 
partner, a lady of great worth and refinement, has 
fulfilled her whole duty in making home the most 
attractive spot on earth for those dearest to her. 

->, <*»&- -— 



ffl ABAN GRITTEN is classed among the lead- 
I ((§) m o farmers and stock raisers of Pilot Town- 
il — 'v ship, he having contributed much towards 
making it a great agricultural center. His farm on 
section 22 is comparable with the finest and best 
in this section of Vermilion County, is so cultivated 
as to produce large harvests, and its buildings and 
all other appointments are first-class. Mr. Gritten 
has evolved this desirable farm from the wild prai- 
ries of Illinois, as they were many years ago, before 
they had been changed by cultivation, it having 
been government land when he purchased it more 
than thirty years ago, and situated in the midst of 
a sparsely populated, scarcely civilized country. 

Mr. Gritten is a Kentuckian by birth, born in 
Mercer County, .Ian. 19, 1832. His father, John 
R. Gritten. was born in the same county in 1807. 
He married Nancy Atkinson, who was born there 
in 1806, and they came to this count}' with their 
family in 1812. and located on a farm of 120 acres, 
pleasantly situated in Blount Township, where 
they have built up a comfortable home, and now, 
in life's decline are enjoying the hard-earned fruits 
of their united labor. Three of the children that 



have blessed their union are still living: Ann, re- 
siding in Danville Township, is the widow of Frank 
Watson, of Ohio, and has five children— William, 
John, Nancy J., Margaret and Martha; Lloyd mar- 
ried Sarah Gritten, daughter of one of the first set- 
tlers of the county, and they have four children — 
Wesley, Annie, Ella and Elisha; Laban is the 
subject of this sketch, and we will write further of 
him. 

We have seen that his parents brought him here 
in pioneer times, when he was a mere lad. and here 
they bred him to a life of usefulness, and fitted 
him for an honorable career, and to their careful 
training he doubtless owes much of his prosperity. 
He became manly, self-reliant and a good worker, 
and in early manhood prudently invested his money 
in government land, proposing to make farming his 
life work, and purchased 320 acres of land at 
twenty-five cents an acre. He now has the land all 
under excellent cultivation, and has greatly in- 
creased its value by the many fine improvements 
that he has made, including substantial buildings, 
etc. He does a general farming business, has his 
farm well stocked with stock of high grades, from 
the sale of which he makes good profits, and he 
raises a good deal of grain and other farm produce, 
from which he derives an income amply sufficing 
to carry on his agricultural operations in good 
shape, and for all his personal wants. 

Mr. Gritten has been twice married. His first 
wife was a Miss Sarah Potter, who was of English 
descent, and her father, an early settler of this part 
of Illinois, took part in the Black Hawk War under 
General Taylor. Five children were born to our 
subject in that union, of whom one died; thcothers 
areOrsmus, Charles, Edward and Thomas. Orsinus, 
a carpenter in Danville, married .Miss May Gritten; 
Charles, living with his father on the homestead, 
married Matilda Gritten, and they have seven chil- 
dren — Clarence. Arthur. Orsinus. Elzora, Oliver, 
Ross and Bock. Edward, a farmer in this county, 
married Miss Belle Davis, of Ohio, and they have 
one child, Jesse B.; Thomas, a blacksmith at Bixby, 
married Martha Schank,and they have three children 
— Earl. Maude and Olive. 

For his second wife Mr. Gritten married Miss 
Lydia Pile, a native of Breckenridge County, Ky.. 



232 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPAICAL ALBUM. 



and of their eleven children the following five are 
living: Oracena, Alvina, Jacob, Eli and William. 

William and Elizabeth Pile were the parents of 
Mrs. Gritten, the father a native of Virginia, the 
mother a native of Kentucky, and both are de- 
ceased. 

Mr. Gritten may well be proud of his farm, whose 
increased value is due to his hard labor and excel- 
lent business capacity and management. He pos- 
sesses sober judgment, keen discernment and a 
resolute nature that has overcome all obstacles in 
the path to success. In his political views he sides 
with the Democrats, and gives his hearty approval 
to party measures. 



c^pACIIAUIAH C. HOLLO WAY. Among quite 
/i/ a company of young men who came to this 
/MLzZ) county at different times in the spring of 
1853, was a young man named Holloway, plainly 
attired and with no means to speak of. quiet and 
unobtrusive in his demeanor but with the fixed pur- 
pose of giving the Western country a fair trial in 
the building up of a future home. He was not pre- 
pared to purchase land and so was obliged to locate 
upon a rented farm in Blount Township which had 
been but slightly improved and offered few advan- 
tages to the pioneer. Upon this amid many diffl- 
culities he prosecuted farming for a period of 
four years, then changed his residence to Newell 
Township where he sojourned two years. His next 
removal was to a farm adjoining that which he 
now owns and occupies, in the southern part of 
Ross Township. This brought him up to 1859 in 
which year he purchased eighty acres of wild prai- 
rie and two years later established himself upon it 
with his young wife in a log cabin. 

Mr. Holloway began the cultivation of his land 
with an ox team and in the meantime made his 
home in Newell, then a very unimportant village. 
In the spring of 1860 he hired thirty acres plowed, 
which he planted in corn. From that time on he 
labored industriously early and late until he had 
eighty acres under a high state of cultivation and 
had erected a neat and substantial house and barn 
besides effecting other improvements. As oppor- 



tunity permitted he planted fruit and shade trees 
and after a number of years found himself in a con- 
dition to purchase additional land and thus in- 
vested his surplus capital until he became the owner 
of 400 acres. For many years he has dealt in cattle 
realizing therefrom handsome returns. 

Our subject generously acknowledges that he has 
been greatly assisted and encouraged in his labors 
and struggles by his excellent wife, who bore with 
her husband the heat and burden of the day and 
assisted him in saving as well as earning. They 
are the parents of four children, all living, namely: 
Albert, Alford, Frank, and Ivy, the wife of C. R. 
Crawford, of Ross Township. 

Upon becoming a voting citizen Mr. Holloway 
identified himself with the Republican party and 
later cordially endorsed Republican doctrines. He 
has made a specialit} - of attending to his own con- 
cerns and consequent!}' has meddled very little 
with public affairs, having no desire for the re- 
sponsibilities of office. His pleasant home with its 
attractive surroundings and his intelligent family 
have largely supplied his social needs, although he 
is not lacking for troops of friends among the peo- 
ple whose intelligence always leads them to respect 
the man who has been the architect of his own for- 
lune and who has made the most of his opportuni- 
ties, adding to the talent with which nature en- 
dowed him. 

John Holloway, the father of our subject, was 
the son of Elijah Holloway, a native of Maryland 
and one of eight children. The others were named 
respectively, Adam. William. Elijah, Armel. Fran- 
ces, Hettie and Mary. John also was born in Mary- 
land, where he was reared to man's 'estate and mar- 
ried Miss Elizabeth Davis. About 1804, with a 
party of probably eight}' persons, they set out 
across the mountains with teams and landed in Ross 
County, Ohio, where it is believed the grand- 
parents also settled. The journey at that time was a 
dangerous one, the country being infested with des- 
perate characters, who frequently murdered trav- 
elers for their money. The trip occupied about 
six weeks and the Holloway family fortunately were 
not molested. 

The parents of our subject settled in the heavj 
timber of Ross County, Ohio, where Zachariah C. 



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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



235 



was born .June 16, 1*21. and where the parents 
spent their last dors. The father died in Septem- 
ber 1863, at the age of eighty-five years and the 
mother at the same age. in March, 18G5. Both 
were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
in the faith of which they serenely passed away. 
Many and great were the hardships endured by the 
pioneers in the wilderness of Ross County and our 
subject like his brothers and sisters was taught to 
make himself useful at a very early age. He as- 
sisted in clearing the farm and received a limited 
education in the subscription school. His life 
passed quietly and uneventfully during his boy- 
hood and youth, and like the other young men of 
that day and place, his chief ambition was in due 
time to have a farm and a fireside of his own. 

Our subject continued a resident of his native 
county until his marriage, in 1849. The maiden 
of his choice was Miss Mary, daughter of Joshua 
Shockley, formerly of Delaware, but who, like the 
Ilolloways, was an early pioneer of the Buckeye 
State. Mrs. Holloway was born in Delaware and 
was take by her parents to Ohio when about two 
years old. Her father died there, in 1841. The 
mother later came to this county and made her 
home with her daughter, her death occurring in 
May, 1888. 



JOSEPH S. CHRISTMAN is emphatically one 
of the business men of Vermilion County, 
who has risen to prominence through his 
own exertions. He was born on the 30th 
day of January, 1855. He spent his boyhood days 
with his parents until he became seventeen years 
of age, when being of a studious mind, he went to 
Indianapolis and attended business college in thai 
city, where he graduated. After leaving school he 
returned to Warren County, Ind . where his par- 
ents were living at the time, and remained there 
for a short period engaged in a dry goods store in 
Attica. He returned to Indianapolis and entered 
into the elastic roofing business at 241 Massachu- 
setts Ave., being successfully employed for one 
year. He then bought a grocery store on Merid- 
ian street, where he carried on a good business for 



a period of one year, when he sold out and came to 
Rossville, III., where he landed in his twenty-first 
year with about $4,000. He contemplated pur- 
chasing a half interest in the dry goods store of 
Henderson & Co., but the company making arrange- 
ments more satisfactory to themselves, our subject 
found he could invest his money to a good advant- 
age by loaning it and did so. in the meantime en- 
tering the employ of the dry goods firm mentioned 
as clerk. About this time he bought 600 acres of 
his present home of 1,100 acres of land upon 
which he erected his present farm buildings, and 
where he now lives. 

Joseph S. Christman is the son of Isaac and Eli- 
zabeth Christman, who are natives of Ohio, but 
who came to Illinois when they were young. They 
were married Oct. 25, 1843. when they immediately 
moved to Warren County, Ind., where they settled 
on a farm which they conducted for two years, at 
the expiration of which period, they came back to 
Vermilion County, settling here on a quarter section 
of land where they now live. The family comprised 
the following children — .Sarah J., is at home; Su- 
san G., is the wife of W. H. Lincoln and is liv- 
ing in West Lebanon, Ind.; Mary II.. is the wife of 
H. C. Swisher and they also reside in the same 
place; Eliza E., was killed when nineteen years of 
age by being thrown from a carriage; Maria C. is 
the wife of William Hunter, a farmer who is living 
in Warren County. Ind.; Joseph S.. of whom this 
sketch is written; Frank is in the real estate luisi- 
ness at York, Neb.; Mahala L., died when two years 
of age. The mother of this family Mrs. Elizabeth 
Christman, died July 8, 1872. She was an ardent 
member of the Methodist Church, and sustained a 
fine reputation in her neighborhood. Mr. Isaac 
Christman is quietly living with his son. Joseph, 
and enjoying his latter days in a manner which he 
has won by hard work. He is a Republican in 
politics, and takes great interest in his party. 

Mr. Joseph S. Christman is a dealer in live stock 
shipping considerable quantities every year to Chi- 
cago. He makes a specialty in breeding llamble- 
tonian horses, of which breed he owns several fine 
specimens. Politically. Mr. Christman is a Repub- 
lican and has held the office of Township Trustee 
for a long time. He is also a member of the Ma- 



236 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



sonic fraternity, having joined that order in 1876, 
by uniting- with Lodge No. 527 .it Rossville. He 
is also a member of the Oriental Consistory which 
meets on Monroe street, Chicago. His career in 
business is a good illustration of what grit and in- 
telligence can do, and should be emulated by oth- 
ers of the younger generation. Mr. Christman is 
unmarried, but has succeeded in making a very 
comfortable home, and the view given in this vol- 
ume, represents a residence that in nowise displays 
the absence of a mistress. 



£~*^- 




R. GEORG EDENS. In the person of 
' this able practitioner the biographer dis- 



covers a gentleman in love with his pro- 
fession — one who adopted it on account of 
the keen interest which he has taken in it almost 
from boyhood, and whose aim has been to excel. 
He has been located in Danville for the past ten 
years, and it is not surprising to learn that he has 
built up a lucrative patronage among its best peo- 
ple. He has been faithful and conscientious in the 
discharge of his duties, and aimed to gain a full 
understanding of the disorders which he has been 
called upon to remedy before making the applica- 
tion of chemicals or drugs. 

Dr. Edens was born in the Province of Holstein, 
German}', June 10, 1851, and remained a resident 
of his native province until 1867. Then, a youth 
of sixteen years, he crossed the Atlantic with his 
parents, they settling on a tract of laud in Cham- 
paign County, this State. The father prosecuted 
farming, while the son, who also assisted around 
the homestead, continued the reading of medicine, 
which he had begun when a lad of fifteen years. 
Two years later, in 1868, he began to dispense 
medicine to his acquaintances, and there followed 
such excellent results from his prescriptions that 
before he had realized the fact he had quite a num- 
ber of regular patrons. 

In 1876 young Edens repaired to Chicago and 
entered Hahnemann College, from which he was 
graduated in 187'J, after taking the special courses. 
On the 17th of March, that year, he came to Dan- 
ville, and commenced the regular practice of his 



chosen profession, which he has since followed 
with really surprising results. He adopts many of 
the customs common to the Fatherland, where the 
students of medicine are subjected to the most 
thorough training, and not allowed to practice 
until they are masters in their profession. 

The office of Dr. Edens is situated on North 
Street, near the Chicago & Eastern Illinois depot, 
where he has around him his books and the various 
appliances requisite for his extensive business. He 
not only has a large practice in Danville, but also 
in the country surrounding it. He repairs to dif- 
ferent points at regular intervals, usualh' once a 
month. There is every indication that he has be- 
fore him a most prosperous future, and the pros- 
pects of attaining to eminence in his profession. 
He has naturally been too full of business to give 
much attention to politics, but has become fully 
identified and in sympathy with American institu- 
tions, and usually votes for the men and not the 
party. 

Dr. Edens was married in Danville, March 1 1, 
1885, to Miss Frances Kcehler. who was born in 
Posen, Germany, April 30, 1859. She came to 
America in 1881. after having acquired a careful 
education, and thereafter was employed as a pri- 
vate teacher in German and French, and also in the 
public schools of St. Louis and Chicago. Mrs. 
Edens likewise possesses considerable musical tal- 
ent, and is at once recognized as a very accom- 
plished and intelligent lady. They occupy a pleas- 
ant and attractive home, and enjoy the friendship 
of the best citizens of Danville. 

AMUEL COOK, the son of a pioneer 
family of Vermilion County, as one of its 
practical, well-to-do farmers, a man of 
sound sense and good understanding, is 
classed among its most desirable citizens. His 
homestead on section 11, Catlin Township, com- 
prising 160 acres, is one of the finest in the vicin- 
ity, and he has 100 acres of excellent farming land 
in Oeorgetown Township besides valuable property 
in Danville. 

James Cook, the father of our subject, was born 




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



237 



either in Maryland or Virginia, June 23, 1707. In 
early manhood he was united in marriage to Miss 
Susanna Moyer, their union taking place Oct. G, 
1822. She was born in Pennsylvania, Dec. 2, 
1803, and is still living at an advanced age. After 
marriage Mr. and Mrs. Cook settled in Clermont 
County, Ohio, living there among its early pioneers 
till 1834, when they migrated across the country 
with their family to Vermilion County and became 
early settlers of Brook's Point in Georgetown. 
There the father rounded out a useful life, holding 
the respect and esteem of all about him as he was 
in all respects a good man. The wedded life of 
himself and wife was blessed to them by the birth 
of six sons and five daughters. 

Our subject was the second child of *e family, 
and he was born in Clermont County, Ohio, ( )ct. 
4, 1825. He was nine years old when he came to 
Vermilion County with his parents more than fifty 
years ago, but he still retains a recollection of that 
memorable journey through the forests primeval 
and over the wild prairies to this then sparsely 
settled country. He grew to man's estate in 
Georgetown Township, and gleaned an education 
in the old log [school-house in which the children 
of the pioneers were taught the rudiments of learn- 
ing. He remained with his father and mother till 
he was twenty-six and a half years old, wdien he 
married and established a home of his own. He 
has devoted himself principally to farming, and 
through many years of persistent toil has accumu- 
lated a goodly amount of property, including one 
of the best farms in Catlin Township, lie has his 
land under fine tillage, and has erected a substan- 
tial, conveniently arranged set of buildings, in- 
cluding a handsome, roomy residence, replete with 
all the comforts of life. When he was a young 
man Mr. Cook assisted in making five flatboats to 
go down the Vermilion River into the Wabash. 
and thence down the Ohio and Mississippi, and 
once he took a trip to Memphis. 

Mr. Cook has been twice married. He was first 
wedded to Miss Amanda M. Graves, April 1, L852, 
in (ieorgetown Township. She was a native of 
that place, born Aug. 18, 1833, to .lames and Mar- 
garet (Blackbourn) Graves, who were among its 
earliest pioneers, coming there from Kentucky in 



1829, and spending their remaining days on their 
homestead in that township. By that marriage 
our subject became the father of six children, of 
whom the following is recorded: George W. mar- 
ried Eliza Douglas; James P. married Miss Eveline 
O'Neal; Mary married John II. Wherry; Margaret 
died when she was eighteen years old; Charles 
married Miss Celia Padgett; Ellen died when about 
six months old. Aug. 19. 186(3, after a happy mar- 
ried life of fourteen years Mrs. Cook passed away 
from the scene of her usefulness, and thus was lost 
to her household a wife who had always striven to 
aid her husband and make his home pleasant and 
comfortable, a mother who was devoted to her 
children, a neighbor who was a kind and true 
friend. 

Mr. Cook was married to his present wife, for- 
merly Mrs. Martha E. (Citizen) Moreland, in La- 
fayette, IncL, April 14.1870. Their wedded life 
has been blessed to them by the birth of three 
children: Bertie J., John F., and Fred. Mrs. Cook 
was the fourth of the nine children, six sons and 
three daughters, born to William and Esther 
(Parker) Citizen, and her birth occurred in Dark 
County, Ind., July 25, 1838. Her father was born 
in Maryland, Nov. 10, 1809, and her mother in 
North Carolina, Aug. 4. is 12, her death occurring 
in Warren County, Ind. The father survives :<t 
an advanced age. When she was two years old 
.Mrs. Cook's parents moved to AVayne County, 
Ind., and when she was thirteen years old her 
father brought her to this State. She was married 
in Warren County. Ind., Aug. 25. 1854, to Joseph 
Moreland. Of this union there was one son. 
Charles \Y., an intelligent, well educated young 
man, who has been engaged in the profession of 
school-teaching seven years. 

It is said of .Mr. and Mrs. Cook that " they are 
people whom it is a pleasure to meet, so friendly 
and generous are they toward all who come under 
their influence, and so kind and considerate are 
they in their relations with all about them." They 
are consistent members of the Christian Church — 
of which he is an elder — contribute liberally to its 
support, and are never backward in aiding all 
schemes that look to the moral or social advance- 
ment of the community. In our subject the Dem- 



238 



PORTRAIT AND BIOG RAPIIICAL ALBUM 



ocratie part}- finds one of its most honest support- 
ers and the township one of the promoters of 
education within its borders, lie having held seve- 
ral of the school offices, and also being School 
Director for years, discharging the duties thus de- 
volving upon him with characteristic fidelity and 
to the eminent satisfaction of all. concerned. 



-js- 



- >'.'■ 4 



''If ' 



fiOHN L.JACKSON. In the career of this 
leading business man of Sidell, we recognize 
the type of the live, energetic American 
citizen, who has been peculiarly favored 
by Providence, being the owner of a fine property, 
the son of one of the wealthiest men in the county, 
and one of its leading citizens, and having had the 
happy faculty of improving all his advantages. By 
his straightforward methods of proceedure he has 
fully established himself in the esteem and confi- 
dence of all with whom he has had dealings. He is 
at present engaged in general merchandising at 
Sideil. and is in the enjoyment of a patronage which 
is steadily increasing. The firm of John L. Jack- 
sen A- Co. is considered A 1. 

Mr. Jackson was born in Douglas County, this 
State, Sept. 22, 1860, and is the son of Amos and 
Sarah (Hesseler) Jackson, the former of whom was 
born near Frankfort, Ind., and the latter in this 
county. They wore married in Michigan? The 
elder Jackson operates as a farmer anil cattle 
raiser, and is now a resident of Danville. He is 
represented on another page in this volume. The 
parental household was completed by the birth of 
four daughters and two sons, and of these John was 
the eldest, lie was twelve years of age when his 
parents came to this county, and settled near In- 
dianola. in Carroll Township. Later they removed 
first to Paris and then to Danville. At the age of 
nineteen years our subject entered the Commercial 
College at Terre Haute, from which he was grad- 
uated in the class of 1879. Upon leaving school 
lie engaged in buying and shipping stock, with 
which business he had been familiar since a boy. 
He shipped his first load from Archie Station, and 
was occupied at this business until 1883. 

The marriage of our subject with Miss Eva 



Gray was celebrated at the bride's home, in March, 
1883. This lady was born and reared in Cham- 
paign County, and is the daughter of Henry and 
Louisa (Weisiger) Gray, who settled in the above- 
named county in 1861. The father died in 187(5, 
aged about forty years. The mother was subse- 
quently married and now resides near Kankakee. 
The three daughters were named Eva, Cora and 
Nettie. Mr. and Mrs. Jackson have one child, a 
daughter, Meta J. 

Mr. Jackson purchased the store and stock of 
general merchandise belonging to William Danley, 
the pioneer merchant of Sidell, and in addition to 
looking after the affairs of this establishment, con- 
tinues to deal in cattle. Politically, he is an un- 
compromising Democrat, and socially belongs to 
Peace Dale Lodge Number 25, I. O. O. F. He Is 
also a member of the Modern Woodmen. His farm 
comprises 172 acres of choice land, pleasantly 
located southwest of Sidell. 



SlUHN MILTON DOUGLASS, a prominent 
and honored citizen of Vermilion County, is 
classed among its leading farmers and stock- 
raisers, he having been intimately connected 
with its agricultural interests for many years; and, 
the son of parents who were early settlers of this 
part of Illinois, he ma}' indeed be regarded as a 
pioneer himself, as since, and even before, attain- 
ing man's estate, he has done much to develop the 
rich resources of this region ami make it a great 
agricultural center. He owns a farm on section 16, 
Catlin Township, that is justly considered one of 
the best places in the county, and here he has 
erected a handsome commodious residence that, 
with its surroundings, beautiful lawns adorned 
with shade trees, etc., forms an attractive scene in 
the landscape, and in this lovely home he is quietly 
passing his declining years, calmly awaiting life's 
great change. 

The subject of this sketch was born in what is 
now Ohio County. Ind., Aug. 23, 1823, the second 
child in a family of ten children, five sons and five 
daughters, belonging to Thomas W. and Delilah 
(Peyne) Douglass. The former was born in the 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



239 



State of Maine, on the Penobscot River, and the 
mother was a native of the State of New \ork. 
After marriage they first settled in Dearborn 
Count}', Inrl., in that part of it now called Ohio 
County, and thence journeyed to this State in the 
spring of 1830, and located in C'atlin Township, Ver- 
milion County, where the County farm now is, and 
where they spent their declining years, and the 
mother closing her eyes in death in September, lK. r >(J, 
and in October, 1865, the father departed this life. 
They were people of solid merit, who faithfully per- 
formed their allotted tasks in life, and, as pioneers of 
Vermilion County, their memories will ever be held 
in reverence along with those of other courageous, 
self-sacrificing spirits who came here in the early 
days of the settlement of the country, and toiled to 
make it a fitting home for those who came after 
them. 

Their son John Milton, of whom we write, was 
seven years old when he accompanied his parents 
in their migration from the home of his birth to 
this county, and here the remaining days of his 
boyhood and youth were passed, and his entire 
manhood has been spent within the limits of the 
county. He early began his career as a fanner, 
and has been greatly prospered in his life work, 
being the fortunate owner of a fertile farm of 
.'317.1 acres that is not surpassed in point of culti- 
vation and value <>f improvements by any other 
place in the township. He has erected a commo- 
dious, well-built house, a barn fifty feet square 
on a stone foundation, and other necessary build- 
ings, and has set out numerous beautiful shade 
and fruit trees, and, taken altogether, he has one 
of the finest estates in the county. Mr. Douglass' 
farm is well adapted to stock-raising, and he makes 
a specialty of Short-horn cattle, and his fine herd 
of that breed, highly graded, is one of the best in 
this locality. 

On the 1 I tli of November. 1844, the marriage of 
our subject and Miss Mahala Burroughs was sol- 
emnized in C'atlin Township, one mile west of the 
village of C'atlin. Mrs. Douglass was born in Rip- 
ley County, Ind., April 3, 1824, a daughter of 
Jesse and Polly (Wilson) Burroughs. Of her 
union with our subject nine children were born, 
as follows: Judith A., wife of Joseph Trislcr; 



Wintield S., who married Lizzie Clark; Delilah, who 
died when she was two years old; Thomas W., 
who died when he was eleven months old; Clarissa, 
the wife of James Clipson; Mahala; Pamelia, who 
died in infancy; Annilda. the wife of Richard 
O'Conell; and Esther, who died when one week 
old. 

On the 10th of October, 1887, the pleasant 
wedded life of our subject was brought to a sad 
close by the death of her with whom he had 
walked, hand in hand, for more than forty-two 
years. This amiable wife and companion had been 
to him all that a true and devoted woman can be 
to her husband, and to her children she had been a 
wise and tender mother, and her presence is sorely 
missed in the household where she had been the 
home-maker so long. But our subject does not 
mourn as one without comfort, as his Christian 
faith points to a reunion beyond the grave. 

Mr. Douglass is a man of decided character and 
sound understanding, and his career has marked him 
as possessing those qualities that enable man to make 
his own way in the world without the adventitious 
aids of fortune and birth. He and five of his chil- 
dren are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian 
Church, and are among its most earnest workers. 
In politics Mr. Douglass has taken part in the pub- 
lic affairs of the township as School Director and 
Highway Commissioner. In politics he favors the 
Democratic party, firmly believing that its policy 
is the only safe one for the guidance of National 
affairs. 



OHN B. CRANSON. It is a homely and 
time-worn adage that '•virtue brings its own 
reward." but the truth of il is frequently 
brought to mind, as in contemplating the 
career of Mr. Cranson, which has been that of an 
honest man and a good citizen, and in which he has 
performed life's duties in a creditable manner, with 
the exception that he is still plodding along life's 
road single-handed and alone, although having 
passed the fifty-second year of his age. \\ bile he 
may not be the hero of any very thrilling event he 
has seen much of life in its differenl phases, and 
during the Civil War gave his services to assist in 



240 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



the preservation of the Union. His army record is 
a creditable one, as has been that of his life after 
leaving- it, when he settled down to farm life 
again in 1878 on his present farm, and has now 
one of the attractive homesteads in his township. 
His specialty is Jersey cattle, and he is likewise in- 
terested in the chicken industry, having a goodly 
number of fine fowls in which he takes a pardon- 
able pride. 

The subject of this notice is a native of Lock- 
port, N. Y., and was born April 15, 1837. His 
parents, Joel and Rhoda (Gray) Cranson, were 
natives of Massachusetts and Vermont respectively, 
and lived in New York until 1854, then removed to 
Michigan, and from the Wolverine State to In- 
diana, and from there came to Illinois in 1864, 
where their death occurred; the father died in 1875, 
and the mother in 1882. They were the parents 
of six children, three of whom besides our subject 
are still living. 

The union school at Lockport furnished young 
Cranson with his early education, which was com- 
pleted at the age of fifteen years. He then began 
an apprenticeship at the trade of tinsmith, which 
he followed two years, and after the removal of the 
family to Michigan he engaged in the lumber busi- 
ness. After their removal to Indiana he became 
interested in farming. Upon the outbreak of the 
Civil War he enlisted in 1861 in Company B, 29th 
Indiana Infantry, and six months later was pro- 
moted to the post of Orderly Sergeant. The regi- 
ment was organized at La Porte, Ind., was assigned 
to the command of Gen. McCook, and afterward 
participated in the battle of Pittsburg Landing, 
after which he fell and was hurt. Upon recovering 
sufficiently he was transferred to the veteran re- 
serve corps, in which he remained until the expira- 
tion of his term of service. He received his hon- 
orable discharge in September, 1864, and after a 
brief visit to his old home in Indiana set out for 
Illinois with the view of permanently establishing 
himself in this State. Prior to entering the army 
he had purchased a farm in Indiana and sold it be- 
fore coming to Illinois. 

The domestic arrangements of our subject are 
presided over by his two sisters, and he has one of 
the pleasantest homes in the county. The sisters 



are members in good standing of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, while Mr. Cranson is identified 
with the Cumberland Presbyterian. The three op- 
erate together in the business of raising chickens, 
which is carried on by the natural process and by 
incubators. They market about 800 per year, and 
have all the modern conveniences for hatching and 
taking care of the chickens. The whole process is 
so systematized that the industry is pleasurable as 
well as profitable. Their cattle are grade Short- 
horn and full-blooded Jerseys. 

In politics Mr. Cranson uniformly votes the 
straight Republican ticket. Socially, he is a mem- 
ber of Homer Post, G. A. R., and as a Mason be- 
longs to Blue Lodge and the Chapter in Homer, in 
the latter of which he is Master of Third Veil. Both 
in social and business circles he occupies an envi- 
able position, and is one of those men whose word 
is considered as good as his bond. 



(j? ENRY G. BOYCE. Sixteen years have 
Iffjl passed since this worthy pioneer folded his 
J^?' hands in rest from the labors of life, but 
((j§| his name will be recalled by many as that 
of one of the first men coming to the vicinity of 
Danville and performing some of the earliest work 
in connection with his trade as a carpenter and 
joiner. He came with his parents to this count}' 
in 1831 and two years later established himself in 
the embryo town of Danville, which then consisted 
of only a few houses. With his young wife he 
took up his abode in the domicile which he built 
that year, which was weather-boarded in walnut 
and which is still standing and the property of his 
widow, who preserve it as a relic of the older days. 
Opposite it was built the engine house which now 
shelters the fire apparatus of a thriving and pro- 
gressive modern city. 

A native of New York State, Mr. Boyce was 
born in Schoharie County, Feb. 20, 1809. Thirteen 
months later his parents removed to Harrison 
County, Ohio, where the father entered a tract of 
land from the Government and where the family 
lived until 1831. Then pushing still further west- 
ward they came to this county and Henry <i. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



241 



worked on a farm until 1832. That year be turned 
his attention more particularly to his trade of a car- 
penter and until his marriage the year following 
was in the employ of Mr. Beckwith and Gov. 
Leander Rutledge. His marriage with Miss Eliza 
Potter occurred on the 3d of March, 1833. the 
Rev. Freeman Small y officiating at the ceremony. 

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Boyce estab- 
lished themselves in a log cabin on what is now 
Walnut street and where their first child was born, 
Mary Jane, now Mrs. Henry Fulton of Vallejo, 
Cal. In the summer of 1833 Mr. Boyce went to 
Chicago when there were only two houses between 
Danville and that now great city. After the father, 
brother and brother-in-law of Mrs. Boyce arrived 
there, they dug the cellar for the first brick house 
ever built in Chicago, which was for a man named 
Chapman. Mr. Boyce did the carpenter work on 
said building. He remained there that fall in order 
to earn money to pay taxes and later returned to 
Danville purchased land lying along what is now 
Walbut street. He pursued his trade as a carpenter 
and finally became a contractor and builder, put- 
ting up many of the first buildings in the town. 
He thus labored until about 1850 and in 185G was 
appointed Postmaster of Danville, prior to the 
election of President Buchanan. He served until 
the incoming of President Lincoln's administration 
and later was Deputy Postmaster under President 
Johnson. 

Mr. Boyce was a man of more than ordinary 
abilities and occupied a leading position in his com- 
munity. He was elected Justice of the Peace, 
serving four terms of four years each, holding this 
office at the time of his decease. He was an active 
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and 
warmly interested in the cause of temperance. Up- 
right and honorable in his transactions he enjoyed 
the esteem and confidence of all who knew him 
and at his death, which occurred Dec. 3, 1873. was 
deeply mourned not only by his own family but 
by the entire community. 

The father of our subject was Peter Boyce, a 
native of Washington County, X. V.. and a farmer 
by occupation, lie was reared to manhood in his 
native State where lie married Miss Jane Potter, 
and later removed to Schoharie County, N. Y. lie 



was three times married and was the lather of 
twenty-one children. In his father's family there 
were thirteen children and his mother died in Har- 
rison County, Ohio. After coming to Illinois he 
lived here only a few years, then returning to Ohio 
settled near Springfield where he spent his last days. 
He was a man of considerable force of character 
and a devout member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. 

Mrs. Eliza J. (Potter) Boyce was born in Jeffer- 
son County. N. V.. one half mile from Sackett's 
Harbor, Sept. 19, 181.'!. and is the daughter of 
Elijah and Lana Potter, the former of whom was 
born in Washington County. X. Y., Sept. 4. 1787. 
He was there reared upon a farm and was married 
to a maiden of his own township, Miss Lana Van 
Wormer. in 1810. Not long afterwaid the young 
people removed to a point near Sackett's Harbor, 
in Jefferson County. Mrs. Lana Potter was born 
June 2, 171)3 and was consequently seventeen years 
of age at the time of her marriage. 

The three eldest children of Mr. and Mrs. Potter 
were born in Jefferson County, X. Y.. Eliza J. 
being the eldest. Six more children were added 
to the family after they left the Empire Slate. 
With one exception they all lived to mature years, 
one being killed when about four years old by the 
falling of a tree upon him. About 1820 the Potter 
family resolved to seek what was then the farther 
West and accordingly removed to Richland County. 
Ohio, settling near the present site of the town of 
Ashland. That region was then a wilderness, 
peopled chiefly by wild animals and Indians, there 
being only four other white families in the town- 
ship. Mr. Potter entered a tract of land from the 
Government and the family endured all the hard- 
ships and privations of life on the frontier. The 
nearest mill was thirty miles away anil the road 
which led to it was for long distances nothing more 
than an Indian trail. 

As the country began settling up Mr. Potter 
distinguished himself as a leading citizen and was 
one of the first to exert himself in the establish- 
ment of a school which was effected after much diffi- 
culty. Mr. Potter riding three days to find a teacher 
who could even write. The family sojourned in 
that neighborhood for a period of seventeen years 



242 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



and in 1 830 concluded to make another change of 
residence, this time seeking the Prairie State. After 
due preparation they in October set out overland 
with a two-horse team and two cows, and their 
household goods and provisions. They were three 
weeks on the road, camping and cooking by the 
wayside. They arrived near the present site of 
Newtown, on Middle Fork Township, in November 
following. The father three or four years later, 
purchased land on the State road, at the edge of 
Eight Mile Prairie, ten miles north of Danville, 
where he opened up a good farm and lived until 
1365. The death of the wife and mother occurred 
June 17, 1856. Eleven years later Mr. Potter re- 
moved to Missouri and subsequently made his home 
with his son, Joseph, who was located on a farm 
nine miles from Chillicothe. 

Mrs. Lana(Van Wormer) Potter was the daughter 
of Jacob Van Wormer, one* of the early pioneers 
of Washington County, N. Y., and a strict adher- 
ent of the doctrines of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. His house for many years was the meet- 
ing place for the annual conference and was the 
frequent resort of the itinerant. Among the early 
preachers of that day was the renowned Lorenzo 
Dow, who made for himself a name intimately as- 
sociated with the early history of Methodism. He 
and his wife finally removed to Jefferson County 
and made their home with Mrs. Potter, his young- 
est daughter. They intended going to Ohio with 
the Potter family, but on account of the mother's 
health they were obliged to remain in Jefferson 
County N. Y., where they spent their last days. 
The Van Wormer family traced its ancestry to 
Holland. 

The paternal grand father of Mrs. Boyce was 
William Potter one of the pioneers of Washington 
County, N. Y., who married Miss Elizabeth Sher- 
man and settled near Fort Ann. They became the 
parents of nine sons and two daughters and eight 
of their sons lived to mature years. They remained 
residents of Fort Ann until quite aged, then went 
to live with their son, William, near Buffalo, where 
their decease took place. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Boyce there were born four 
children, the eldest of whom, Mary J., has' been 
already mentioned. The second daughter, Emily, 



is at home with her mother. Sarah M. died July 
30, 1861 ; William during the late Civil War served 
three years as a Union soldier in Company A, 11th 
Indiana Infantry and was wounded at Champion 
Hill. At the expiration of his first term of enlist- 
ment he re-entered the ranks and at the battle of 
Winchester received a fatal shot and his remains 
now lie in Winchester burying ground. Mrs. Boyce 
and her daughter, Emily, are members in good 
standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Miss 
Emma is a well educated lady and has followed 
the profession of a teacher fifteen years in Danville. 
Jacob Van Wormer served in the Revolutionary 
War, Elijah Potter served in the War of 1812 and 
Henry <!. Boyce tendered his services in the Black 
Hawk War. 



/p^EORGE CLARKSON. This gentleman upon 
(l| ,— , coming to Vermilion County purchased 
V \^S) 160 acres of land in Sidell Township which 
is now occupied by his widow, Mrs. Elvira Clark- 
son, a very capable and intelligent lady who enjoys 
the friendship and esteem of all who know her. 
Since the death of her husband she has released the 
estate from its indebtedness and managed it in a 
manner reflecting great credit upon her discretion 
and good judgment. Without making any pre- 
tentions to elegance, she lives simply, comfortably 
and modestly, and has a true and motherly heart, 
full of sympathy for all the wrongs and woes of 
mankind. 

Mrs. Clarkson was born in Kentucky where she 
lived until a maiden of eighteen years and then 
her parents removed to Illinois. She was married 
in 1865. and settled with her husband on the farm 
which she now occupies. Mr. Clarkson had also 
been reared in Kentucky. Of their union there 
were born two sons and two daughters — Henry T., 
Jennie M., Allie V., and George J. The youngest 
was only two months old at the time of his father's 
death. Mrs. Clarkson has reason to be proud of 
her family, her sons and daughters being more 
than ordinarily bright and attractive, the daugh- 
ters especially handsome. 

Mrs. Clarkson after the death of her husband 
was forced to assume the responsibilities of the 








' (s> ^^yu^L) 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBLM. 



245 



farm and right nobly has she fulfilled the duties of 
her position and reared her children in a manner 
which shall make of them useful and respected 
members of the community. Mrs. Clarkson is an 
active member of the Cumberland Presbyterian 
Church, in the northern part of Sidell Township 
and comprises in her life and character the faith- 
ful and devoted mother and the true woman. A 
sketch of her father. .lames Thompson, will be 
found on another page of this work. Mr. Clarkson 
died Sept. :i. 1877. 



\W_ ON. WILLIAM P. PEIRCE, M. I)., May. 
(f)lj of Iloopeston. is also a practicing phj'sicia 
fi-Ss^ an( l surgeon and senior partner of the fin 



lit 



yor 
3ian 
partner of the firm 
of Peirce & McCaughey, proprietors of the 
ding store on Main street. The various titles ap- 
pended to his name have been justly earned and 
from them it will be readily guessed that he occu- 
pies no secondary position in his community. 

Dr. Peirce was born in Chautauqua County. N.Y., 
March 25, 1830, and lived there until about 1852, 
completing his education in what was then Fredonia 
Academy, but is now the Fredonia State Normal 
School. Upon leaving school he commenced the 
study of medicine under the instruction of his 
father, Dr. Austin Peirce, beginning his readings 
at the age of eighteen years. Later he entered 
ii pon a course of lectures in the University of the 
City of New York, from which he was gradaated 
in the class of 1852. 

In the fall of the year above mentioned young 
Peirce came to Illinois and began the practice of 
his chosen profession in Kendall County where he 
resided until the outbreak of the Civil War. In 
June. 1861, he raised a company of volunteers 
named Company D, and assigned to the 36th Illin- 
ois Infantry and of which he was elected Captain. 
After a year's faithful service in tins capacity, he 
was appointed Surgeon to one of the new regi- 
ments, the 88th Illinois, with the rank of Major, 
and remained with it until the close of the war. 
lie met the enemy in many important battles, being 
in the fight at Pea Ridge, Bentonville, Ark.. Wil- 
son's Creek, Mo., Sbiloh, Tenn., and the siege of 



Corinth, at which places he was in command of 
his company. After receiving the appointment 
of Surgeon, he was at Murfreesboro, Chickamauga, 
in the Atlanta campaign, and at Nashville and 
Franklin. Tenn., besides many other important en. 
gagements. The greater part of the time he acted 
as Brigade Surgeon and discharged his duties in 
such a manner as to gain him the friendship of his 
subordinates and the approval of his supen rs. 

After the war was ended Dr. Peirce returned to 
Illinois and located in Lisbon, Kendall Co., 111., and 
subsequently at Lemont, Cook County, where he 
followed his profession until 1880, when he took 
up his residence in Iloopeston and is now in the 
enjoyment of a lucrative business. He makes a 
specialty of surgery and has met with unqualified 
success. He soon afterward established his drug 
store and being a liberal and public spirited citizen, 
has always interested himself in the welfare and 
progress of his adopted town. 

While a resident of Kendall Count} - . Dr. Peirce 
was elected on the Republican ticket to represent 
his party in the 25th General Assembly and during 
the sessions which followed, served on the com- 
mittee of State Charitable Institutions and Revenue. 
Later he was appointed a delegate from the Fif- 
teenth District to the Constitutional Convention ' 
of 1870 at Springfield. In 1871 he was elected 
Senator from the district comprising Kendall, 
Grundy and Will counties, living at the time in 
Minooka, Grundy County, where he practiced 
until his removal to Cook County. During the 
Constitutional Convention he was on the committee 
of Federal Relations, Revenue and Judicial Dis- 
tricts, sometimes serving as Chairman. In the 
Senate lie was Chairman of the Committee on State 
Charitable Institutions. Railroads. Penitentiary and 
Education. Wherever residing he has usually 
been a representative to district and State conven- 
tions, having always taken a lively interest in 
political affairs. He is a member of the County 
Medical Society and in Masonry is a Knight 
Templar. 

In Cook County, this State, Dr. Peirce was 
married July 18. 1879, to Miss Ella Anderson. 
The four children born of this union were named 
respectively: William, James. Lamartine and John 



•246 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Logan. They are all living and form a bright and 
interesting group, which the parents look upon 
with pardonable pride. Mrs. Peirce was born in 
llarrisburg, Pa., May 12, 1848. and is the daughter 
of James Anderson, who removed first to Cook 
County, 111 , and then to Kansas where he died in 
1888. 

Hon. Austin Peirce, the father of our subject, 
was a native of Vermont and born in 1799. When 
a young man he emigrated to Chenango County, 
N. Y., where he lead medicine with Dr. Pitcher, of 
the town of Pitcher, and afterward took a course 
of instruction at Geneva. He commenced the 
practice of his profession at Hamlet, Chatauqua 
Co., N. Y., where he made his home for many 
years. His decease occurred in 1860, when he was 
sixty-one years old. The mother in her girlhood 
was Miss Mary Ann Sterling of Chenango County. 
The parental household included eleven children, 
eight of whom lived to mature years and five of 
whom are still living. The mother also survives 
and makes her home in Fredonia, N. Y. She was 
born in Connecticut in 18(18 and came with her 
father, James Sterling, to Chenango County, N. Y., 
when quite young, living there until her marriage. 

The elder Peirce during his younger years be- 
longed to the old Whig party and about 1842 was 
a member of the New York Legislature. He was a 
man of decided views and attained to much prom- 
inence in his community, serving as Township 
Supervisor many years. In religious matters he 
belonged to the Presbyterian Church in which he 
officiated as Deacon for a long period. Dr. Peirce, 
our subject, is a member of the Universalist Church 
at Hoopeston. 

A lithographic portrait of Dr. Peirce appears 
elsewhere in this volume in connection with this 
brief outline of his life. 

-« -A* 



''J 



(jLENEY L. CHACE. The farming lands of 
W~jr Vermilion County comprise its most val- 
/iv^' uable property, and the men who have re- 
(^j deemed them from their primitive condi- 
tion occupy no unimportant position among a vast 
and intelligent population. The subject of this 



notice may be properly classed among these, as he 
turns in annually a handsome sum to the county 
treasury as taxes on the property which he has ac- 
cumulated, largely by the labor of his own hands. 
He is a land owner to the extent of a fine farm of 
440 acres, with the residence, on section 5, town- 
ship 23, range 12, which, together with its build 
ings and improvements, forms one of the most de- 
sirable estates in this part of Vermilion County. 

The native place of our subject was Newport, 
R. I., where he first opened his eyes to the light 
March 7, 1843. There he spent his boyhood and 
youth, completing his education in the Hi<jh 
School. This brought him up to the time of the 
Civil War. On the 13th day of October, 1862, he 
enlisted as a Union soldier in Company D, 12th 
Rhode Island Infantry, in which he first served a 
short time as a private, and later received the 
rank of Sergeant. His regiment was made a part 
of the First Brigade. Second Division, 9th Army 
Corps, and operated mostly with the Army of the 
Potomac. He participated in the battle of Fred- 
ericksburg, and was under Gen. Burnside in his 
skirmishes through Kentucky. He left the regular 
ranks in August, 1863, and was assigned to the 
Quartermaster's department, and given charge of 
two large pontoon trains, numbers 15 and 17, 
Army of the James, and was mostly stationed at 
City Point until the fall of 1865, when he assisted 
in the reconstruction of the burned bridge at Rich- 
mond after the surrender of Lee's army, when he 
was mustered out and returned home. 

Our subject for a year after leaving the army 
engaged in business in his native town, and in the 
meantime was married. .March 26, 1866, to Miss 
Anna E. Cogswell. Soon afterwards they removed 
to Kendall County, this State, where lie engaged in 
farming two years, then moved to the vicinity of 
Seneca, LaSalle County, where he sojourned for a 
period of eight years. His next removal, in 1877. 
was to the farm which he now owns and occupies. 
Upon this he has effected many improvements, 
gathering around him all the conveniences and ap- 
pliances of the enterprising and progressive agri- 
culturist. He votes the straight Republican ticket, 
and has held the various minor offices of his town- 
ship. As an ex-soldier he belongs to the G. A. R., 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



247 



and finds his religious home in the Universalist 
Church. 

Henry Chaee, the father of our subject, was like- 
wise a native of Newport, R. I., where he was born 
in 1812. The paternal grandfather was Capt. 
James Chare, who followed the sea for many years, 
but finally settled on terra firma in Newport, and 
there spent his last days. There was a large repre- 
sentation of the Chace family in that city, where 
they were familiarly known for several generations, 
and traced their ancestors to the Puritans. Henry 
Chace in early manhood was married to Miss Mary 
Lyon, and for a time was engaged as a merchant 
in Georgetown. S. C. The wife of our subject was 
also a native of Newport. She was the daughter 
of Aaron S. Cogswell, of Revolutionary fame, 
who was the representative of an old and honor- 
able family, which furnished a number of success- 
ful business men to the commercial interests of that 
time. 

•SSfeej- 

¥ WILLIAM BANDY. In taking this intelli- 
gent old gentleman by the hand, we extend 
greeting to the oldest living resident of 
Danville. He is now approaching the seventy-sev- 
enth year of his age. having been born .Inly 22, 
l.sl 2. in Bedford County. Va. When a youth of 
sixteen years, he was brought by his foster-parents, 
Samuel and Elizabeth Howell, to this county, they 
arriving at the present site of Danville, Dec. 13, 
1828. There were then not to exceed nine families 
in the town. Some men go abroad to look upon 
great and wonderful things, but Mr. Bandy has 
seen enough at home to satisfy the ordinary indi- 
vidual in the almost incredible change which has 
come over the Prairie State since his arrival within 
its limits. 

Upon leaving the Old Dominion, the little cara- 
van of which our subject was a member, bavins 
amid much preparation and speculation bidden 
their friends adieu, set out with a four-horse team, 
the wagon loaded with household effects and pro- 
visions, and traveled for thirty-six days before 
reaching their destination. They made their bed 
in their wagon at night, and set their table by 
the wayside, traveling in the primitive fashion of 



those days, before the time of railroads, or even 
stages in this region. 

Upon their arrival here the emigrants could not 
even rent a cabin, but finally succeeded in finding 
shelter in a log house which already contained two 
families of four persons each, and which was six- 
teen feet square, and stood upon the present site of 
the First National Bank. Thus they spent the 
winter, being able to do but little except to make 
preparations for the spring campaign. The nearest 
land office was at Palestine, ninety miles away, and 
the father, after making the journey thither, was 
not able to purchase, as the officer in charge re- 
fused to accept the Virginia money, which was the 
only currency Mr. Howell possessed. Finally, how- 
ever, he bridged over his difficulties, and succeeded 
in entering 480 acres of land, upon which he erected 
four cabins, the principal one of which was located 
one mile southeast of the court house and con- 
structed of rough logs, with a puncheon floor, two 
windows and a door, using greased paper instead of 
glass. The building was 10x18 feet square, and 
boasted of window shutters of rived boards. For 
the fireplace there was was made in the logs an ap- 
erture eight feet wide, and built out three feet 
back, and this was lined with earth, while the chim- 
ney was built outside six feet high and covered with 
mortar. This contrivance lasted for years, and 
furnished sufficient heat for cooking purposes, as 
well as warming the building. 

The furniture in this humble domicile was like- 
wise home-made, the bedstead being riven boards 
set up on wooden legs, and upon it there was first 
placed a straw tick, and then a feather tick. The 
table was constructed in a similar manner, only 
made higher. The family had brought with them 
two chairs, which were given to the father and 
mother, while the boys bad to make stools to sit 
upon. The groceries and provisions had to be 
traii-ported fifty miles from Terre Haute, and as 
may be supposed, at times the family were placed 
upon short rations in this line, although wild game 
being plenty, they never lacked for meats, and inn 
few years there was a surplus of cattle and 
swine. 

After the cabin was built, the Bandy family bad 
to carry water :'>()() yards until a well was dug. 



2-48 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



The father and sons made a contract to get out 
10,000 black walnut vails at 25 cents per 100, and 
in the meantime carried on as rapidly as possible 
the cultivation of the new farm. William, our 
subject, assisted in breakingthe first timber land in 
this region, and harvested some of the finest coin 
ever raised. There was, however, no market for it. 
and he was obliged to feed it to his hogs, and sell 
the perk for from $1 to $1.50 per 100. A day's 
work was equal to ten or twelve pounds of salt 
pork, or eight bushels of corn, or from thirty- 
seven and a half to fifty cents in cash, and the 
latter price could only be commanded by extra 
good men. 

In this way were passed the first few years of 
the life of our subject in this county. He attended 
the first school taught in his township, and re- 
mained a member of the parental household until 
1831. About that time he engaged with the State 
Militia in the Black Hawk War, under Capt. J. 
Palmer and Col. I. R. Moore. They went first to 
Joliet and built a fort. Two or three of their 
comrades were killed by the Indians. Thence the}' 
proceeded to Ottawa, and subsequently our subject 
joined the United States Mounted Rangers, which 
comprised six companies. At Rock Island manj r were 
stricken down with cholera. After operating around 
Galena and Prairie-du-Chien, they finally returned 
and wintered southeast of Danville until January, 
when they were ordered to the other side of the 
Illinois River, but there being no need of their 
services in that region, they came back to the old 
camp, and remained until the 1st of May. They re- 
mained ready for duty and reconnoitering in dif- 
ferent sections until the fall of that year, when 
they were discharged. 

Mr. Bandy now, in company with Mr. Howell, 
commenced operating as a carpenter, and put up a 
house on what was called Sulphur Spring Place, 
about one mile southeast of the present court- 
house. In the spring of 1831 they built a flat boat, 
75x16 feet in dimensions, and upon this loaded 
great quantities of pork, which Mr. Bandy had 
purchased for the purpose of transporting to New 
Orleans. The craft was propelled by hand power, 
and when arriving at the Crescent City, the "trav- 
eling salesman" was confronted by a cholera epi- 



demic, and sold only enough to pay expenses, 
putting the balance of his property into the hands 
of commission men. lie then returned home and 
awaited results. One morning, two years later, 
going to the post-office soon after the blowing of 
the horn by the carrier on horseback, he received a 
letter, stating that all his pork had been sold, but 
at very little profit, and the proceeds were sent him 
in a draft on a bank in Louisville, Ky. 

Mr. Bandy finally succeeded in getting his 
money, and after building another boat, proceeded 
as before, and carried on this business for several 
years, conveying wheat and pork to New Orleans, 
and building a new boat each year. He was the 
first man to run a boat down the Mississippi River, 
and about 1839 or 1840 abandoned the river until 
after the close of the Mexican War. He then se- 
cured a sub-contract to deliver horses in New Or- 
leans, and by this time could transport by steam- 
boat. The business proved quite profitable until 
the last trip, when he got as far as St. Louis, and 
found that the war was ended, and he was left with 
fifty horses on his hands. He finally traded them 
for a lot of worn-out Santa Fe horses, getting $17 
a piece for his own to boot, and reserving two of 
his best animals. He returned home with the poor 
horses, fed them up, and sold them to the Illinois 
Canal Company, receiving therefor good prices. 
Later Mr. Bandy furnished a large proportion of 
the packet horses of this company, and in the 
meantime had carried on general merchandising in 
company with his father-in-law, William Murphy, 
thev operating together five or six years. Later 
he engaged in the hardware trade and conducted 
the largest business of this kind in the county for 
a number of years. Finally selling out for a large 
lot of Wisconsin lands, he began dealing in real 
estate, and was at one time the owner of 1,500 
acres. Mr. Bandy sold considerable of this land 
afterwards, but he and his wife own together 
1,600 acres at the present time. 

In addition to his other enterprises, Mr. Bandy 
put up a large number of business houses and resi- 
dences, and during the last years of his active life 
confined himself largely to the business of real 
estate dealer and capitalist. About 1882 he re- 
tired, and for the last eight years has made bis 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



249 



home in Danville. His first residence was on North 
street, where he had a half acre of ground, and ef- 
fected some fine improvements. In 183G he was 
appointed by the Legislature as one of the com- 
missioners to make the slack water of the Vermilion 
River, but did not see it practical. Later lie was 
appointed Marshal of the Eastern District of Illi- 
nois, with a bond of 140,000, but there being 
nothing particularly desirable in the office, lie with- 
drew. 

Mr. Bandy has represented his township in the 
C'ountv Board of Supervisors two terms; he has 
served as President of the City Council, and also 
as Alderman. He voted with the Republican party 
until the administration of President Lincoln, and 
has since been a Democrat. His whole career has been 
signalized by liberality and public-spiritedness, he 
having probably contributed as much as any other 
man in furthering the interests of Danville and 
vicinity,, A goodly portion of his capital is now 
invested in the live-stock business, which yields 
him handsome returns. 

The marriage of William Bandy and Miss Har- 
riet .1. Murphy occurred at the home of the bride 
in Edgar County, III.. Oct. 1(J, 1833. Of this 
union there were born five sons and two daughters, 
and six of the children are living. Samuel J., the 
eldest, is a resident of Danville; John W. is the 
owner of the Bandy block, and is in the drug busi- 
ness; Bennett E. is the School Commissioner of the 
township, and interested in the Building Associa- 
tion; Emma, the youngest born, remains at home 
with her parents, and there is also in the household 
circle a foster child named Bella E. Bandy. Mrs. 
Harriet Bandy departed this life March, 1S72. She 
was born in Bedford County, Va., and came with 
her parents to this county in 1818, about the time 
that Illinois was transformed from a Territory into 
a State. 

Mr. Bands, in 1881. contracted a second mar- 
riage witli Mrs. Deborah (King) Johnson. This 
lady was bom in Kentucky, Oct. 13, 1815, and 
when quite young was taken by her parents to 
Indiana, they settling on the western line of the 
State, just across from Danville. She spent the 
greater part of her early life in Warren County, 
1 in 1. where she was married to Mr. Johnson, who 



died near West Lebanon. Ind., in 1853. Joseph 
King, the father of Mrs. Bandy, was a native 
of Virginia, and a fanner by occupation. He spent 
his last years in Missouri. 

The father of our subject was James Bandy, who 
was born in Virginia about 1790, and upon reach- 
ing man's estate was married to Miss Nancy Brown, 
also of the Old Dominion. Only two of their chil- 
dren lived, and the mother died, when William, our 
subject, was an infant of three years. A few years 
later he was taken into the home of the Ilowells. 
James Bandy finally removed to Tennessee to take 
care of his father. He was married a second time, 
and came to the southern part of Illinois, where he 
died in 1883, at the advanced age of ninety-three 
years. He came to Virginia after his children, both 
of whom were with the Ilowells, but the latter 
were unwilling to give them up. He became the 
owner of lauds and slaves, which he gave to his 
children. 

- <x~o - 



JpILLIAM O. CUNNINGHAM, an exten- 
sive stock shipper of Newell Township was 



W 



WW horn on the 15th day of December, 1838, 
in this township, and is the son of James and Mary 
(Andrews) Cunningham, the father a native of 
Kentucky. The mother of the subject of this 
sketch was born in New York, and is deceased. 
The father is now retired and living at State 
Line. Ind. 

William O., of whom we write, is the third child 
of a family of four children. He spent his box- 
hood days at home on the farm until he was about 
eighteen years of age when the restless spirit of 
the typical American youth seized him and he con- 
cluded to see more of the world ; accordingly he 
went to Nebraska where he worked for a time 
breaking prairie sod, but this being too slow work 
for him he made up his mind thai he would go to 
California, which he did. He started from Nebras- 
ka City for Bike's Beak in 1859, and from there 
went overland to California. Here he was engaged 
in mining and farming alternately, and worked 
with some degree of success in this manner for 
about four years, when he returned to Nebraska 
where he worked for a short time and then came 



250 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



back to Illinois with il.200 in his pocket, every 
cent of whicli was gained by reason of his indus- 
trious and prudent habits. He invested his money 
in land, buying his father's farm of 200 acres 
whicli was really the nucleus of his present fortune. 
He then married Feb. 22, 1865, Martha J. Chand- 
ler; she is the daughter of James and Elizabeth 
(Frazier) Chandler, who both died in one week 
from milk sickness, also two children; at that time 
Mrs. Cunningham was only Ave years old. Mr. 
and Mrs. Cunningham became the parents of nine 
children, of whom seven are living, viz; Irwin, 
Alice. James, Porter, Sophia, Minnie and Roy. 
Stella, the oldest child, died in infancy, and a baby 
boy died unnamed, and the balance are at home. 
Mr. Cunningham is giving his children the benefit 
of a good education. 

Mr. Cunningham is the owner of a large farm of 
55G acres of as good land as there is in Illinois, es- 
timated to be worth at least $70 per acre. His 
residence and buildings are models of convenience 
and of these he ought to feel proud. He has dis- 
played a great deal of common sense in all of the 
inprovements he has made and in none more than 
in the erection of his buildings. Mr. Cunning- 
ham makes a specialty of Cotswold and Shropshire- 
down sheep, of whicli he always keeps a large 
flock. He is also engaged in buying and shipping 
live stock to Chicago, a business which he has pros- 
ecuted witli success, all due to his shrewd judg- 
ment as a buyer. He supplements his other bus- 
iness by dealings in superior grades of fine horses, 
and it is said that he is a most excellent judge of 
this noble animal. 

Politically, Mr. Cunningham believes that the 
party that, obliterated slavery from the American 
continent is right, and he therefore votes and works 
for the Republican party and never omits an op- 
portunity to forward its success. He has never 
been an active aspirant for political honors, but by 
reason of his superior judgment has held the of- 
fice of Assessor of this township. While he was liv- 
ing in California he made an endeavor to enlist 
during the War of the Rebellion, his motives be- 
ing based wholly upon the love he bore his coun- 
try. But being disabled lie was refused admission 
to the ranks of the Union army, though be was al- 



ways in hearty and active sympathy with the ob- 
jects for which it fought. Mr. and Mrs. Cunning- 
ham are active members of the Christian Church 
and are always alive to any move that will uplift 
humanity and make life happier. 



I. RA FAUROT. This venerable gentleman was 
long intimately connected with the agricult- 
ural interests of Vermilion County, and is still 
the possessor of one of its many valuable farms, 
finely located in the midst of a rich farming re- 
gion on section 34, Pilot Township. When he pur- 
chased this farm it was wild, uncultivated land 
with no buildings on it. and but one dwelling house 
in sight, the country roundabout still being not far 
removed from its primitive condition and sparsely 
settled. It is a fact of which he may well be proud 
that our subject has witnessed the greater part of 
its development, and has aided its growth as only 
a skillful, practical farmer can do. He is now liv- 
ing here in retirement in his comfortable home, 
having accumulated a competency sufficient to 
guard his old age against want in any form. 

The ancestors of our subject were natives of 
sunny France as is betokened by his name, and 
from them he inherited those genial and pleasing 
traits of character that have gained him a warm 
place in the hearts of those about him, and also the 
thrifty and industrious habits that have led him to 
prosperity. His parents, Joseph and Sarah (Sears) 
Faurot, were of French ancestry, but were natives 
of this country. They at one time made their home 
in Ontario Count}', N. Y., whence they came 
to Illinois, and located in Champaign County, 
Ohio. They afterward turned their steps, and go- 
ing to Steuben County, hid., made their home 
there till death claimed them, the father dying in 
1836, and the mother in 1839. They were the pa- 
rents of five children, of whom two are living: 
Jane is the widow of David Porter, of Kentucky, 
and she is now living in Missouri with her three 
children; Benjamin, deceased, married Louisa 
Avey, of New York, and they bad two children, 
Elmira and Harriet; Alva, deceased, was a farmer; 
he married Louisa Farmer, of Ohio, and they had 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



251 



three children — William II., Alva and Farmer; 
Henry, deceased, married Maria Wolf, of Ohio, and 
she is now living in Missouri with her four chil- 
dren — Sylvester, Theodore, Melvin and Mary. 

Our subject was born in Ontario County, N. Y., 
April 23, 1819. and lie accompanied his parents to 
( hampaign County. Ohio, when he was young. At 
the age of fifteen a hardy, self-reliant youth, manly 
beyond his years, he left the shelter of the parental 
roof to go forth into the world to fight life's bat- 
tles on Ins own account, and for some years was 
engaged in working by the month. After mar- 
riage he commenced to rent land, but always with 
the end in view of owning land himself as soon as 
his means would allow. By frugality and hard la- 
bor, at the expiration of three years, he had money 
enough to buy sixty acres of timbered land, and he 
lived on it the next nine years, busily engaged in 
its clearance and improvement. In 1850 he sold 
it, and going to Marion County, in this State, he 
resided there the ensuing four years. Returning 
to this county he invested some of his money in 
200 acres of wild land, from which he has devel- 
oped his present fine farm, on which he has erected 
suitable, well-appointed buildings, and has every 
convenience for carrying on agriculture to the best 
advantage. 

To the wife who has shared his fortunes and been 
an important factor in bringing about his pros- 
perity, Mr. Faurot was united in marriage July 2, 
1840. Her maiden name was Elvira Fowler, and 
she is a daughter of Willey and Cynthia ( Perkins) 
Fowler, natives respectively of London, England, 
and Germany. The}' came to this country and 
spent their last days here. The following is the 
record of the five children born to our subject and 
his wife: Hannah was born June 30, 1841 ; Cyn- 
thia. Feb. 19,1843; Sarah. Feb. 15. 1846; Victo- 
ria, Aug. 21, 1849, died Oct. 10, 1851; Willie. 
born Sept. II. 1852; Joseph,Jan. is. 1858. Hannah 
married John Davidson, of Ohio, now living in this 
county, and they have five children — Arabella, Ira, 
Zeruah and two dead ; Cynthia married Hugh V. 
Davidson, of Marion County, Ohio, now living in 
this county, and they have four children — Ella, 
Josephine, James and Estella; Sarah has been 
twice married. Her first husband was Aaron Davis, 



of Shelby County. 111., and they had four children 
— Olive, Seigel, Effie and Leona. Her present hus- 
band is Alexander Steward, of Champaign County, 
HI., and they have four children — Lizzie, Alvina, 
Jessie and James ().; Willie married Annie Ay, of 
Douglas County, 111., and they are living in this 
county; they have three children — Ira. Elsie and 
Florence; Joseph, a retired farmer living in Arm- 
strong, married Flora Thompson, and they have 
one child. Amy. 

Mr. Faurot is a thoroughly good and upright 
man, who is well thought of by the entire commu- 
nity. His life-record shows that he is a man of 
good capacity and sound discretion, always cordial 
and kindly in his relations with others and fair 
in his dealings with them. As consistent members 
of the Christian Church, he and his wife and chil- 
dren exert a good influence in the township, or 
wherever they may be. Politically, Mr. Faurot is 
a decided Republican, and gives his party the ben- 
efit of his hearty support. 



^JOSEPH J. SIDELL. The son of the 
| founder of the village of Sidell, naturally 
| occupies no secondary position among the 
I people, not only of the village but the town- 
ship at large. The late Hon. John Sidell, after 
whom the township was named, was long recog- 
nized as one of the leading men of Vermilion 
County, and possessed those taleuts, both natural 
and required, which distinguished him as a charac- 
ter more than ordinarily forcible and efficient, and 
one who had a sensible and permanent influence 
on the community where he was so favorably 
known for so many years. 

The father of our subject was born at I lagers- 
town, Washington Co., Ml.. June 27. 1816, and 
his early life was spent in Maryland and Ohio. 
His father having died when he was a lad of eight 
years the boy was thrown largely upon his own re- 
sources, but he seemed to have within him the ele- 
ments of success, and those years which were 
fraught with perhaps hardship and privation suf- 
ficed to develop a character of more than ordinary 
excellence. At the age of nineteen years, being 



252 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



dissatisfied witli his condition and bis prospects in 
his native state, he emigrated to Ohio and engaged 
to work out by the month in Greene County on a 
farm at $12.50 per month. 

Saving what he could of his earnings young 
Sidell in due time purchased a horse and mounting 
it started for the farther West. He crossed Illinois 
and visited Iowa, but finding nothing particularly 
desirable returned to Ohio and took a contract to 
cut cordwood at thirty-three and one-third cents 
per cord. This was extremely hard work for such 
small pa}% but lie persevered at it until he was able 
to do something better. While a resident of Ohio 
he was married Jan. 20, 1846, to Miss Elizabeth 
Cline, who became the mother of two children and 
died in 1854. He was then married to Miss Ada 
B. Ransom, who also died after a comparatively 
short period of married life. 

Mr. Sidell came to the county in 1860, and for 
the first few years occupied himself in agricultural 
pursuits. Later lie drifted into stock-raising and 
became one of the leading men in this industry in 
Vermilion County. His eldest son, George A., 
started West at the age of nineteen years and pros- 
pected for gold in and around Fair Play, South 
Park, Col. He was one of the first men to discover 
silver at Leadville. and was founder of the town. 
He became owner of the celebrated Beaver Creek 
Silver Mine, eight or ten miles southwest, and con- 
tinues his residence there. Allie E., the daughter 
of his first wife, married Mr. C. C. Tincher, who 
is well known in the financial circles of Danville. 

Mrs. Ada B. (Ransom) Sidell, mother of the 
subject of this sketch, was born in the city of 
Toronto, Canada, and being left an orphan 
when quite young, was reared to womanhood by 
an excellent family who gave her a good educa- 
tion. She left the Dominion when a young lady, 
and going to Greene County, Ohio, engaged in 
teaching, and formed the acquaintance of her fut- 
ure husband. There were born to them two chil- 
dren. Mr. Sidell in coming to Illinois settled near 
Paris in Edgar County, and having some means 
engaged at once extensively in the cattle trade, 
lie had learned carpentering early in life. Before 
locating, however, he traveled extensively on 
horseback in the West, crossing Illinois nine times 



and through portions of Texas and Iowa. Ho was 
in the Lone Star State before its admission into 
the Union. It will be remembered that Samuel 
Houston was chief sovereign of that country at 
that time, and John Sidell erected a residence for 
him at Houston. 

The live stock enterprise of Mr. Sidell prospered 
verv well, and not finding a sufficient area of land 
to suit his purpose in Edgar County he came to 
this county where in due time he became the owner 
of 7,000 acres. Upon becoming a voter he had 
identified himself with the Old Whig party, but 
upon its abandonment allied himself with the Re- 
publicans. He interested himseif greatly in politi- 
cal affairs, and was elected a representative to the 
Lower House of the Legislature, in which position 
he acquitted himself in a manner reflecting great 
credit upon his good judgment and honesty. He 
was instrumental in defining and improving the 
road laws of Illinois, and was an influential member 
of the General Assembly, participating in most of 
its important deliberations. In later years he 
gradually retired from public life. 

At the suggestion of Mr. John C. Short, one of 
the earliest settlers of Sidell Township, it was 
given its present name. Mr. Sidell was verj^ lib- 
eral and public spirited and cheerfully gave of his 
time and means to encourage the enterprises calcu- 
lated for the general good. Several years ago he 
decided to open a portion of his lands to settlers 
who would locate and make homes for themselves, 
and thus disposed of a large tract at a very reason- 
able price, realizing from the sales the sum of 
$115,000. At the same time he retained a large 
portion of land himself and was instrumental in 
bringing the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroad to 
this section, freely donating the right of way. The 
town of Archie had been laid out and was boom- 
ing before Sidell had an existence, but finally was 
practically absorbed by the superior advantages 
offered by the founder of Sidell as a business point, 
and consequently enterprising men invested their 
capital here. 

Mr. Sidell at one time chartered a train and ran 
it free from Columbus, Ohio, for the benefit of 
those desiring to make a borne in the West. Sidell 
was laid out in 1884, and its illustrious founder 




.yV^yftrffS 1 



Hazel Farm'-'Residence of A.G.Olmsted , Sec. 22.(T.i9.-R.i2.) Catlin Township, 



-.■■■ - ■■ y. - '' •_■■ ■-,■">■.>• -.... s. t 



i-'Wt- ^r 




Residence or Alvin Stearns, , Sec.1. (T.18.-R.14.) VanceTownship. 




■ 



- : , i. ; _ ■•*;,' S Su 



_«. ■ -■■■•-■ ■ ; 1- ;■„ 



i:>>.:i.a, l .J ; SK,»S-»;. 



Residence of John R. Kinsey, Sec.23.(T.I9- R.13) Oakwojod Township. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



255 



lived to note its phenomenal growth and prosper- 
ity. He departed this life Jan. 29, 1889, after a 
severe illness of eleven weeks. Although not a 
member of any church he donated generously to- 
ward the erection of the various church edifices in 
this region, giving to the Kimber Methodist Epis- 
copal Church alone $500, this structure being lo- 
cated in Danville. He had identified himself with 
the Masons some years before his decease and was 
buried with the honors of the fraternity. 

To Mr. Sidell and his second wife there were 
born three children, Jennie II., Joseph John and 
Luella Blanche. The eldest daughter is now the 
wife of William Southwiek, a clothier of Streeter, 
111.; Luella married Frank Hastings, an extensive 
cattle breeder, and they live in Essex, Page Co., 
Iowa; Mr. Hastings makes a specialty of three dif- 
ferent breeds of cattle, the West Highland Scotch 
— the first ever bred in America — the Hereford 
and the Short-horn. 

The subject of this sketch was born March 14. 
18G2, at Dudley. Edgar Co., 111., and the scenes of 
his first recollections were in connection with the 
first cattle ranch of his father near that place. He 
began at an early age to assist his father in looking 
after the cattle, and mounted on his broncho 
scoured the country for many a mile in the fall 
enjoj'ment of boyish youth and strength. He at- 
tended the schools of his home district. While a 
boy of seven he went in charge of a train load of 
cattle from Farimount, 111., to Buffalo, N.Y. In 
case one of the bovines sought repose by lying 
down at the risk of being trampled to death, lie 
exerted himself to keep it in a standing position, 
ami if not able to do this alone would solicit the 
assistance of a brakeman. 

When a youth of seventeen our subject entered 
the Russell Preparatory School for Yale College, 
but he was Western in his mode of thinking and 
in his habits and manners, and an utter stranger to 
the mode of living of the light-headed Eastern 
students, so he abandoned his first intention of en- 
tering Yale, and returning home continued with 
his father in the cattle business. He is now re- 
volving in his mind the plan of embarking exten- 
sively in this in the near future farther west, prob- 
ably in Nebraska, but will make his home at the 



old place, which is beautifully situated 210 rods 
northwest of Sidell. 

The marriage of our subject with Miss Maude 
O, daughter of Michael Fisher, of Indianola, took 
place at the bride's home in 1884. Mr. Fisher is a 
hardware merchant and one of the leading men of 
his town. A sketch of him will be found elsewhere 
in this Album. Mrs. Sidell was born at Indianola, 
where she completed her studies, being graduated 
from the High School. ( )f her union with our sub- 
ject there are two children: Rozalia and Zelda 
Luella. Mrs. Sidell belongs to the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. Our subject, like his father be- 
fore him, is Republican in politics and belongs to the 
Masonic fraternity, being a member of Vermilion 
Lodge, No. 265, of Indianola. He is endeavoring 
to comply with his father's wish of having a Ma- 
sonic lodge established in Sidell. and is a charter 
member of the M. W. C. at this place. He is a 
young man of sterling worth and very popular 
both in business and social circles. 



ELDER GEORGE W. D 
nent and influential citi2 
I ship, is the owner of a ff 



LDER GEORGE W. DODSON, a promi- 
zen of Blount Town- 
farm on section 16, 
which in regard to cultivation and neat, well-ap- 
pointed buildings is indeed one of the best in this 
part of Vermilion County. The Elder is one of the 
leading members of the Regular Baptist Church, 
and for a number of years has preached almost 
constantly in this and Champaign County, and as a 
man of true piety is an acknowledged power lor 
good wherever he may be. He is also closely con- 
nected with the management of local public affai rs, 
and has been an incumbent of some of the most re- 
sponsible civic offices. He has held the position of 
Supervisor of Blount Township three terms, has 
served as Road Commissioner the same length of 
time v and has been School Director many years. He 
has not taken an active part in political affairs, but 
is a decided Democrat in his views. 

The subject of this biographical review was born 
in the vicinity of Hendricks, in Boone County, 
hid., Aug. 1, 1839, being the eldest son and fifth 
child of Ihe six children, four daughters and two 



256 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



sons, born to Rue] and Mary (Dickerson) Dodson, 

natives, respectively, of Kentucky and Virginia. 
His parents married and settled in Boone County 
and lived there till February, 1848, when they 
came to Vermilion County and cast in their lot 
with the pioneers of Blount Township, settling 
about a mile northeast of Higginsville. They lived 
there only three or four years, however, when the 
father sold that farm and bought another that he 
considered more desirable, pleasantly located in the 
Fairchild settlement in Blount Township. There 
the mother died Aug. 8, I860, and the father took 
for bis second wife Lucinda Walls, who survives 
him. He died at Rickart's Corner in Blount Town- 
ship. Feb. 28, 1871, thus rounding out a life that 
was a credit to himself, his friends and his com- 
munity. 

His son George, of whom we write, was between 
eight and nine years old when his parents brought 
him to their new home in Vermilion County, and 
he grew to man's estate in Blount Township, his 
parents training him in all useful labors and care- 
fully instilling into his mind those high and holy 
principles that have been his guides in all his after 
life. He attended the common schools, and being 
an apt pupil gained a good practical education. He 
has always paid attention to the calling to which 
he was bred, and there is no more skillful or shrewd 
farmer in the neighborhood than he, as is shown by 
the appearance of his farm of 350 acres of well 
tilled land, with its comfortable dwelling, line con- 
veniently arranged bam and other substantial 
buildings, among the best in the township. 

Elder Dodson has been twice married. The first 
time in Blount Township, to Miss Sarah A. Walls, 
who was born in Hendricks County. End., .Inly 29, 
L842. She was a member of the Regular Baptist 
Church and a truly good and virtuous woman, 
whose death Aug. 8, 1867, was deplored far beyond 
the home circle. She bore her husband three chil- 
dren: Annie M.. the wife of William O'Toole; 
John W.. who married Fva K. Fairchild; George 
W., who married Lillie Parks. 

Our subject was married to his present wife March 
12, 18C8, and in her he has found a cheerful and 
ready helper, and an able manager in her depart- 
ment, she making their home cosy and comfortable 



for the family and attractive to others, who often 
share its generous hospitalities. Mrs. Dodson's 
maiden name was Dorcas T. Pilkington. and she was 
born in Hamilton County, Ind., Dec. 10, 1846. 
Her marriage with our subject has been blessed by 
the birth of eleven children, as follows : Sarah L., 
who died when about two years old; Carrie E.; 
Ruel F., who died when six months old; Ira W. W.. 
Dora K., who died at the age of nine months; .lames 
F.. Jesse R., Eflie L., Bertha W., who died when 
one year old; Lillie M. and Bessie Orella. 

In all his useful and honorable career the Elder 
has been guided by the highest moral sentiments, 
and has ever shown himself to be a just, kind- 
hearted, pure-souled man, one in whom his fellow- 
men can safely place their trust, and whose sagacity 
and wisdom eminently lit him for the part of coun- 
sellor. He has been identified with the Regular 
Baptist Church for many years, has filled the oflice 
of Deacon, and was ordained Elder in the church 
Nov. 28, 1874, since which time he has preached 
regularly in this and Champaign County, as before 
mentioned, with great acceptance to his hearers. 
His ministry has been very successful and much 
good has resulted from it. He has brought joy to 
many hearts, has soothed and comforted many in 
grief, and many have turned from the error of their 
ways, persuaded to do thus by his simple, earnest 
words of warning, and by the example of a godly, 
upright life. 

\f SAAC CURRENT comes of sterling pioneer 
| stock, his immediate ancestry on both sides of 
/i| the house having been early settlers of Ver- 
milion County, who figured honorably in the his- 
tory of its settlement. He is a fine representative 
of the native born citizens who are sustaining and 
extending the large agricultural interests of this 
fair land of their birth, and the farm that he owns 
ami is successfully managing in Danville Town- 
ship compares very favorably with the best in this 
vicinity in point of cultivation, neat and substan- 
tial buildings and well ordered appearance, and its 
fertile acres yield him an ample income. 

Mr. Current was born in Newell Township, Yer- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGH APAICA I. ALBUM. 



257 



mil ion County, Nov. 17. 1845. lie is a descend- 
ant of Virginia families, both his parents and their 
parents having been born in the Old Dominion, 
Ins father, William Current, April 20, 1803, and 
his mother, Mary Baston, Oct. 19, 1807. The pater- 
nal grandfather of subject was a farmer in Harri- 
son County, Va., but he finally disposed of his 
property in that State, and coming to Vermilion 
County in 1827, with his family, was one of the ear- 
liest settlers in what is now known as Newell Town- 
ship. He entered a tract of Government land 
and was a resident in that township till death called 
him hence, though he did not die on that farm, 
but on the old homestead of his father, which he 
had entered; after the death of his father he buying 
that farm of the other heirs. The father of our 
subject was reared in his native State, and there 
married Miss Mary, daughter of Henry Baston. 
Her father was a resident of Harrison County in 
his native Virginia till 1827, when he came with 
others to Vermilion County, and entered a tract of 
land and improved a farm in what is now Danville 
Township, and lived here many years. He had 
learned the trade of a hatter in his youth ; and after 
he came here found it very profitable to work at it 
a part of the time, his hats finding a ready sale. 
From this place Mr. Baston moved to Iowa in 
1848 and became a pioneer of Marion County. A 
few years later he came back to Illinois and made 
his home with his children for a time, and then re- 
turned to the Hawk Eye State and resided there till 
his demise at the advanced age of ninety-eight 
years. His wife lived to be about the same age. 
They were the parents of fourteen children, ten of 
whom grew to maturity and married. 

The father of our subject continued to live in 
Harrison County till 1827, but early that year he 
left the State of his nativity accompanied by his wife, 
his parents and her parents, bound for the then far 
West, and made the entire journey with ox teams. 
He settled in Newell Township and entered the 
tract of Government land that is now owned and 
occupied by his eldest son. It was wild prairie at 
the time, with no improvements whatever, and he 
had to erect a rude pole house for temporary shel- 
ter, and in that the family resided a year. It was 
then burned with all its contents, and a more sub- 



stantial log house was put up in its place, and in 
that humble abode the most of his children were 
born. When he first went onto this land he did 
not have money enough to pay for it and held it 
as a claim till he could earn money enough break- 
ing prairie for others, to buy it. He had learned 
the trade of wagon-maker before coming here, and 
he built a shop on his place and devoted part of 
his time to making wagons. When he had three 
or four wagons made he would yoke his oxen and 
start for Chicago to sell them, and at the same time 
his wife, who was a thrifty, economical housekeep- 
er, would send the eggs and butter that she had 
saved, to market, There were no railways for 
years after he settled here, and deer and other 
kinds of wild game were plentiful and often troub- 
lesome in the wheat fields of the pioneers, and 
where the flourishing city of Danville stands there 
was then no village. Mr. Current closed a life 
that had been a useful one and an honor to his com- 
munity, on his old homestead Any. t\. 1851, dying 
while yet in his prime. His wife died in October, 
1885. 

Isaac Current of this sketch was reared and educa- 
ted in this, his native county. He was but six 
years old when his father died, and he continued 
with his mother till his marriage. He then estab- 
lished himself on a part of the homestead, and two 
years later bought his present farm, where he has 
built \ip one of the most attractive homes in the 
township. 

Mr. Current has been three times married. Clar- 
issa E. Lynch, to whom he was wedded Dec. 1 1. 
18fi2,was his first wife. She was born in Danville 
Township in 1843, and died here June 14, 1809, 
leaving one child, Rachel II. She is now the wife 
of Isaac Bowman of Vance Township, and they have 
one child named William Isaac. Mr. Current's 
second marriage was to Mary (Campbell) Wyatt, 
their union taking place Oct. 28, 1869. She was 
born in Newell Township Aug. 1, 1845, and died 
dune 21. 1872. 

Mr. Current's marriage with his present wife, 
Mrs. Derotha (Jones) Noel, took place .Ian. 
26, 1883. Her first husband was Arthur Noel by 
whom she had one son. Shelby P. Noel — he married 
Hannah Lappin,they have three children, viz.- Percy 



258 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Leo, Lorla Belle, and Arthur Raymond. She was 
born in Rock ville, Park Co.. Ind.,Jan. 13, 1845. Her 
father, Cornelius Jones was born in Virginia, and 
when a young man went to Park County, Ind., and 
there married Nancy Hull, a native of Ohio, He 
lived in Park County till 1881, and then came to 
Illinois and made his home with a son in Douglas 
County till his decease in March, 1885. His wife 
died May 10,1860. Mr. and Mrs. Current have 
one son, Charles R. 

It may well be the pride of our subject that it 
has been his privilege not only to witness the won- 
derful progress of his native count}' since his birth, 
but that he has had a share in advancing its mate- 
rial prosperity and making it a great agricultural 
centre, lie has accumulated a valuable property 
I iv the exercise of those faculties that mark him as 
a man of more than usual sagacity, far reaching 
forethought, and practical tenacity of purpose. 
Underlying all these traits are those high princi- 
ples that have gained him the trust and respect of 
his fellow-citizens. Both he and his wife are act- 
tive members of the Asbury Methodist Episcopal 
Church, as is also their son. In politics, on Na- 
tional issues he sides with the Democrats, but in 
local affairs the best man for the office gets his 
vote without regard to his party affiliations. 



VljOHN J. SOUTHWORTH is one of the young 
leading and progressive business men of one 
| of the most promising villages in Vermilion 
/ Count}*, Allerton. The town lies on the line 
which divides Vermilion from Champaign County, 
anil was laid out in 1887. The depot was built the 
same fail and located on lands given to that pur- 
pose by Sam W. Allerton, of Chicago. 

Mr. South worth was the first business man who 
located at the town of Allerton. Before coming 
here he was engaged in the town of Archie in the, 
lumber business. In 1887 he took charge of Al- 
lerton's steam elevator, removing his lumber yard 
here at the same time, and on July 20, 1887, he 
bought the first load of grain purchased in Aller- 
ton, a load of corn, from Thomas L. Miller, of 
Champaign County. The price paid was forty cents 



a bushel. As soon as the railroad was completed 
to his town he added to his stock of lumber, salt, 
binding twine, sand and barbed wire. Mr. South- 
worth is a son of John R. and Anna ( Akers) South- 
worth, the nativity of the former being at Tliom- 
aston, Mass., while the latter was born in Harris- 
burg, Pa. 

John R. Soulhworth was reared as a mechanic, 
working in the woolen mills at Lowell, Mass.. but 
in 1851, thinking the broad prairies of the West 
were more conducive to happiness than the 
cramped shops of the East, he came to Champaign 
County, III., eventually. His first removal west 
was to Ohio, where he was married. As a farmer of 
Illinois he was fairly prosperous, and was promi- 
nently identified with the progress of his neighbor- 
hood. He died on his farm at the age of seventy- 
four years, while his vvife still lives there. The 
maternal grandparents of the subject of this sketch 
died while Mrs. Southworth was quite young. They 
were natives of England, as were also the paternal 
grandparents. The great-grandfather, Roy South- 
worth, served with distinguished honor through 
the entire period of the Revolutionary War, and 
his descendants are in possession of a cane, the head 
of which is composed of solid silver in the shape of 
a dog's head, and inscribed thereon are the words, 
"Southworth, 177C." The silver was taken from 
the hilt of a British sword, which he captured from 
the enemy. Our subject's parents had six children: 
Addie, Julia, Frank, Lehmond, John J. and Lillie. 

John Jay Southworth was born at Coldwater, 
Mich., in 1852, and when he was but three years 
old emigrated with his parents to Illinois, where he 
was reared upon a farm and received his primary 
education at the public schools. At the age of 
twenty he entered Oberlin College, where he con- 
tinued a student for some time, and afterward com- 
pleted his education at Champaign. In 1875 he was 
married to Miss Mary F. Irwin, who was born in 
Champaign County, 111., and who was graduated 
from the women's department of the Bloomington 
College. She was engaged as a teacher in her na- 
tive county, for sometime and was reckoned as one 
of the best teachers. Soon after their maritinge the 
young couple removed to Archie, where Mr. taiith- 
worth engaged in business, and from the start has 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



259 



V 



been successful. They have had four children: 
Grace, Walter. Ida and Anna .Mary; the latter died 
when she was twenty months old. 

Mr. Southworth owns a fine farm of eighty acres 
four miles north of Allerton. lie is also engaged 
in the hotel business, he and his wife being the pro- 
prietors of the Allerton House. He is a member of 
the Odd Fellows lodge, and votes the Republican 
ticket. The offices of School Director and Trustee 
have been filled by him with ability. In all his 
efforts of life in which he has succeeded he has 
been ably seconded by his intelligent and faithful 
wife, anil it is safe to predict that the}" will go on 
prospering. They are prominently identified with 
the prosperity of their town, and there are no 
better people in it. 



WILLIAM COPELAND is the son of Samuel. 
hose father was likewise named Samuel, 
a native of Ireland, having been born 
near Dublin. He, with his brother, Robert, came 
to the United States when youngmen and located 
at Philadelphia, Pa. From there the brother went 
to South Carolina, and has not since been heard 
from by our subject. The grandfather married 
near Philadelphia, and after a few years removed 
to Galia County, Ohio, the subject's father being 
then a little boy. The journey was made on pack 
horses. The father and older brothers, Isaac and 
Robert, were carried in a basket lashed to a horse. 
That journey was made about 1805, many years 
previous to the building of any railroads. Even 
road wagons were not in general use at that time. 
Sleds were used in all seasons of the year. The 
only wagons in use in those parts were such as were 
known as truck wagons, the wheels of which were 
made of a piece, perhaps six inches, sawed off the 
end of a round log and a hole bored in the center 
for the axle, which was also wood. The wheels 
were held on the axle b\ wooden linch-pins, in la t 
the entire wagon was made of wood. The grand- 
parents located among the hills and heavy timber 
and there made a farm on which they reared their 
family of eight children, of whom our subject's 
father was the third child and only survivor. The 



children were: Robert. Isaac, Samuel, James. Ham- 
ilton. Mary A. .lane, and Mahala. The grand- 
parents spent their last days on the Ohio farm. 
The parents of our subject were married in Galia 
County, Ohio, the mother being Elizabeth, daugh- 
ter of William Ham, of German ancestry and early 
settlers of Ohio. 

Like the grandparents, the parents of our subject 
reared a large family consisting of eleven children: 
William H., George W., Perry, Mary A., Nancy. 
Malinda. Andrew. Delila, Clarinda, Emily, and 
Elizabeth. The four elder were born in Ohio. 
In 1827, the parents of the subject of this sketch, 
with their family, removed to this county and 
made the journey on a keel-boat down the Ohio 
and up the Wabash to Perrysville, Ind. The father 
made the boat for the journey and brought the 
household goodsand alsosalt. Out of the profit on 
that load of salt he made a start in life. He sold 
it at Perrysville. where he hired a man with a team 
to haul his goods and family seven miles north- 
west of Danville, where he entered eighty acres, 
part timber and part prairie. His first house was 
made by laying a pole from one tree to another 
about ten feet apart on a fork in either tree, against 
which poles and rails were leaned on each side for a 
roof. In that tent they lived until they could 
build a log house, ami in this house the family was 
chiefly reared. After getting the eighty acres in 
a good state of cultivation he would buy more 
land as he could, until he had increased his farm to a 
considerable extent. On that farm the worthy 
mother spent her last days. The father makes his 
home with our subject during the winter and with 
his daughter. Elizabeth, now Mrs. Milton Lamb, 
of Danville, in the summer. The father of William 
II. is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church, 
in which faith his mother died. 

In the wilds of Illinois educational advantages 
were very limited, and the school which our sub- 
ject attended at twelve years of age was called a 
■•subscription school." Each family would board 
the teacher in proportion to the number of puplis. 
The school-house was built of round logs, punch- 
eon floor and slab doors. The window was made 
with greased paper pa-ted over the hole cut in a 
log. The seats were also made of puncheon. The 



260 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPAICAL ALBUM. 



school term only lasted about three months of the 
year, these being the winter months, when the 
work on the farm was retarded by cold weather. 

The next step of importance was the marriage of 
our subject to Miss Rachael Sterns. Her parents 
were Zara and Mary (Smalley) Stems. They too 
were pioneers in this county and came from near 
Clarkesville, Ohio, and were among the very earl- 
liest settlers. The} 7 died at an advanced age near 
William sport, Ind. By his first marriage there 
were ten children: Mary married James Wilson 
and died in 1860. Mr. Wilson enlisted in the war 
and was killed at the battle of Chickasaw. Their 
only surviving child, William II., was reared by 
our subject for whom he was named; Nancy, now 
Mrs. W. II. Duncan lives in this county; E. II.; 
Almeda is married to Frank Johns and died 
about 1875; Eli lives in Missouri; Andrew Z. ; an 
infant son; Elizabeth now Mrs. John B. Chambers; 
George; Harmon; and Charles, who died at the age 
of four years. Mrs. Copeland died Jan. 27, 1831, 
a worthy member of the Baptist Church in which 
faith she lived. Our subject was married a sec- 
ond time to Elizabeth Kirkhart, September, 1885. 
Her parents were also early settlers here and came 
from Whitsell County, Va., in which State they 
were born. Her mother, Ann ^Courtney) Kirk- 
hart, died when Mrs. Copeland was about eight 
years old. Her father, John died a few years 
later, thus leaving her an orphan in early life. 
Previous to her marriage with the subject of this 
sketch Mrs. Copeland had been married to Stephen 
Lamb, who died in 1882. 

William Copeland is a member of the Baptist 
Church, while his wife is a member of the United 
Brethern Church. He has held the offices in this 
county of Supervisor, twelve years; School Direc- 
tor, twenty years; Road Commissioner, three years. 
His polities are strictly Republican. His indus- 
trious habits have been crowned by a splendid 
property in the village of Potomac, where he lives, 
lie owns a large, well furnished frame house and 
three lots, finely planted with shade and fruit trees. 
The house has all modern conveniences, and testi- 
fies to the neatness and taste of its owners. He 
also owns another residence and a large business 
house in the village. Beside these, a fine farm of 



440 acres in this county, where he lived for many 
years, and here his family was reared. He has 
given each of his children at their marriage $2,500, 
and still has a competency remaining to keep 
himself and wife as long as they live. His pres- 
ent prosperous condition speaks well for his good 
management and frugality, for when first married, 
in 1841, he was destitute of means. Mr. Copeland 
is one of those worthy pioneers, who is now living 
a life of peaceful retirement. 



eHARLES E. WHITTON has been a resident 
of Illinois nearly all his life, though he has 
lived in Vermilion County but a short time. 
He was born in Oneida Count}', N. Y., July 3, 
1847, and when a boy, came West with his parents, 
Robert and Mary (Ferguson) Whitton. They set- 
tled on a farm in Grundy County, 111., and the 
father and mother are now living at Hammond, 
Ind., near Chicago. The former is an Englishman 
by birth, and came to this country with an elder 
brother when quite young, while the latter is a 
native of Oneida County, N. V. 

Charles E. Whitton was brought upon the home 
farm in Grundy County, and when Fort Sumter 
was fired upon, ardently desired to enter the Union 
army, but was not accepted because of his youth. 
On Feb. 7, 1865, however, he stole a few months 
of the time necessary, and at the age of seventeen 
years and six months enlisted in Company C, 147th 
Illinois Infantry, and served for a year. On the 
declaration of peace, his company was assigned to 
Provost Marshal duty in Georgia, and w r as so en- 
gaged until Jan. 20, 1866, on which day they were 
mustered out. After his return, being still but a 
boy, although a veteran, Mr. Whitton went to 
school, and for two years studied with an especial 
view of preparing himself for the profession of 
school teaching. In this vocation he was subse- 
quently engaged for more than twelve years, mostly 
in Iroquois County, 111., and in Benton County, 
Ind. In the latter county he was also Superinten- 
dent of Schools for two years, discharging the res- 
ponsible duties of that position satisfactorily to 
the people, and with credit to himself. During all 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



261 



the years he was teaching he was also working at 
farming during the summer months. In the spring 
of 1884 he began work on a rented farm in Iro- 
quois County, but his first wife dying about that 
time, Mr. Whitton gave up this place, and after his 
second marriage lived for three years on a farm in 
Iroquois County, belonging to his present wife. 
This they sold in 1888, and then bought and re- 
moved to the fine farm of 200 acres, on section 21, 
in Grant Township, where they now make their 
home. 

As stated, Mr. Whitton has been twice married — 
first in 1877, to Miss Salinda Jones, who died in the 
spring of 1884, leaving two boys, Lewis and Law- 
rence. On Dec. 1G, 1884, Mr. Whitton was united 
in marriage with Mrs. Laura B. Dunham, widow of 
Quincy Dunham, of Logan Count}', 111. She is a 
daughter of David and Mary (Ilouser) Alsop, and 
was born in Spencer County, Ky., Aug. 26, 1849. 
Both the parents were also born in that county, 
where Mr. Alsop was a farmer. They emigrated 
to Logan County, 111., when Laura was but nine 
years old, and she has ever since been a resident of 
this State. Her mother died in 1875, and her 
father is still living in Logan County. He, too, 
although a southerner by birth, was a soldier of 
freedom, and served for three years in the Union 
army as a member of Company F, 106th Illinois 
Infantry. In fact, all of Mrs.Whitlon's connections 
showed themselves to be true patriots, her father. 
her father-in-law, her first and her second husband, 
all having served bravely in the Union ranks. Wil- 
liam Dunham, her first husband's father, was Chap- 
lain of the 106th Illinois Infantry, the same regi- 
ment in which her father was a soldier. He served 
through the war. but contracted a disease from 
which he never recovered, and which terminated 
his life in 1877. 

I. aura B. Alsop (now- Mrs. Whitton) was married 
to Quincy Dunham, Dec. 15, 1870. He, like Mr. 
Whitton, was a youthful soldier, having been horn 
Aug. 6, 1847, in Warren County, Ohio, and on 
Fell. 10, 1865, when seventeen years ami six months 
old, enlisted in Company M. 6th Illinois Cavalry, 
serving for nine months, and was discharged Nov. 
5,1865. After his return from the army, young 
Dunham was engaged in farming pursuits in Logan 



County until his death. He bought the farm in 
Iroquois County, on which Mr. and .Mrs. Whitton 
lived after their marriage, but never occupied it 
himself. Tin' circumstances attending his death, 
which occured Dec. 'J. 1 SS I . were very sad. A man 
whom he had hired to work on the farm was found 
to be suffering from smallpox, and Mr. Dunham 
contracted the disease, and died from it. His 
brother, Monroe Dunham, who was married to a 
sister of Mrs. Whitton, and a sister of Mrs. Lucy 
Zollars, with a child of Monroe's, named Maud, 
also fell victims to the same dread disease, as did 
five of their neighbors, making nine in all who died 
before the pest could be controlled. 

Mr. and Mrs. Quincy Dunham became the parents 
of six children, all of whom are now living with 
their mother, and are named Clarence K.. .Mary L., 
William D.. Arthur A., Pearl E. and (irace'L. .Mr. 
and Mrs. Whitton have one child, a bright little 
girl, named Kstella K. Though not long residents 
in Vermilion County, they have lived near its bor- 
ders, and are well known in this part of the county. 
Both are respected members of the Christian 
Church, and he is a member of Boswell Lodge, No. 
486, A. F. & A. M.,of Boswell. End. 

Mr. Whitton is known as an industrious, hard- 
working man. who attends closely to the duties of 
his farm, in which he is ably assisted by his ener- 
getic and capable wife. The farm they now own 
is a fine property, ami under their careful manage- 
ment is being rapidly improved, and when their 
plans are fully carried out, it will be one of the 
best properties of its size in this neighborhood. 



> ■fSg^- 



firOHN II. PARRISH has for twenty years 

or more been one of the leading men of 
Sidell Township. As a farmer he is skillful 
and successful, has a comfortable and beau- 
tiful home, and is genial and hospitable in his 
manner, gaining the good will of all with whom he 
comes in contact. lb- is considerable of a politi- 
cian, and in 1879 was elected Highway Commis- 
sioner for a term of three years. He was re-elected 
in l.s.s.",. and served another term. Prior to his 
assuming the duties of this office the Commis- 



•262 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



sioners had contracted for a large amount of road 
grading, and unwisely involved the township in 
debt to the amount of $4,000. By careful man- 
agement on the part of Mr. Parrish this sum has 
been greatly reduced, so that the township finances 
are placed upon a sound basis. 

Our subject was born May 7, 1839, in Coshocton 
County, Ohio. There his early life was spent, and 
as his brother had left the parental roof when 
about sixteen years old, John naturally assumed 
the principal charge of the homestead. To this he 
brought a bride in 1864, being married that year 
to Miss Elizabeth Donnelly. This lady was a na- 
tive of his own county — in fact they had grown up 
together from childhood. They resided in Ohio 
until after the birth of two children, coming to 
this county in 1868. In the meantime the brother, 
Joseph Parrish, had become owner of a large farm, 
a part of which our subject rented, and upon which 
he operated with success. He, however, with many 
others at the time suffered greatly from ague, a 
disease common among the early settlers, be- 
fore the land had been sufficiently cultivated to 
do away with miasma. 

The first purchase of our subject in this county 
was eighty acres, the nucleus of his present home- 
stead, and to which he added until he had 200 
acres. He put up a fine dwelling in 1888, and has 
brought his land to a good state of cultivation. To 
him and his estimable wife there were born nine 
interesting children, the eldest of whom, a daugh- 
ter, Giula, is the wife of Joseph Thompson, of 
Sidell Township; Melvin P. remains at the home- 
stead; Charles died when eighteen months old: 
Horace G, Allie, Grace, and Harley are at home. 
Belle died at the age of eighteen months, and Gro- 
ver C. died when an infant. Mr. Parrish votes 
with the Democracy, and is quite prominent in 
local politics, frequently serving as a delegate to 
the county conventions. He has also served on 
the Circuit, Petit, and Grand Juries, and has offi- 
ciated as School Director for a period of fifteen 
years. 

James and Lania (Hardman) Parrish, the parents 
of our subject, were natives respectively of Bel- 
mont and Coschocton counties, Ohio. The Par- 
rishes were originally from Pennsylvania, in which 



State the mother's family also flourished quite nu- 
merously at an early day. The parents were mar- 
ried in Kosciusko County, where the father success- 
fully pursued his trade of carpenter and joiner, and 
lived to be seventy-two years old. The mother 
died when our subject was a lad of seven, leaving 
besides himself, an older brother, Joseph, and a 
sister younger, Hannah, now Mrs. W. B. Shane, who 
lives in Smithfield, Ohio. 

\ 

^^UY C. HOWARD. Among the most promi- 
|[ ,=, nent merchants of Armstrong, Mr. G. C. 

Ill iTi 

x >^4) Howard takes the lead. He is noted for his 
success and excellent business qualifications. He 
was the son of Joseph, whose father, Nathan, was 
a native of Ohio, and who was of English descent. 
This gentleman came to Illinois among the pio- 
neers, and located three miles northeast of Dan- 
ville. His wife, Nancy, was of Irish ancestry. 
This worthy couple were blest with six children; 
Joseph, Clinton, Milton. Richard; Julia, who mar- 
ried C. Campbell, and died in this county; and one 
other, who died quite young. Our subject's father, 
who was born in Ohio, is the eldest of these chil- 
dren. Here he was united in wedlock with Miss 
Barbara Snyder, a daughter of Asa B. Snyder, who 
was also a pioneer. Of this marriage there was but 
one child, our subject. The father had been pre- 
viously married to a daughter of Ralph Martin, 
another pioneer of this county. It was here in 
Vermilion County that the father died in the year 
1850, eighteen months after the birth of their son. 
The mother lived and devoted all her attention to 
her child, whom she reared on the farm with great 
care and precision, and whom she has educated in 
the district schools. When he became of age he 
was married to Miss Emily, daughter of William 
H. Price. This happy event occurred in April, 
1878. He was profitably engaged in farming until 
1887, when he found employment as a clerk for a 
Mr. Tilton. in Potomac, for about eighteen months. 
From here he came to Armstrong, where he has a 
general store and where he enjoys great prosperity. 
His stock is valued from *3,000 to $5,000. His 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



265 



trade runs from $12,000 to $15,000 a year. He 
carries an unusually fine line of general merchan- 
dise. 

Mr. Howard is a Democrat, and a member of the 
A. F. & A. M. of Potomac, his wife being a mem- 
ber of the "Eastern Star" of that lodge. When 
our subject began business he had nothing to help 
him on but a determined character and a pair of 
willing hands. These, however, are effectual in- 
struments, and never fail to prove themselves true 
weapons in his battles with the ordinary obstacles 
of life. From what we have already seen of his 
energy, we cannot but predict for him a bright and 
prosperous future. 

tfOHN M. McCABE. This friend of the 
laboring man has made for himself an un- 
deniably fine record in connection with the 
important question which is to-day absorb- 
ing the minds of intelligent men everywhere. A 
man of more than ordinary talent and possessed of 
large information, he has not only studied this but 
many other questions of political economy, and his 
published opinions have had a marked effect upon 
the complexion of party politics in this part of the 
Stale. A man of broad and liberal ideas, and with 
the faculty of giving voice to his opinions in forci- 
ble language, he has for years been a power in the 
community, and has, it is evident, sought to exert 
his influence for good and good only. Mr. Mc- 
Cabe, while affiliating with the Union Labor party, 
is also a strong advocate of prohibition, and fa- 
vored a union of the two parties. 

We are constrained, before proceeding further, 
to glance at the home surroundings of Mr. McCabe, 
who has one of the most pleasant and inviting 
mansions in Fairmount and vicinity — a large, old- 
fashioned house, built in the early days, and situ- 
ated on the corner south of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. It stands on an eminence gently sloping 
to the south, while stretching east is a fine orchard 
containing large and spreading trees, a useful old- 
fashioned garden, and twenty aires of pasture, in 
the midst of which is a fish pond slocked with 
German carp. Recently the School Directors have 



purchased two acres of the twenty for the purpose 
of building a fine graded school building. The 
whole premises are both comfortable and elegant, 
and form one of the most attractive features in the 
landscape of this region. The tile works, of which 
Mr. McCabe is proprietor, and which lie at the 
north end of Main street, were erected in 1882, 
and have been prosecuted successfully since that 
time. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Dearborn 
County. Ind., Feb. 19, 1844. and is the fifth child 
in a family of nine, the offspring of Alex and 
Rhoda (Knapp) McCabe, who were natives respect- 
ively of Ohio and North Carolina. The father 
followed farming after his marriage, in Dearborn 
County, Ind., to which he had removed with his 
parents at an early day. Grandfather Knapp was a 
native of New York State. Alex McCabe, after 
his marriage, continued in Indiana until 1872, then 
removed with his family to Stanberry, Mo., where 
he and Ins excellent wife still live. Six sons and 
two daughters lived to become men and women. 

Mr. McCabe, our subject, attended school quite 
regularly until a youth of eighteen years, mostly 
in the winter season, and worked on the farm with 
bis father. In 1863, desirous of starting out in 
life for himself, he left home, arriving at Fair- 
mount with a capital of *2.37, and in debt $5 to 
his mother for money borrowed to help him get 
away. Arriving at Fairmount, he engaged i:i work 
for Mr. James M. Dougherty, about one mile north- 
east of town, and with whom he remained until the 
fall of that year. The winter following he taught 
school at Walnut Grove. The year following he 
attended school at Danville a short time, and sub- 
sequently resumed work on a farm. 

In the meantime our subject had his mind in- 
tent upon establishing a home of his own, and in 
the fall of 1864 was united in marriage with 
Miss Mary E., daughter of Mr. Samuel Dougherty. 
The maiden name of Mrs. McCabe's mother was 
.lane Dalby. and Miss Mary was the third child in 
a family of seven. The newly wedded pair set- 
tled on a rented farm, where tiny struggled along 
amid many difficulties and drawbacks. Mr. McCabe 
farming in summer and teaching school in winter 
until the spring of 1880. He then resolved to 



26G 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



change his occupation, and abandoning the farm, 
secured an interest in a flour mill at Fairmount. 
He withdrew from this eighteen months later, and 
turned his attention to the manufacture of tile. 
He put up an old-fashioned Indiana tile shed on a 
small scale, using one kiln. By the exercise of 
great industry and energy his business advanced 
slowly but surely, and in time he was obliged to 
enlarge his facilities. He now has one of the most 
extensive factories of the kind in his part of the 
State, and in addition to the first products, has 
added brickmaking and roofing-tile of a new de- 
sign known as "Donaldson's patent," which is by 
one-half the lightest roofing-tile ever manufac- 
tured in any country. 

Mr. McCabe has now the only manufactory, ex- 
cepting a Hour mill, in the town, and the people of 
this vicinity are justly proud of this enterprise, 
which gives employment to a number of men. and 
enters largely into the success and reputation of 
its industrial interests. At present (.June, 1889) 
the works demand the services of fifteen men, with 
a prospect in the near future of the number being 
doubled. The buildings and equipments are fully 
in keeping with the demands of the business, which 
is not only a credit to the town, but to its instigator 
and proprietor. 

In politics Mr. McCabe always has an opinion 
and is never afraid to express it. He was in for- 
mer years an ardent Republican, but of late has 
not been tied to any party. He was a delegate to 
the National Labor Conference at Cincinnati, Ohio, 
and was nominated for Representative in this dis- 
trict on the Union Labor ticket in 1888. He has 
officiated as Justice of the Peace, Village Trustee 
and School Director, and has been for years a 
member of the Knights of Labor, the Good Tem- 
plars, the Grange, and the Masonic fraternity, hold- 
ing in each organization important offices. He and 
his excellent wife are members of the Cumberland 
Presbyterian Church at Fairmount, and for some 
time Mr. McCabe was Superintendent of the Sun- 
da}' -school. 

( >nly two of the four children born to our sub- 
ject and his estimable wife are living, both daugh- 
ters. The eldest, Effie, was married in March, 
1889, to Owen McClenathan, and they live five 




miles east of Fairmount. Elsie, a bright child of 
nine years, is pursuing her studies in the village 
school, and is a fine amateur musician, playing well 
on both organ and guitar. 

Among other valuable features of this volume, 
the portraits of influential citizens of the county 
hold no second rank. And of these portraits an 
important place belongs to Mr. McCabe, the friend 
of the laborer. 

EV. MICHAEL OAK WOOD. The strong 
points in the character of this most efficient 
minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
|J have been his energetic and uniform advo- 
cacy of temperance, and his devotion to the cause 
of the Master, as exemplified in his pulpit work, ex- 
tending over a period of thirty-five j'ears. He is 
possessed in a marked degree of the gift of lan- 
guage, and has delivered some very powerful and 
stirring sermons, calculated to have a lasting effect 
upon his hearers. A man's habits and disposition 
are usually indicated by his home surroundings, and 
the fact that we find Mr. Oakwood the possessor of 
a fine farm , with all needful appurtenances, and 
surrounded by the evidences of refined and culti- 
vated tastes, indicates the efficiency with which he 
has labored and the solidity of his general character, 
by which he has attained to an enviable position 
socially and financially among his fellow-citizens. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Brown 
County. Ohio, Nov. 10, 1823. His father was a 
native of Virginia, of German ancestry, and reared 
in Tennessee. Being an only son, the name was 
only preserved in America through him. When a 
youth of nineteen years he emigrated to Kentucky, 
where he afterward married Miss Margaret Rem ley, 
who was also of German descent. She, with her 
parents, had emigrated to Kentucky from Pennsyl- 
vania, going down the Ohio River on a flatboat, 
when the Indians were numerous along its shores. 
The Remleys were a thrifty and long-lived family, 
the mother of our subject living to nearly the 
eighty-ninth year of her age. 

Henry Oakwood departed this life at the age of 
sixty-five years. He was a strong, athletic man, of 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



267 



very genial temperament, and kept himself well 
posted upon the general events of the age in which 
be lived, especially in the polities of the country. 
He was a warm supporter of the Wbig party, and 
held some of the local offices, among them justice of 
the peaee. lie followed farming for his occupation, 
and reared a family of six sons and three daugh- 
ters. He served in the War of 1M12, and partici- 
pated in the battles of the British and Indians at 
the fall of the celebrated chief. Teeumseh. 

The father of our subject was a resident of Ohio 
I'm- a number of years, but in 1833 emigrated to 
Illinois, settling in this county when Michael was a 
lad of ten years. The people around him were few 
and far between, and located mostly along the bor- 
ders of the timber that skirted the streams. The 
broad prairies were occupied by deer, wolves and 
other wild animals in abundance. A village of In- 
dians was located about a mile from the < hikwood 
residence, which was frequently visited by these 
native sons and daughters of America, who seemed 
to enjoy their contact with civilization although 
unwilling to give up their own rud« manner of life. 
()n account of the limited number of white peo- 
ple in the new settlement, the early education of our 
subject was conducted at home, there being no es- 
tablished school in his township for three years. 
This want, however, was partially compensated for 
by the father taking the place of instructor on win- 
ter evenings, when the children would form a semi- 
circle around the huge fireplace, and, largely by the 
light of the burning wood, would pursue their 
evening studies with their books andslates. Greater 
ambition to excel is seldom witnessed in the school- 
room than existed in that little family circle, and 
Michael was greatly encouraged to find himself a 
little in advance of some Of his older brothers in 
his studies. 

By the prosecution of his home -indies, with the 
aid of the later meager school privileges afforded, 
our subject, with four of his brothers, became a 
teacher, and still further anxious to excel in learn- 
ing, mastered some of the higher branches of an 
English education, and especially delighted in 
wrestling with difficult mathematical problems and 
investigating the principles of metaphysical science. 
History, both ancient and modern, received a fan- 



share of attention. He was much interested in the 
history of the nations of the earth, as made in his 
own day by their struggles, both in time of warand 
in peace, the gradual advance of human liberty, and 
the improved condition of mankind, politically in- 
tellectually, morally, socially and religiously. 

In politics Mr. Oakwood was a Republican from 
the foundation of the party through all its strug- 
gles and took an active part in promoting its suc- 
cess. During the Civil War he was frequently 
called upon to address large gatherings of citizens, 
and labored as far as he was able to keep alive the 
enthusiasm necessary to the success of the Union 
arms. Although never aspiring to political honors, 
he frequently held the local offices. He was a mem- 
ber of the board of supervisors seven years, served 
one term as justice of the peace much against his 
inclination, and frequently discharged the duties of 
the other local office.;. 

Mr. Oakwood very early in life was made the 
subject of deep religious impressions. His parents 
were members of the Cumberland Presbyterian 
Church, and in the pioneer days before the country 
was supplied with church buildings, their large farm 
house afforded a place for regular meetings for 
preaching and other religious services. Being lib- 
eral in their views, there were welcomed under this 
hospitable roof Methodists. Presbytt 'ians, and vari- 
ous other religious denominations, wit were all 
permitted to seek God in the manner best si Lt< d to 
their separate views. 

.Michael Oakwood. at the age of twenty-eii>ht 
years, united with the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
and soon afterward was licensed to preach, but de- 
clined entering the itinerant held. He was ambi- 
tious to study and to "show himself approved unto 
<oid, a workman that need not be ashamed, rightly 
dividing the word of truth,'" as Paul advised Tim- 
othy. So he committed himself to a Biblical and 
theological course of study. 

In entering upon his ministerial career, Mr. Oak- 
wood rather adopted the expository and didactic 
style, and his gifts as a pulpit orator were speedily 
recognized to be such as would command the re- 
spect and attention of his hearers. On the 2d of 
October. 1864, he was ordained deacon by Bishop 
E. R. Ames, and on Sept. 2S. [873, was ordained 



268 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



elder by Bishop I. W. Wiley. During his ministry 
he has received many into the church, united many 
in marriage, preached many funeral sermons, and 
administered upon many occasions the ordinances 
of the church, baptizing as many as fifty in a day, 
at other times thirty, twenty and in lesser numbers. 
He held the office of recording steward for the long- 
period of thirty-one years, besides many other offi- 
cial positions in his church. 

Mr. Oakwood has been twice married. In 1846 
he was wedded to Miss Nancy, daughter of Samuel 
Copeland of Blount Township, with whom he lived 
happily for six years, and at her death was left with 
one child — Samuel II. Their first-born, Elizabeth, 
died in infancy. In 1853 Mr. Oakwood was again 
married to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Rev. John 
P. Mills, then of Ross Township. She is still liv- 
ing, and is a higidy-esteemed Christian lady, well 
educated, and for some time before her marriage 
was engaged as a teacher. The issue of this union 
was one daughter and three sons. The daughter, 
Belle, died at the age of twenty-five years; she was 
possessed of superior intellectual endowments and a 
fine Christian character, which, united to her thor- 
ough education and usefulness as a teacher, con- 
spired to draw around her a large circle of warm 
friends. Wilbur, a promising boy, died in the sec- 
ond year of his age; Edwin, a deeply pious child. 
and a member in full connection with the Metho- 
dist Episcopal Church, died at the age of nine 
years. 

John M. Oakwood, the only surviving child of 
our subject, is now (1889) twenty-three 3'ears of 
age. He was married in 1888 to Miss Effie, daugh- 
ter of Rev. A. G. Copeland of Danville. He has 
been a Christian from childhood and a member of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is well edu- 
cated, a great lover of books, and has been engaged 
in teaching in the Champaign county schools for 
several years, being at present principal of the high 
school at St. Joseph. Samuel H., the son of the 
first marriage, has likewise been a consistent mem- 
ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church since child- 
hood; he is now forty years of age. He acquired 
a good education in his youth, and followed the 
profession of a teacher several years, after which he 
embarked in the mercantile business at Newtown. 



He lived there a few years, then removed his busi- 
ness to Danville, where he still resides. In 1878 
he was united in marriage with Miss Laura Bennett, 
daughter of John Bennett of Georgetown. Two 
sons and two daughters were born of this union, but 
only one child is living, Belva, a promising little 
girl of four years. 

The Oakwood homestead is one of the most at- 
tractive and beautiful in the township of the same 
name, and our subject, at the age of sixt3'-six years, 
with his faithful and estimable companion, sur- 
rounded by friends and in the enjoyment of a happy 
home, sees much that is desirable in life, and as op- 
portunity occurs seeks to alleviate the afflictions of 
those less fortunate. 

Rev. John P. Mills, the father of Mrs. Oakwood. 
was a regularly ordained local preacher of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, and died at his home 
in Fairmount Aug. 20. 1882. His estimable wife 
passed away some years before, Nov. 15, 1868. 
The father of Mr. Oakwood died in October, 1856, 
and the mother March 8, 1878. 



HILIP Y. PETERSON is one of the 
)\j younger citizens of Grant Township, living 
VV^ p^ on section 5. He was born in Salem 
Jl\ County, N. J., Nov. 11, 1847. His parents 
were named Samuel and Jane (Paden) Peterson, 
both of whom are now living in Woodford County, 
this State. The elder Peterson is now retired from 
active life, being seventy-two years of age, and his 
wife sixty-seven. Both are hearty and rugged. 
They are natives of Salem County, N. J., and are 
descended from Swedish ancestors who settled in 
this country many generations ago. The elder 
Peterson was left an orphan at the age of four 
j'ears, and his mother marrying again, he was 
brought up in the house of his stepfather, and is 
essentially a selfmade man, who has made his own 
way in the world, and now, in his old age is enjoy- 
ing an ample fortune, the result of years of indus- 
try and good management. He was married in his 
native State at the age of twenty-five, but some 
years later he determined to try his fortunes in the 
great West, and with his wife and family moved 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



200 



to Jefferson County, Ind., but he stayed there only 
six months, not liking the country, and so, taking 
his wife, six children and household goods, he came 
to Peoria, 111. This was in the fall of 1856, and 
to support his famih' that winter he engaged in 
hauling coal, his wife also helping to support the 
family by her labor. Next spring he rented a farm 
twenty miles west of Peoria and the succeeding 
year bought a place twenty-five miles northeast of 
that city. On this latter place he made his home 
till 1885, when he relinquished all active labor. 
When he first came to Illinois, Mr. Peterson was 
poor in this world's goods, but rich in pluck, energy 
and ambition. He now owns three farms in Wood- 
ford County, 111., for the poorest of which he has 
refused *70 a n acre. He owns 400 acres of land 
altogether. He also possesses a half interest in the 
elevator at Benson, a handsome residence there, 
and other property, also a farm of 160 acres in 
Grant Township, this county, besides personal 
property. Mr. Peterson has all of his lifetime 
been very industrious and has taken care to avoid 
public office, attending strictly to his own affairs. 
lie and his wife joined the Baptist Church the year 
after they were married, and for many years he has 
been an officer of his church in Benson. He was also 
Trustee of his township. He is a man of genial, 
happy temperament and kind disposition, upright 
and honorable in his dealings with his fellow men 
and is held in universal esteem for his correct life 
and conduct. 

Samuel and .lane Peterson are the parents of 
eight children, all of whom are living, the family 
cord being unbroken by death. They are named 
respectively: Mary P. wife of James I. Jeter, a 
farmer in Woodford County; Simeon P.. was mar- 
ried to Sarah Jane lluxtable and is a fanner, tile 
manufacturer and owner of three threshing ma- 
chines and is living in Benson, III.; Philip Y. was 
next in order, then David ('., who married Ellen 
Deal: he is a butcher in Rossville. this county. 
Lewis S. and Sarah Jane are twins; the former is 
married to Emma Hay, living in Benson, where 
Lewis S. is running an elevator, lumber yard, and 
also operates a branch bank. Sarah Jane is the 
wife of George Tallman, a dairyman of Grant 
Township, this county; Annie Margaret is the wife 



of Cal. Hoff, a farmer in Woodford County, 111., 
and Maria Frances is married to James lluxtable, 
a merchant of Benson, 111. Beside their children 
Mr. and Mrs. Peterson have twenty-four grand- 
children living, and an unusual case, is that they 
have never lost a child by death, and but one 
grandchild. 

Philip Y. Peterson, was eight years of age when 
his parents emigrated to Indiana. He well remem- 
bers passing through Danville on their way to 
Peoria, and says then it was but a collection of 
small houses, principally shanties inhabited by coal 
miners. He spent his boyhood on the home farm 
in Woodford County, 111, receiving such education 
as was afforded by the limited facilities of the time 
and place. The nearest school was three and a half 
miles away and not a bridge being built in the lo- 
cality, when he attended school he had to wade 
across the sloughs the best way he could. Under 
these circumstances he got what little schooling he 
received. He stayed on the home farm until he 
was twenty-one. after which he began farming on 
land belonging to his father, who furnished each 
of his boys with a team, and boarded them the 
first year for half the produce of their farms. He 
lived on land of his father's for five years and then 
bought a place of 120 acres in Woodford County, 
and there continued to live until in March. 1882, 
he sold out and removed to this county. Land 
here was much cheaper, and just as good as there, 
and he bought 120 acres of his present home, sub- 
sequently adding forty more, and he also leasi - 
eighty acres, which joins his land on the south. In 
188G Mr. Peterson erected the fine new modern 
house which he now occupies and whi< h makes a 
comfortable and commodious home for the family 

February 2.'i, 1872, Mr. Peterson was united in 
marriage with Miss Allie Chaney. who was left an 
orphan at an early age, her mother dying when she 
was six years old. and her father two years later 
while he was in the Union army. She was adopted 
and brought up by a German couple, named Shoup. 
She was born in Huntington County, Ind., Aug. 10, 
1854. Mr. and Mrs. Peterson are the parents of 
four children, all at home: Katie F., Lillie Dell, 
Bessie Jane and Myrtle Edna. Mr. Peterson has 
never held any office in this county other than that 



270 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 




of School Director, lie and his wife are members 
of the Christian Church in Grant Township and he 
is connected with its Sabbath-school. By his neigh- 
bors who know him best, Mr. Peterson is highly 
respected as an honest straightforward man and a 
good citizen. 



ANIEL 'AMPBELL stands among the 
honest, manly, industrious farmers and 
stock-raisers of Pilot Township who have 
made its interests their own. and while 
building up comfortable homes in this pleasant 
locality have materially contributed to its advance- 
ment. His fine well-stocked farm on section 12 
compares favorably in all its appointments with 
the best in the vicinity, and is sufficient evidence 
that he has achieved success in his chosen calling, 
although he began life as a poor man and has had 
to work his way up from the lowest round of the 
ladder leading to prosperity. 

Our subject is a native of New York, and first 
opened his eyes to the light of day in Washington 
County Aug. 20, 1828. His father. Thomas Camp- 
bell, was born in Massachusetts, came to this coun- 
ty in 1868. following his son Daniel to this place, 
and died in 1879 at a ripe old age. The mother of 
our subject was Naby Swain, whose parents were of 
Scottish birth and ancestry, and they came to this 
country some time early in this century or in the 
latter part of the last one, and settled in Washing- 
ton County. N. Y., where she was born. She died 
in 1831, while yet a young woman. She bore to 
her husband five children, two of whom are living, 
Marvin S. and our subject. The former, who mar- 
ried a Miss Cole of New York, lives in Troy, that 
State, retired from active business. 

Daniel Campbell passed his boyhood and the 
opening years of his manhood in the State of his 
nativity, gleaning such education as was afforded 
by the schools of the time. In 1856, being then 
twenty-eight years of age, and in the possession of 
a sound mind in a sound body, he determined to 
try life on the rich, virgin plains of the great West, 
ami selecting this part of Illinois as having in all 
respects the characteristics of soil, climate, etc., most 



desirable in the eyes of a young farmer and neces- 
sary to the successful prosecution of his calling, he 
came to Vermilion County and bought 240 acres 
of improved land in Pilot Township. He imme- 
diately entered upon his task of bringing it to a 
high state of cultivation, erecting suitable build- 
ings as his means allowed, making the place in every 
way one of the most desirable farms in this part of 
Vermilion County. By well-directed toil, close 
economy and sagacious management he has become 
very prosperous, and now owns 500 acres of as 
well tilled and productive soil as is to be found in 
this fine agricultural region, and he has erected a 
comfortable, roomy set of buildings for all needful 
purposes. He is engaged extensively in mixed 
husbandry, raising grain, and other farm products 
common to the soil, and he has his farm well sup- 
plied with stock of good grades, comprising sixty 
head of cattle, thirty horses, 160 sheep and forty- 
five hogs, 

Mr. Campbell has had the effective aid of one of 
the most helpful of wives in his work, their mar- 
riage occurring in 1854. Mrs. Campbell's maiden 
name was Maggie Campbell, and she was of Irish 
birth and parentage, her parents being James and 
Nancy (Pinkerton) Campbell. She came to this 
country with two of her brothers. Seven children 
have come to our subject and his amiable wife in 
their pleasant wedded life, of whom the following 
are married and settled in life: Sarah J. is the wife 
of Marion Kirkpatrick, a tile maker, of Indiana, 
and they have one child, Pearl; Thomas, an agri- 
cultural implement dealer and grain buyer of Pen- 
field, 111., married Dora Kirkpatrick of Indiana, 
and they have two children, Samuel and May; Mary 
F. is the wife of Fred Thomas, a farmer of Wis- 
consin, and they have two children, Otis and Reed ; 
Rosetta is the wife of Henry Ilibbler, a farmer of 
this county, and they have five children — Logan, 
Karl, Lola. Amy, Ernest. 

Mr. Campbell is gifted with keenness and tenacity 
of purpose, and a well-balanced mind, and these 
attributes have not only placed him with the solid. 
representative men of the township, but they have 
rendered his services as a civic official invaluable 
during his incumbency of the various local offices 
that have been entrusted to him by the votes of 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



271 



liis fellow townsmen, and as a juryman. In politics 
lie is a firm believer in the Republican party, and 
advocates its policy on all proper times and occa- 
sions. Both he and his wife are devoted members 
of the Christian Church, and their children also 
belong. 

~ ■ > V^^N^ ' & '•• 

JACOB DAZEY". The present commercial 
importance and prosperity of Hoopeston is 
unquestionably traceable to the wisdom of 
her merchants, and it is a fitting tribute to 
those who have honorably distinguished themselves 
in the commercial arena that their names should be 
commemorated in history. It is a fact worth}' of 
consideration that nearly all of our prominent busi- 
ness men have struggled up from obscurity to the 
foremost places in every branch of trade. As a 
representative of this class, the following is a brief 
outline of one who has attained the leading position 
he holds to-day among the merchants of Vermilion 
County. 

Mr. Dazey is a prominent merchant of Hoopeston, 
where he carries on an extensive business in heavy 
and shelf hardware, agricultural implements and 
lumber. In 1855 he came from Indiana, his native 
Mate, having been born there on the 25th of March. 
1831, near Attica. He remained with his father on 
the old homestead until he was married, which 
event occurred on Aug. 18, 1853. His wife, Miss 
Sarah Whitlatch, died about one year after her 
marriage. When Mr. Dazey came to Illinois, he 
purchased a farm of 160 acres which he increased 
Inter on to 640. 1'pon this tract of land he erected 
the very best of buildings and the improvements 
are of the very highest order. He continued the 
business of farming until Dec. 15, 1881 when he 
removed to Hoopeston and engaged in his present 
business. 

( )n April 27. 1855, Mr. Dazey married the second 
time, taking for his wife. Miss Lorinda Wilkinson, 
who was born in Montgomery County, Ind.. May 
I. 18:58, where she resided until coming to Illinois 
in 1851. She is the daughter of Abram Wilkinson, 
one of the early pioneers of Vermilion County, who 
married Mrs. Harriet Hawkins. They were the 
parents of two sons and two daughters, Mr. Haw. 



kins came from Indiana to this county and entered 
land upon which he resided until about 1877, when 
he removed to Benton County, Ind., remaining 
there until 1881. when he finally came to Hoopeston, 
where he has lived with his wife a retired life. 
Mr. and Mrs. Dazey are the parents Of six sons 
and one daughter, all of whom are still living: — 
Charles M... lames H.. John, William. Frank, George, 
and Elizabeth. The youngest son and daughter 
are at home. James II. is married and has three 
children; Charles M. married Miss Mary Fitzgib- 
bons; they are living on a farm near Milford, 
111., and have one child. John married Maggie 
Williamson and is residing on the old homestead; 
they have one child. William married Miss Smith; 
they are living on a farm and have two children. 
Frank married Miss Eva Dobe; he is engaged in the 
mercantile business at Hoopeston. 

Mr. and Mrs. Dazey are members of the Metho- 
dist Episcopal Church in which the}' take great 
interest. He is one of the trustees of that organi- 
zation and politically he is identified with the Re- 
publican party. 

James Dazey. father of the subject of this sketch, 
was born in Ohio, where he married Miss Mary 
Gobel and came from Montgomery Count}-, Ind., 
where he was engaged in farming. In his early 
days he was a shoemaker, a business he carried on 
with success, but latterly he was a farmer. He died 
at Tolona, 111., his wife passing away at the same 
place in 1883. 

-~ *> •o*>»(£XJ}^&)"<*o- «^- 

REDERIC JONES is intimately connected 
[S^ with the material prosperity of Catlin 
Township as one of its enterprising, pro- 
gressive, business-like farmers and stock-raisers, 
and the farm that he possesses here, finely located 
on section 35, is in all respects a well-appointed. 
well-managed estate, comparing favorably with the 
best in this region of fine farms. 

Our subject is of English ancestry and birth, as 
were also his parents, Henry and Sarah (Hough) 
Jones. He was their sixth child and was born in 
the city of London. England. May 28, 1844. In 
1849 his parents brought him to America, and he 




272 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



was reared to manhood in Catlin Township, and 
can scarcely remember any other home. He was a 

quick scholar and gleaned a very good education 
in the common schools. When about fourteen 
years old he entered upon a mercantile career, going 
into his father's employ at that age as a clerk. He 
was in the store about a year and a half when he 
went i [ afayette, Ind., to learn the tradeof a black- 
smith in , : e Lafayette and Indianapolis Railway 
shops. He served an apprenticeship of two years 
and two months, and at the expiration of that time 
returned to Catlin and building a blacksmith shop, 
formed a partnership with S. A. McGregor, Sr., 
and carried on his trade, of which he had gained 
a thorough mastery, the ensuing two years. At 
the end of that time he dissolved his partnership 
with Mr. McGregor and again became a clerk in 
his brother Richard's store. He remained with 
him sixteen years, and when his brother died he 
entered into partnership with his brother Arthur. 
and they conducted the business together about two 
years. Our subject then sold out his interest, having 
decided to devote his attention to the more conge- 
nial calling of a farmer, and at that time invested a 
part of his capital in his present farm, which he 
has owned since 1880. It comprises 171 acres, all 
under good cultivation and finely improved, having 
an excellent set of farm buildings and modern ma- 
chinery for conducting agriculture after the most 
approved methods. 

The successful career of our subject is partly 
attributable to the fact that he is blessed with a 
wife who is in every sense a helpmate. Their mar- 
riage was solemnized Dec. 5, 1866, and to them 
have come ten children — James, Emma, Richard. 
Harriet A., Elizabeth, Sarah, Frederic, Arthur, 
Henry. Edward. Mrs. Jones' maiden name was 
Harriet Ann Dickinson, and she is like her husband 
a native of England, born in Boston, Lincolnshire, 
Dec. 28, 1847, to William and Emma (Barker) 
Dickinson. ( For parental history see the sketch of 
William Dickinson that appears on another page of 
this work). 

Mr. Jones is in all respects a manly, upright 
man, is well and favorably known here, and his in- 
fluence in the community is felt in everything that 
tends to promote its welfare, He takes an active 



part in political matters, and in him the Republican 
parly finds one of its truest and staunchest advo- 
cates. Religious!}' both he and his amiable wife 
sympathize with the teachings of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, and carry its Christian spirit 
into their everyday lives. They are genial, court- 
eous people, and their attractive home is the center 
of perfect hospitality. 



~ks^.~*JULQ/®¥& -ft 



,-giW2-'72rtf>».'\.'\.-~ 



/p^) FORGE M. EVANS. The Keystone State 
!|| <— , has contributed largely of her best elements 
V \^il to the development of the Great West, 
numbers of men coming thither at all ages and un- 
der all conditions, the greater majority, perhaps, 
those who weredependenl upon their own resources 
and just starting out in life to carve their fortunes 
by the labor of their hands. The homes of these 
men are among the finest in Central Illinois. The 
farm of Mr. Evans, finely situated on the northern 
line of this county, invariably attracts the attention 
of the passing traveler, and gives ample evidence 
of being under the control of a man of more than 
ordinary ability. It will be acknowledged that he 
has the true conception of the manner in which to 
conduct agriculture, and he possesses the cultivated 
tastes which have enabled him to construct a home 
second to none in this region. 

The property of Mr. Evans embraces 328 acres 
of land, lying on section 26, township 2.3, range 
12, where he settled seven years ago, although he 
purchased it in 1879. He has effected a radical 
change in its condition, and purposes to still fur- 
ther augment its beauty and value. He came to 
Illinois when a young man, twenty-four years old, 
from Berks County, Pa., where he was born in 1852. 
He made his first trip West in 1876. and after so- 
journing in Grant Township one j'ear he returned 
to Pennsylvania, where he spent the winter follow- 
ing and came back to this county in the spring of 
187.7, and two years later purchased his present 
homestead. 

The subject of this sketch was married in Grant 
Township, to Miss Tillie Groom, the wedding tak- 
ing place at the bride's home. Sept. 22. 1885. This 
lady is a native of this, county. Her father, Fred- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



275 



erick Groom, came to Illinois from England, car- 
ried on farming a number of years, and then retir- 
ing from active labor took up his abode in Rossville, 
where he now lives. John Evans, the father of 
our subject, was a native of Pennsylvania, where, 
upon reaching manhood, he married Miss Anna 
Miller. He settled on a farm in Berks County, 
and died when his son George M. was a lad of ten 
or twelve years. His widow survived him until 
about four years since, her death taking place in 
Pennsylvania. 

Mr. Evans upon becoming a naturalized citizen 
allied himself with the Republican party, and still 
gives to it his unqualified support. Aside from 
serving as School Director in bis district he has bad 
very little to do with public affairs. 



-:- 



<£i-d> 



> 




HILLIP CADLE, an extensive and well- 
known farmer of Vermilion County and 
One whose career has been marked by suc- 
cess, was born in England on the 22d of 
February, 1849. When four years of age he came 
to America with his parents and is practically an 
American bred man. His education was acquired 
in the common schools, and until he became of 
age, he worked for his father faithfully on the old 
homestead. 

Phillip Cadle is the son of George and Elizabeth 
(Saunders) Cadle, who were natives of England 
and were living in Bedfordshire at the time they 
concluded to better themselves by emigrating to 
America. They sailed from the old country in 
1853 and after landing upon American soil, they 
immediately proceeded to Attica. End., where for 
four years they were engaged in farming, at the 
expiration of which period they removed to Iro- 
quois County, 111., four miles north of Hoopeston. 
Here they remained for two years more, when they 
again removed to a farm situated one and a half 
miles southwest of Rossville. 111., remaining there 
for three years. Their next removal was to Salt 
Fork, west of Danville, where they lived for thir- 
teen years, removing from that place to Homer. 
111., where the elder Cadle is living in retirement, 
with his wife, enjoying a well earned rest. They 



are the parents of eight children: Emma was mar- 
ried in England to Thomas Edwards and they are 
now living near Armstrong. III.; Ann is the wife of 
D. Young and they are residing in Idaho; Jane 
married James Tolliver. bothof whom are deceased; 
Rachael is the wife of C. Hayes. She died some 
years ago; Sidney (i. is dead; Martha* married 
John Mann; Phillip is the subject of this article, 
while Dora is at home with her father and mother 
at Homer. 111. Mr. Cadle's first marriage occurred 
in Vermilion County. 111., May 30, 1871, his wife 
being Miss Emma Weaden, a native of Virginia. 
Of this union one child was born, Mary Anna, who 
died when four months of age. The wife died 
Oct. 23, 1872. 

In 1875 Phillip Cadle married Miss America 
Seymour. She is a native of Virginia but came 
here when a very small child with her parents, who 
are living at Oakwood, this county. She was the 
sixth child of a family of nine children. Mr. and 
Mrs. Cadle are the parents of four bright children: 
Lilian, Maud, (Jeorge and Dode. all of whom are 
living at home and going to school. In addition 
to his general farming Mr. Cadle is engaged very 
extensively in the stock business, a combination 
which has been a success from a pecuniary point 
of view. 

In 1876 he purchased 381 acres where he now 
lives, and at this time, really commenced his active 
career as a large dealer in hogs and cattle. In the 
aggregate he owns 915 acres of the very choicest 
land that lies in Vermilion County, and the build- 
ings that be has erected are nearly equal to that of 
a small village, consisting of barns, stables, gran- 
eries. an elevator, and in fact everything that goes 
to make up a well appointed farm. He has also a 
fine system of water-works that supplies his house, 
pastures and different barns with fresh, pure water. 
Mr. Cadle deals in grains of all kinds, but more 
especially in wheat. 

Mr. Cadle is a consistent Republican and while 
he has never aspired to office, has held local posi- 
tions, filling them with the same fidelity which he 
has shown in his private affairs. Mr. Cadle's suc- 
cess in life can be directly traced to bis prompt 
business habits, his integrity and his capacity for 
judging human nature. He is truly a self-made 



276 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



man and the fortune he now owns has been accu- 
mulated within the last eighteen years. 

A view of the farm residence of Mr. C'adle is 
shown elsewhere in this volume. 



^p^EORGE ALLEN is the proprietor of Shrop- 

/( shire Park. His father, George Allen, was 

%=JJ§ known to Europe and America as the lead- 
ing breeder of Bate Short-horn cattle ami Shrop- 
hire sheep. The history of this extensive enter- 
prise of breeding, dates back to the early life of 
the father. While yet a young man he showed a 
desire and liking for the better grades of cattle and 
sheep and his son has inherited this disposition to 
an eminent degree. 

George Allen, Sr., was born in Derbyshire, Eng- 
land', while the grandfather was a tenant farmer 
of the same place and was born there also. This 
family were all remarkable for their great stature, 
the great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch 
being a man of six feet live inches in height, and 
measured one yard from one shoulder point to an- 
nother. George Allen. Sr.. was a remarkably 
laro'e and well-proportioned man and possessed 
ureal vigor and unusual activity. lie served in 
the English cavalry for several years, and was dis- 
tinguished as one of the finest appearing soldiers 
in the British army. He married Elizabeth Tur- 
ner, who was a native of England and the daugh- 
ter of William and Sarah Turner, farmers. After 
their marriage, they settled at Knightly, England, 
and there began the breeding of Short-horn cattle, 
and for the long period of thirty-five years, Mr. 
Allen continued in this business on the same farm, 
gaining a wide-spread reputation as a most success- 
ful breeder of the best strains of cattle and sheep 
in England. lie operated an extensive farm of 
ion acres and here he reared a family of four chil- 
dren — George, Robert II.. Mary Ann and Harry. 
Robert II., is residing at Darlington, lnd.. where 
he is engaged in the mercantile business. Mary 
Ann is residing at Stafford, England, where she 
married William Ebbern. who is an extensive man- 
ufacturer of ladies' line shoes and operates a very 
large business. They have four children. Harry. 



is the executor of the Allen estate and the firm ac- 
cording to the father's will is to continue under 
the same management and retain the firm name of 
George Allen & Son. 

The subject of this sketch and his father saw 
greater fields for operations in America than in 
England. They shipped several cargoes of sheep 
here, exhibiting them for the first time at St. 
Louis in 1871. This shipment proved profitable 
and fully exceeded their expectations. The entire 
management of this enterprise was under George, 
Jr. He exhibited his stock at Dayton, Ohio, also, 
in 1872, on the occasion of Goldsmith Maid's mak- 
ing her great record. The same year he also 
showed his stock at Indianapolis and St. Louis. 
This plan of business was followed for several 
years and so successfully that in 1879, (ieorge and 
his father — including the entire family — came to 
America, for the purpose of engaging in cattle and 
sheep raising, bringing 100 head of Shropshire 
sheep and twenty -two head of the Bate Short-horn 
cattle. After casting about for a suitable location 
they finally concluded that Vermilion County, met 
all (he requirements they were seeking. Here they 
purchased 960 acres of land, and at once entered 
upon a career as breeders of cattle and sheep, which 
in many ways cannot be duplicated in America. 
The mother died March 6, 1881, at the age of 
fifty-six years, while the father met his death, 
March 16. 1889, at the age of sixty-two. And so 
passed away a couple whose reputation was of the 
very best and who made this world the better for 
their living in it. 

George Allen, of whom this is written, was born 
April 15, 1848 at Tean, Staffordshire, England. 
He was reared as a stock-raiser and farmer, an oc 
cupation which he has followed since he was twelve 
years of age. He received a common school 
education, which has been added to since by 
intelligent and careful reading. At the age of 
twenty-seven years he was married to Miss Ann 
Elizabeth Ellsmore, who is a daughter of John and 
Lucy Ellsmore. They were farmers in England 
and had two children that grew to maturity: Ann 
E.. and William T. The latter is residing at Staf- 
ford, England, and is a shoe manufacturer. Mr. 
and Mrs, Allen had two children bom in England; 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



277 



George and Florence, who are now at home and 
attending school. Since coming to America the 
following children have been born — Frederick C, 
William. Elizabeth and Harry. 

It is unnecessary to state that perhaps then' is 
no man in this country who has a better reputation 
as a breeder of Short-horn cattle and Shropshire 
sheep, than Mr. Allen, who has taken more prizes 
for the excellent qualities of sheep than any other 
man in the world, a record of which he feels, nat- 
urally, very proud. From a financial standpoint, 
he has been most eminently successful, and the pro- 
ceeds of the earnings of his great stock farm is in- 
vested in more lands and stock. He has become a 
naturalized citizen and is a Republican in politics. 
Mr. and Mrs. Allen worship at the Presbyterian 
Church. 

Of the celebrated Bate Short-horn cattle, the Al- 
iens have on hand about 150 of the following fam- 
ilies: Airdrie Duchess, Grand Duchess, 'Oxfords, 
Barringtons, Wiid Eyes, Waterloos, Kirk Leving- 
tons. Fletchers, Fennel Duchess. Acombs, Places. 
Darlingtons, Georgiannas, Eden Rose, Rose of 
Sharon and Surmises. The Duke of Vermilion No. 
30443, stands at the head of the herd. The Grand 
Duke of Oxford holds the second place, and is the 
son of the Duke of Vermilion. He will some day 
take his place at the head of the herd. The 
most valuable animals on the farm are the 
Duchess of Vermilion, Grand Duchess No. 28 and 
the Duke of Vermilion, which in point of excel- 
lence have never been surpassed inthe State of Illi- 
nois or perhaps in America. They have a flock of 
500 sheep with three celebrated imported rams al 
the head. Goodsort No. 9904. won second prize 
at the Royal Agricultural Society in England in 
1888, and cost $300 delivered at Boston. True- 
type, No. 5603, A. S. R. A., won first prize as a 
lamb at the Shropshire Agricultural Show, at 
Shrewsbury, England, in 1887. This animal was 
imported the same year. T. & W. S. No. 13438, 
A. S. R. A. was the first prize winning lamb in 
England in 1888. Among the most valuable ewes 
on this farm may be mentioned Lad}- Bradburn 
second, and Jane L., who are great prize winners. 

The horse breeding department of this farm has 
been added lately. The celebrated English Shire 



horse Wymondham 2960 E. C. H. S. B. is considered 
to be as well bred a shire horse as can be found in 
America. There are also six registered Shire 
mares on this farm. 

Shropshire Park is a most fitting name for this 
extensive farm, which is one of the most valuable 
in the State of Illinois It has more the appear- 
ance of a fair ground than a farm. It is well pro- 
vided with a multitude of houses, sheds, corn cribs 
and implement houses. There are five windmills 
on the farm which furnish water and grinding 
power. In concluding this sketch it would be 
proper to state that there are probably no more 
intelligent stock breeders than the gentlemen who 
compose the firm of George Allen ite Son, of Aller- 
ton, III. 



ESSE DAVIS. Although not a native of 
Vermilion County, this gentleman, the son 
of pioneer parents, was reared within its 
limits, and has for many years occupied an 
important place among its enterprising, far-seeing, 
thrifty, well-to-do farmers and stock-raisers. On 
section 3G. t'atlin Township, he owns a large and 
valuable farm, cultivated by the best methods, so 
that it yields an extensive yearly income. He has 
erected a fine residence and other substantial, well 
arranged buildings, while everything about the 
place shows every evidence of a master mind and 
skillful hand controlling affairs. 

Our subject is of Southern antecedents, although 
a native of Ohio. His parents, Joseph and Eliza- 
beth (George) Davis, are supposed to have been 
natives of Virginia, but after their marriage they 
settled in Pickaway County, Ohio, among its early 
setllei-s. They remained there until 1833. when, 
hoping to better their pecuniary condition by going 
to a still newer country, they came with their 
family to Vermilion County to try farming on its 
virgin soil. They selected Catlin Township as a 
desirable location, and thus became pioneers of the 
township. The father's useful career was cut short 
however, in a few years, and while yet in life'., 
prime it was closed in death August. 1839. He 
was a man of sound sense, a good farmer, and one 
whom all respected for his unswerving integrity 



278 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPATCAL ALBUM. 



and kind heart. His widow survived him many 
years, dying in this township Dec. 30, 1869. She 
was a woman of true Christian piety and a faithful 
member of the Presbyterian Church. To her and 
her husband were born four sons and four daugh- 
ters, our subject being the youngest son and the 
seventh child. 

He was born near Darbysville, Pickaway Co., 
Ohio, Oct. 24, 1S32. Me was about a year old 
when his parents brought him to Vermilion Coun- 
ty, and here, amid the pioneer scenes of those early 
days in the settlement of the county, he grew to 
be a stalwart, manly man. lie had such schooling 
as could lie obtained in those days of limited edu- 
cational advantages when the rude log cabin was 
the only literary institution of this section of 
country, and its doors were only opened to the 
children of the pioneers a few short weeks in the 
different seasons of the year, lie was bred to the 
life of a farmer, and has made the tilling of the 
land his principal occupation. He has met with 
more than ordinary success in his calling, and may 
well feel proud of what he has achieved by hard 
labor, directed by sound business acumen and 
the prudent management of his monetary affairs. 
His farm, comprising 440 acres of land of exceed- 
ing fertility, is well stocked and is amply provided 
with all the necessary appliances and machinery for 
making it one of the model places of the township. 

Mr. Davis holds that a part of his prosperity is 
due to the fact that he is blessed with a good wife, 
who has actively co-operated with him in all his 
plans. They were united in marriage in Catlin 
Township March lit. 1859, and to them have come 
five children, as follows: Clara J., the wife of 
Willis Lesher; Van C. ; one who died in infancy; 
Scott G.; Minnie L., the wife of David McMillin. 
The maiden name of Mrs. Davis was Melvina Eliza- 
beth Hyatt, and she is the daughter of James and 
Martha (Roiiland) Hyatt, both of whom are de- 
ceased. Her father was born in South Carolina 
and her mother in Kentucky, and after marriage 
they settled in Davis County, Ky., where he was 
engaged in farming, and there they died. They 
had seven children, four sons and three daughters. 
Mrs. Davis was their second child, and she was born 
in Davis County, Ky„ Nov. 24, 1838. She grew 



to womanhood there, and came to Vermilion Coun- 
ty in the month of November. 1858, with her sister. 
Mis. Mary Wallace, who was an invalid. She is a 
genial, lovable, motherly woman, whose genuine 
kindness has won her a warm place in the hearts of 
the entire community. 

When Mr. Davis was brought here in his infancy, 
the surrounding country presented a far different 
appearance from what it does to-day. Then it was 
a literal wilderness, savage animals and abundant 
game roamed over the wild, uncultivated prairies, 
or found shelter in the primeval forests along the 
water courses, and the bold, hardy frontiersman had 
scarcely more than begun to turn the virgin sod 
and lay the foundations of the wealth and pros- 
perity that obtain to-day on all sides, as evidenced 
by flourishing and busy towns, smiling farms, and 
many happy homes. That he has had a hand in 
bringing about this great change may be a source 
of pride to our subject, who is a man of eminent 
public spirit, and has generously contributed of his 
means to further all enterprises that will in any 
way add to the prosperity of the community with 
whose interests his own are identical, and among 
whose people he has lived in peace and friendship 
for more than half a century. He is a man of high 
moral character, and is gifted with many worthy 
attributes that render him respected of all men. In 
his political views he strongly favors the Prohibi- 
tion party, being himself a sound temperance man. 
He and his wife are worthy members of the Pres- 
byterian Church, she having been a communicant 
ever since she was thirteen years old. 



-i- 



-■6s-** 



APT. JOSEPH TRUAX. Oakwood Town- 

^_ ship contains no more active or energetic 
^z ,/ business man than Capt. Truax, who is in 
the prime of life and in the midst of a prosperous 
career. The opening years of his life were spent 
in Muskingum County, Ohio, where he war born 
July 25, 1838, being the eighth in a family of nine 
children, the offspring of Joseph, Jr., and Nancy 
(Robison) Truax, who were both natives of Penn- 
sylvania, the father born in Bedford County, May 
10, 1800, and the mother March 15, 1801. The 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



27!) 



paternal grandfather, Joseph Truax. Sr.. was like- 
wise a native of the Keystone State and of German 
descent. He entered the Revolutionary Army at 
the beginning of the war and served on the side of 
the colonists until its close. His wife was a Miss 
Stillwell, a native of his own State, where they set- 
tled and died. Their family consisted of four sons 
and two daughters, all of whom are deceased. 

The mother of our subject was the daughter of 
James and Ellen Robison, both of whom were na- 
tives of Dublin. Ireland. Grandfather Robison 
was a very prominent Knight Templar of Dublin, 
and our subject has in his possession a demit once 
belonging to the old gentleman anil signed 107 
years ago. 

The parents of our subject were married in Penn- 
sylvania and remained there until 1839. Then re- 
moving to Ohio they settled on a farm in Mus- 
kingum County where they lived until the fall of 
is,", 1, then took up their line of march for Illinois. 
Coming to this county they settled two miles east 
of Pilot Grove, and in 1859 removed to Blount 
Township, where the father died March 7, 1861. 
The mother passed away Jan. I, 1885. Seven of 
their nine children lived to mature years and three 
are still living. 

Our subject, upon coming to this county, had a 
fine young horse which he sold and devoted the 
proceeds to advance his education, attending school 
in Danville, where he closely applied himself to bis 
studies for some eighteen months. In 1859 he be- 
gan teaching at Collison's Point and remained there 
through the fall and winter until spring-. In the 
latter part of 1860 he commenced teaching at 
Craig's schoolhouse, and in the winter taught in the 
old Union Church building at Blue Corner. On the 
3d of July, 1861, the Civil War having broken 
out, he entered the Union Army as a member of 
Company I, 35th Illinois Infantry, being mustered 
in as First Lieutenant, A.ug. 24, 18f!l at St. Louis. 

The 35th Illinois saw much hard service. Tbey 
were first ordered to Jefferson City, thence to Se- 
dalia, Mo., and from there started south on the 
lookout for the rebel General Price. They marched 
120 miles to Springfield, and from there to Rolla, 
a like distance. Lieut. Truax was hereseized with 
illness and sent home on a two month's furlough. 



He returned to his regiment in February, 1862, 
and was placed in command of a detachment of 
seventy men, with which lie repaired to Spring- 
field still after Gen. Price. Later he was detailed 
with his command to remain and guard the city. 
After the battle of Pea Ridge he rejoined his regi- 
ment on the road to Batesville, Ark., but at this 
place they were ordered to Cape Girardeau, a dis- 
tance of 250 miles, which distance they covered in 
nine days, taking one day to rest, making ten in 
all. On account of walking without shoes the feet 
of many of the men were sore and bleeding. At 
Cape Girardeau they were paid their monthly sti- 
pend by Maj. McKibben. an old resident of this 
county. 

Lieut. Truax. with his regiment, now boarded 
the transport •'Sunshine" and proceeded to Cairo, 
and from there up the Ohio, to the mouth of the 
Tennessee, and thence to the old battle-ground of 
Pittsburg Landing. Here they joined the army of 
Gen. Halleck and moved toward Corinth from the 
east, witnessing the burning of the city. From 
there they marched to Clear Springs and spent July 
4 near Jacinto. Miss. Later they were placed on 
guard at Bear Creek Bridge, near Itika. Then the 
division to which the 35th Regiment belonged cut 
loose and crossed the Tennessee at Mussel Shoals, 
marching through the enemy's country and joining 
Buell's army at Murfreesboro. 

Our subject and his command now started after 
the rebel General, Bragg, reaching Louisville be- 
fore him and followed him on his retreat to l'erry- 
ville, to Crab Orchard and to Nashville, Tenn. 
Afterward, succeeded the battle of Murfreesboro, 
and the regiment then entered upon the Cliicka- 
mauga campaign. Subsequently followed the two 
day's battle of Chickaniauga when they fell back to 
Chattanooga, and the November following charged 
upon Mission Ridge driving the enemy before 
them and capturing the place. Their next business 
was to relieve Gen. Burnside at Knoxville, to 
which they hurried on a forced march, and later 
they proceeded to Strawberry Plains and to Lou- 
don, Tenn.. where they built a bridge in the spring 
of 1HG4. 

The 35th Regiment was then ordered to the vi- 
cinity of Cleveland, Tenn., where they prepared to 



•280 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBL.M. 



join Sherman's Army on its march to the sea, and 
Lieut. Truax was with his regiment in every battle 
and skirmish in which it afterward participated. In 
1862 he was rewarded for his bravery and fidelity 
to duty by promotion to a Captaincy, receiving his 
commission at Crab Orchard, and with his regi- 
ment at his expiration of term of enlistment, was 
relieved from duty on the 28th of August, 1864, 
and was mustered out at Springfield in September 
following. 

After retiring from the army Capt. Truax first 
took his mother to Ohio, then came back and resumed 
teaching in the same old Union Church building 
south of Oakwood. On the 19th of March, 1865, 
lu- was married to Miss Mary E. Ilelmick, and set- 
tled on a farm one and one-half miles west of Oak- 
wood, where they lived until the fall of 1884. He 
then bought out the firm of Stillwell & Young, 
general merchants, and has since been in trade, be- 
sides handling grain quite extensively. He owns 
the entire block in which his store is located, and 
has also a good residence in the northern part of 
the city. 

Capt. Truax takes an active part in politics and 
votes the straight Republican ticket. He has served 
as School Trustee for twenty years. Justice of the 
Peace four years, and Commissioner of Highways 
two terms. Both he and his wife belong to the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, with which the Cap- 
tain became identified in 1866, and in which he has 
served as Steward and Trustee. Socially, he be- 
longs to Oakwood Lodge No. 564, 1. O. F., in 
which he has occupied all the offices from Warden 
to Past Grand. He is also identified with George 
Morrison Post, G. A. R. The Captain and his es- 
timable lady are the parents of five children, one of 
whom, Nancy B., who was born Dec. 21, 1868, 
died Jan. 20, 1869; Frances E. was born Feb. 10, 
1866; Ruberta A., April 1, 1867; Charles E., 
Aug. 9. 1*72, and Josephine, March 24. 1876. 

Rev. Eli Helmick, the father of Mrs. Truax, was 
born in Randolph County, Va., May 4, 1800, and 
her mother, May 25,1804; After marriage they 
resided in the Old Dominion for awhile, then about 
1832 came to this county. He was an ordained 
minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, a man 
of fine abilities, good judgment and great perse- 



verance, and was of essential service in the Master's 
vineyard, .After the death of his first wife, Mrs. 
Rachel (Yillers) Ilelmick. the mother of Mrs. 
Truax, he was married to Miss Amanda Oakwood, 
who died about 1874. Mr. Ilelmick departed this life 
July 18, 1887, at the advanced age of eighty- 
five years. Of his first marriage there were born 
nine children, of wdiom Mrs. Truax was the sixth. 
Her birth took place in Vermilion County. 111., 
Nov. 21. 1835. 

— -^4^ v- 



ffi OHN J. PARTLOW. The neat and well- 
regulated home of this gentleman lies adja- 
cent to the city of Danville, and embraces 
twenty -six acres of land, which is in a high 
state of cultivation, and devoted to the raising of 
small fruits. Upon it the proprietor has erected a 
fine residence, and each year adds something to the 
beauty and value of the property. Mr. Partlow is 
numbered among the steady-going and reliable citi- 
zens of this county — one who without making a 
great deal of stir in the world has fulfilled his obli- 
gations to his family and society in a praiseworthy 
manner, and deserves more than a passing notice. 
A native of this county, our subject was born in 
Middle Fork Township, Aug. 7, 1 832, and is the 
son of James Partlow, who was born in Virginia, 
and was the son of Samuel Partlow, to whom fur- 
ther reference is made in the sketch of Asa Part- 
low, on another page in this volume. James Part- 
low was reared in Kentucky, and learned the trade 
of a wheelwright in his youth, which he followed 
in the Blue Grass regions until 1831. That year 
he came to Illinois, overland with a team, accom- 
panied by his family and traveling after the pri na- 
tive fashion of those days — carrying with him his 
household goods, and camping and cooking by the 
wayside. 

The father of our subject upon his arrival in this 
county took up a claim of Government land before 
it had come into the market. Indians were still to 
be seen prowling over the country, while deer, wild 
turky and wolves were also plentiful. The land 
which Mr. Partlow selected was part timber and 
part prairie. He put up a rail pen for the tempor- 




* *""* . .'. " V i-> i ;'# 5 ^5>* S * W " 




i£jU^], 





I?*/- 



S 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



281 



ary shelter of his family, and afterward built a log 
house, in which structure the subject of this sketch 
was horn. The chimney of this primitive dwell- 
ing was made of earth and sticks outside, the floor 
was laid of split puncheon, and the roof covered 
witli clapbords. It was before the time of rail- 
roads, and the nearest market was at the towns on 
the Wabash River. James Partlow here spent the 
remainder of his days, passing away about the year 
1854. He had lived to see the wilderness around 
him transformed into smiling grain fields and com- 
fortable homes, and himself put up a third dwell- 
ing, in the shape of a commodious frame house. 
This latest structure was built prior to the con- 
struction of the railroad through this part of the 
county, and the doors for it were hauled from Chi- 
cago. The weather- boarding was sawed from black- 
walnut logs which .Mr. Partlow drew to the mill, 
lie brought his farm to a good state of cultivation, 
and in his last years was surrounded by all' the com- 
forts of life. 

Airs. Ellen (Milton) Partlow, the mother of our 
subject, was born m Kentucky, and died at the 
home of her daughter, Mrs. Dr. Humphrey, of 
Danville, about 1855. Both she and her husband 
had been twice married. John J., our subject, pur- 
sued his first lessons in a log school-house, into 
which light was admitted through greased paper 
stretched along an aperture from which one of the 
logs had been sawed away. He was at an early age 
trained to habits of industry, and as soon as large 
enough his services were utilized in the labors of 
the farm. At the age of fourteen he was employed 
in a drug store two years, but later attended 
Georgetown Academy and the Red Seminary in 
Danville. Later he officiated as clerk in the dry. 
foods store of E. V. & P. Leshure three years. 
Subsequently he became the employe of Partlow & 
Humphrey, with whom he remained one year. At 
the expiration of this time lie associated himself 
in partnership with R. A. Short, and they engaged 
in mercantile business together two years, when 
our subject purchased the interest of his partner in 
the business, and conducted it twelve years. At 
this point, abandoning merchandising, Mr. Partlow 
entered the employ of the Chicago A- Eastern Illi- 
nois Railroad Company, with whom he continued 



two 3'ears, and was then appointed a Railway Mail 
Clerk on the same road, running first from Chicago 
to Danville, and later from Chicago to Terre 
Haute. Ind. lie performed in this manner faithful 
and efficient service lor a period of eleven years. 
and in 1884 invested a portion of his earnings in 
his present property. 

Miss Frances L. Giddings, the eldest child of 
William and Caroline) Kitchener)Giddings, became 
the wife of oursubject Nov. .">. 1857. Of this un- 
ion there have been born two children, the eldest 
of whom, Elmer E., married Miss Mattie Collins. 

and is the father of a son and two daughters 

(George E.. Vera and Frances. The younger son. 
Charles, is a printer by trade, and makes his home 
with his parents. Mr. Partlow. politically, is a 
stanch Republican, and with his estimable wife is 
a member in good standing of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church. 



WfelLLIS 15. CAUBLE, Physician and Sur- 
geon. Among the truly successful pro- 
fessional men of Ibis county is the young 
man whose name initiates this sketch. He came 
to Sidell right after his graduation from Rush 
Medical College, of Chicago, through the urgent 
request of some of the leading citizens of this en- 
terprising village. Naturally gifted to fill his re- 
sponsible position of ministering to the health of 
his fellowmen, and after a long and studious course 
in the intricacies of his profession at different 
places, he is well equipped to meet the expectations 
of his friends. 

Dr. Cauble was born at Alto Pass, Union Co. 
111., where his father is a large land owner ami on-' 
of the wealthiest and most prominent men of his 
county. Willis C. and Serena, father and mother 
of the subject of this sketch are lending people in 
society in Union County, the native place ,,f the 
former.. The grandfather of Willis Jr.. John F. 
Cauble. was bom in North Carolina, where he was 
an extensive land owner. He subsequently came 
to Illinois, where he acquired huge tracts of land 
also. His son. Willis Sr., being the only heir and 
a good business man. became the owner of the 



282 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



large property left by his father, and he afterward 
engaged in the erection of a sawmill and grist- 
mill, shipping lumber and flour to St. Louis and is 
now very extensively engaged in growing fruits 
and vegetables. He owns three large farms, one 
of them being two miles and three-quarters long. 
The parents of Willis Jr.. had nine children, live 
of whom are living, namely : Willis Benton. Cora 
E., Adam J., Flora M., and Myrtle A. 

Dr. Cauble passed his childhood days in rural 
life with his parents and in his early boyhood at- 
tended the district schools. Later on he entered 
St. Vincent College at Cape Girardeau, Mo., 
from which institution he graduated with distin- 
guished honors in the class of 1885, in the scientific 
course. While stiulying at college, he became 
imbued with the idea that the medical profession 
was one which would suit his inclinations and he 
therefore chose that for his life work. He studied 
under the direction of Dr. W. W. Esick of 
Mnrphysboro. 111., for one year, and in the fall 
of 1887 entered the medical department of the 
University of Tennessee at Nashville, there prose- 
cuting his studies for one year. From there he 
proceeded to Louisville, Ky., and attended for six 
months the summer lectures at the Medical and 
Surgical Institute of that city. He graduated from 
those two courses, when he returned to Mnrphys- 
boro and began practice under 1 1 is old pre- 
ceptor which he continued for two months. In the 
fall of 1887 he entered Rush Medical College, 
graduating in Feb. 1888. His thesis on "Typhoid 
Fever and Death from Uremic Poisoning," was de- 
livered before the faculty and won the prize, and 
was also pronounced by Prof. Ross as one of the 
ablest productions of any student of Rush College, 
while a letter was written by Dr. Ross to Dr. 
Cauble's preceptor, filled with commendatory 
language. 

Dr. Cauble was born April 2 1. L866 and is one of 
the youngest medical men of the State and the 
youngest practitioner in Vermilion County. He 
seems intent upon reaching the highest round in 
the ladder of his profession, and never wearies in 
studying and writing upon subjects connected with 
his noble calling. He is especially proficient in the 
subject of the diseases of women and children. The 




citizens of Sidell may well congratulate themselves 
upon the acquisition of a physician of such marked 
ability. 

The Doctor is a member of the Catholic Church 
and votes with the Democratic party. He was ap- 
pointed County Physician of the district including 
Sidell, and is also the examining physician of the 
Aetna Life Insurance Company of Hartford, and 
he fills a similar position for other insurance com- 
panies. It is his intention to go to Vienna in three 
or tour years and there take instruction under the 
celebrated German medical professors. There is a 
great future in store for Dr. Cauble. 



ARRY L. FREEMAN, junior partner in 
the firm of John Jackson & Co., dealers in 
general merchandise at Sidell, although 
young in years, occupies no secondary posi- 
tion among the business interests of this thriving 
village. He is bright, capable and energetic, and 
is universally popular among the people who have 
known him almost since his boyhood. He was 
born in Fairmount, this county, and is the son of 
Alfred C. and Mary W. (Dustin) Freeman, the 
former a native of Washington County, Pa., and 
the latter of St. Johnsbury,Vt. Mrs. Freeman was 
a direct descendant of Hannah Dustin, one of the 
most notable and heroic women of her time — the 
old Puritan days. 

The parents of our subject came to Illinois prior 
to their marriage, Mr. Freeman settling in Edgar 
County, and Miss Dustin with her parents in this 
county. They were married at Fairmount. The 
father was reared to farming pursuits, but finally 
changing his occupation, became station t.gent of 
the Wabash Railroad at Fairmount, and served in 
that capacity satisfactorily several years. Finally 
in 18G8, he changed his residence to Danville, and 
has been city clerk there for the last sixteen or 
eighteen years. During this time he has made 
many warm friends, having performed the duties 
of his office in an admirable manner, and possessing 
the good judgment and discretion which is so 
essential to every individual occupying a position 
of trust and responsibility. The wife and mother 




'te^w-^f.^ 



jC^T^y-cr-tt/' 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



285 



is still living, and is now about fifty years of age. 
Their family consisted of five children, who were 
named respectively Harry L.. Fred D., Bert D., 
Nettie J., and Edmund G. 

The subject of this notice was born Sept. 8. 18G5- 
He attended school at Danville'during his boyhood 
and youth, and received careful parental training. 
When of suitable years and attainments he launched 
out in life for himself, and at the early age of 
seventeen years became Deputy Assessor and Col- 
lector of Danville Township, which position be 
held for nine years. Shortly after reaching the 
twentieth year of his age he was married, Dec. 2, 
1885, to Miss Jennie W. Jackson, daughter of 
Amos Jackson, a sketch of whom will be found 
elsewhere in this volume. 

Mrs. Freeman was born in Indianola, this county, 
Dec. 3, 1865, where she was reared to womanhood. 
Of her union with our subject there was one child, 
Anna J., born Sept. G, 1887, died Nov. 13, 1888. 
Mr. and Mrs. Freeman removed to Sidell in July, 
1888, in which time our subject became a member 
of the firm above-mentioned. They occupy a neat 
and tasteful dwelling in the southern part of the 
city, and number their friends among its best peo- 
ple. Mr. Freeman votes the Republican ticket, 
and socially, belongs to the Modern Woodmen. 
He has started out in life with fair prospects, and 
has the wishes of hosts of friends for his continued 
prosperity. 



-S~»-!=^*SH-*-4- 



\ 



V 



ILLIAM G. HERRON is the most exten- 



sive farmer in Vermilion County', having 
3,800 acres under his immediate supei 
vision, all of which is in a highly improved state 
of cultivation. The firm of Allerton & Herron was 
established in 1880, when Sam W. Allerton. (if 
Chicago, purchased this extensive tract of land, 
from J. G. Clark, of the Singer Sewing Machine 
Company, who foreclosed the mortgage on the cel- 
ebrated Joseph Sullivan farm, which was called by 
the earlier settlers "Twin Grove." 

Two groves of about 100 acres each on this tract 
of land looked so much alike that the people gave 
the farm the name quoted above. Michael Sulli- 



van was made trustee of the Sterling estate in 
Kentucky and Ohio, by reason of his son Joseph 
being one of the heirs. The father invested the 
funds thus inherited in lands, purchasing them at 
their regular government price, immediately upon 
the reopening of the land office after the Illinois 
Central Railroad's time for choosing its lands in 
the State of Illinois had expired. This period ex- 
tended from 1849 to 1852. 

William G. Herron was born in Madison County, 
Ohio, near London. He remained on a farm until 
he was twenty years old, and there learned bis early 
lessons of industry. His father, Gardner Herron, 
and his mother. Maria (Moraine) Herron, were born 
in Dorchester County, Md. His father was a sol- 
dier in the War of 1812, and at the age of twenty- 
two he removed to Ohio. His mother was brought 
to Madison County when she was four years of age. 
His father and a brother and sister were left or- 
phans ; the sister married and died when sixty 
years of age. Gardner Herron was a man of mod- 
erate circumstances, owning his farm in Madison 
County where he died, which event occurred in 
1855. His wife is still living with a daughter at 
Mahomet, 111. This worthy couple had ten chil- 
dren, of whom four boys and three girls grew to 
maturity; the others died in infancy. 

William G. Herron was born April 6, 1829. His 
educational advantages were exceedingly limited, 
lie was the oldest child of the family, and of course 
was expected to take an important part in carrying 
on the farm. In 1851 he left Ohio in the employ 
of a stockman. On his first visit to Illinois, which 
was at the time indicated, his impressions were not 
favorable to his location in this county, for at the 
time he remarked he would not give ten cents an 
acre for any of the land. So he continued in the 
occupation of drover, proceeding backward and 
forward from Ohio on horseback and in a buggy, 
driving many cattle from Illinois to Ohio and 
Pennsylvania. He became very well acquainted on 
the National Road, so that he knew almost every 
one located on that thoroughfare. He was married 
in 1855 to Miss Evelyn Robison, a native of Mad- 
ison County, Ohio, and the same year he settled in 
Piatt County, 111. His wife is the daughter of 
Tin Unas and Mary (Lane) Robison, the former of 



286 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



whom was one of the early settlers of Madison 
County. He was born in South Carolina, while 
Mrs. Robison was a native of Maryland. They 
came of good Revolutionary stock. The Robison 
family was a leading one in the South, while the 
Lanes were prominent in colonial times. 

After marriage Mr. Herron engaged in farming 
and stock-raising until 1860, when he bought into 
a general meichandise business at Monticello. 111., 
continuing in this with varied results for several 
years. He and S. W. Allerton became acquainted 
in Chicago in 1860. Fortune had favored Mr. Al- 
lerton, and in 1881, when he purchased this vast 
farm, he offered his friend an opportunity that was 
embraced, giving Mr. Herron the entire manage- 
ment of the place. 

The firm of Allerton & Herron was therefore 
formed, and it has been a successful business ven- 
ture from the start. The influence of this firm in- 
duced the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroad to 
forward its work, and Mr. Allerton donated the 
right of way through his land and laid out the vil- 
lage plat of Allerton which is yet in its infancy, but 
on account of its fine location is destined to become 
a good point for shipping grain, cattle and horses. 
General trade is also bound to prosper here, and the 
people of the town have great faith that their hopes 
will lie full}' realized. The large steam elevator was 
put up by Mr. Allerton in 1887, and is operated by 
John II. Herron, our subject's son, and is run in 
the Arm name of Allerton & Herron. Mr. Herron 
gives employment to about twenty-five men, and 
runs from sixty to seventy teams. He is following 
general or mixed farming, and is constantly im- 
proving his large farm. 

Mr. and Mrs. Herron have reared nine children: 
Fannie died when she was twenty -one years of age, 
at the time being a student at the Wesleyan Uni- 
versity at Blootnington, 111.; Emma was married 
June 26, 1889, to Prof . F. W. Martin, of Chaddock 
College, Quincv. 111. She is one of the faculty at 
Chaddock College. She is a graduate of the Wes- 
lyan University and is a Master of Arts and Pro- 
fessor of Greek and Latin; David W. is on a ranch 
at Cedar Rapids, Neb., where he is conducting a 
7,000-acre farm for Allerton. He is married and 
has two children; William H. is connected with the 



United States Geological Survey, and has charge 
of the survey in Kansas; John H. is running the 
steam elevator at Allerton; Una is a student at 
Chaddock College in the class of '90; Edwin is at- 
tending the High School at Mahomet; Clyde is at 
home as is also Ralph, who is attending school. 
Mr. Herron has given all of his children the ben- 
efit of good educational advantages, and they have 
improved them. 

Mr. Herron is an uncomprising and stalwart Re- 
publican and attends most of the conventions his 
party holds. He has served as a member of the Ex- 
ecutive commitee and is President of the Republi- 
can Club of Sidell. lie has been an active mem- 
ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church from boy- 
hood up. He has given large sums to the Wesleyan 
University. He and his wife have been members 
of the Broadband Methodist Episcopal Church for 
many years, where they take great interest in the 
Sunday-school. Mr. Herron was Superintendent 
of the Sabbath-school at Monticello, 111., for 
eighteen years, and in this work he is perhaps bet- 
ter known than in any other, as he began active 
operations in the Sunday-schools thirty years ago, 
and has continued in the work without flagging 
during that long period. He assisted in the for- 
mation of most of the Sunday-schools of Piatt and 
Champaign counties, and also of the southern por- 
tion of Vermilion. In all things he is a leader, 
whether in politics or religion. As a man and as a 
neighbor, there is none who stands higher than 
William G. Herron. 

On another page of the Album appears a fine 
portrait of Mr. Herron, who occupies a prominent 
position among his fellow-men, and is accordingly 
worthy of an important place in a book of this 
character. 



ORIN SPERRY represents the agricultural 
interests of Blount Township as a farmer of 
more than ordinary shrewdness and practical 
ability. He has met with marked success in his 
chosen calling, and has a large farm on section 20, 
which by good management he has made one of 
the most valuable estates in this part of Vermilion 
County. Mr. Sperry is the son of a pioneer fam- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPAICAL ALBUM. 



287 



ilv, was reared here from early childhood, and has 
always made his home here. 

Mr. Sperry is of New England ancestry on his 
father's side, and that parent, whose name was 
Wallace Sperry, was born in the good old State of 
Connecticut. Sarah Watkins, the mother of our 
subject, came of Southern parentage, and she w;is 
born in Maryland. During some period in' their 
lives the parents went to Ohio, in the earl}' days of 
its settlement, and there he was born in Warren 
County Sept. 4, 1828, the sixth of nine children. 
When he was but two years old, in 1830, they 
brought him to this State, and in their new pioneer 
home in Blount Township he was reared to a stal- 
wart, vigorous manhood. He gleaned a practical 
education in the district schools, and his parents 
trained him thoroughly in the duties of life, drill- 
ing him well in all that pertains to a farmer's call- 
ing. When he became independent, after reaching 
man's estate, he bought a Mexican land warrant, 
paying SI 50 for 160 acres of land, which he took 
up on section 20, Blount Township, and still re- 
tains it in his possession. But be has added to 
it as he became more prosperous and wealthy, and 
now owns 509 acres of as fine fanning land as is to 
be found within the limits of the county. He has 
it under admirable tillage, and has a comfortable, 
substantial set of buildings, and everything nec- 
essary to carrying on agriculture to the best ad- 
vantage. 

Mr. Sperry has been twice married. He was first 
wedded Sept. 23, 1852, to Mary Stewart, daughter 
of William and Charlotte Stewart, who at that 
time lived in Scotland, but afterward came to this 
county. Of that marriage nine children were 
born, of whom the following four are living: 
Eli S., who married Sueldo Johnson; Demna, who 
married Wesley Smith; Asa and Eben are yet un- 
married. The others, who died when quite young, 
are William A., Charles F., Clarissa J., George M., 
and Jessie G. Aug. 30, 1883, the household of 
our subject was bereft of the In-loved wife and 
mother, who had been devoted to the interests of 
her family, and was in every respect a true woman 
whom to know was to respect. 

Mr. Sperry was married to his present amiable 
wife Oct. 11, 1888. she is a good housewife and 



looks carefully after the comforts of the inmates of 
the pleasant home over which she presides. Her 
maiden name was Ellen Cozatt, and she is a daugh- 
ter of Henry and Nancy Wood, and widow of 
Peny C. Cozatt. 

Mr. Sherry is a man of sterling worth, one in 
whom his fellow-citizens place the utmost confi- 
dence. He possesses foresight, thrift and sound 
discretion in an eminent degree, and they have been 
factors in his prosperity. In him the United Breth- 
ren Church finds one of its most earnest and valued 
members, who carries bis religion into the every 
day affairs of life. In politics he has been a stanch 
Republican since the early days of the formation of 
the party. 




* oCo * 

ICHAEL McCAUL. There are many 
greater men than their garb would indi- 
cate. We find in the person of this gen- 
tleman a classical scholar who pursued his 
youthful studies with the intention of becoming a 
priest, but untoward circumstances compelled him 
to leave college and engage in manual labor. This 
necessarily changed the whole course of his life 
and we now find him a thorough-going farmer, 
who in company with his brother owns 120 acres 
of land on sections 1 and 6 in Sidell Township. 

Probably Mr. McC'aul is the only man in his 
township who has circumnavigated the globe. 
After leaving college his mother was unwilling to 
have him come to America on account of the 
Civil War, so he went to Australia. He was born 
in County Cavan, Ireland, in August, 1844, and 
pursued his earl}- studies in the common schools 
until the age of fifteen years, when he entered the 
Larrah Classical School in the same count}-, where 
be pursued his studies for three years and then his 
lack of finances compelled him to withdraw. In 
setting out for Australia, he was accompanied by 
his brother, Bernard. They sailed around the coast 
of Africa, doubled Cape Hope and arrived at Mor- 
ton Bay Colony, Queensland, where they became 
employed on the public works, principally railroads 
for five years. 

At the expiration of this time the McC'aul 
brothers determined to come to America and set 



288 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



tail from Melbourne, going up through the Pacific, 
doubling Cape Horn and landing in Liverpool, 
whence they embarked on a steamer to the prom- 
ised land. They arrived in New York in the early 
part of November, 18G7, and thence made their 
way to Marshall County, this State, where they be- 
gan farming together and operated thus several 
years. 

Our subject finally removed to Woodford 
County, where he sojourned a few years, then 
changing his residence to Champaign County, from 
which he came, in 1880, with his brother to his 
present farm. They took out their naturalization 
papers in 1884. Mr. McCaul believes in protection 
to American industries and consequently has iden- 
tified himself with the Republican party. He is in full 
sympathy with the cause of Ireland and a warm 
admirer of Patrick Egan, Patrick Ford and other 
who are endeavoring to free their country from 
the oppressions of British rule. He has signi- 
fied his sympathy in a substantial manner, donat- 
ing liberally of his means. 

The parents of our subject were Bernard and 
Mary (MeEntee) McCaul, natives of County Cavan, 
Ireland, and the father was a farmer by occupation. 
They spent their entire lives upon their native 
soil, each living to be sixty-three years old. Their 
live children were named respectively, Ann. Ed- 
ward, Patrick, Bernard, and Michael. Ann is 
the widow of John Reiley and resides in Sidell 
Township; Edward and Patrick remain in their 
native Ireland. Bernard married Miss Mary 
Gulcheon, a native, like himself of County Cavan, 
and they have three children — Mary, Bernard, and 
Maggie. Michael, our subject, continues in a state 
of single blessedness. 

RANKLIN EMMET ABBOTT, well-known 
5) as one of the most enterprising of the 
younger farmers of Grant Township, was 
born in Brown County, Ohio, Sept. 12, 1859. ami 
came to Illinois with his parents when but six 
years of age. His parents were Wilson and Sarah 
J. (Brown) Abbott, who were natives of Ohio and 
after their removal to Illinois, coming direct to 




Vermilion County, they settled on a farm on sec- 
tion 22 in this same township a short distance 
from where Franklin E. now resides. 

There the family lived for about three years when 
they removed to a rented farm a short distance 
off, ami a year later Mr. Abbott bought a 40- 
acre farm on which the family made their home 
for many years, and on which place Wilson 
Abbott died on Feb. 14. 1883 at the age of fifty- 
two. He was a farmer all his life-time, giving his 
entire time and attention to the work pertaining to 
his farm, and having no desire for notoriety, 
as far as possible avoided public position, never 
holding any office, save such as school director, or 
the like, that he could not evade, lie was known as 
one of the older settlers of the township, which was 
comparatively new when he located here, a quar- 
ter of a century ago. He left behind him a splen- 
did record as a man and as a farmer. Mrs. Sarah 
J. Abbott survived her husband nearly four years, 
dying in the house of her son, Franklin E..on Dec. 
16, 1886, aged fifty-two years. 

Wilson Abbott and wife were the parents of eight 
children, of whom seven are yet living as follows: 
Frances Evelyn, is the wife of Martin Davis, a 
farmer in Grant Township; James L., is married to 
Miss Maggie Schoolcraft, and is also a farmer in 
Grant Township; Franklin E., was next in order 
of birth; Isodora Albertine is the wife of William 
Trueheart, a farmer in Mead County, Kan.; Mary 
Luella and Cyrena Belle, make their home with 
their brother of whom this is written, and Charles 
L. is unmarried and engaged in farm work. 

Franklin E. Abbott, the subject of this sketch, 
has spent his entire life in the county and town- 
ship, where he now lives, siuce he was six years old. 
Two or three years after the death of his father, 
the old farm was sold and the family home has 
since been where Franklin now lives. The elder 
members of the family were justly regarded as the 
very best people in the neighborhood for industry, 
intelligence and straightforward conduct, and 
the younger members are closely following the 
footsteps of their parents. Mr. Abbott is unmar- 
ried, his sisters keeping house for him. He has 
been School Director of the township, and all of the 
family are members of the Christian Church, he 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



289 



being treasurer of the Sabbath-school connected 
therewith. 

Mr. Abbott belongs to that younger element of 
of farmers of Illinois, which is rapidly coming to 
the front, and after attaining that position is 
sure to remain there. He is constructed of the 
material that make a useful citizen and a good 
farmer. 



^f OHN E. TIK IMPSON. The people of ( lak- 
wood Township with one accord declare 
that this is "one of the finest old gentlemen 
within its precincts." This kindly express- 
ion of opinion among those who have known him 
long and well, should in a measure compensate him 
for the affliction from which he is suffering, he hav- 
ing become almost blind and passing many days 
which seem long and dreary. He, however, has a 
mind to direct his farming operations, and is en- 
abled to live comfortably upon his little farm of 
eighty acres, besides which he has eight acres of 
timber, He raises as much stock as the place will 
support comfortably, and in his struggles and la- 
bors has been ablj 7 assisted by his estimable wife — 
a lady possessing all the womanly virtues, devoted 
to her family, remarkably industrious and frugal, 
and who has ordered the ways of her household in 
the most admirable manner. 

The subject of this notice is the offspring of an 
excellent old family, and was one of a pair of twins 
born March 5. 1824, in Clark County, Ohio. His 
boyhood days were spent in his native State, where 
he received a practical education in the common 
school, and when reaching his majority began farm- 
ing for himself. When twenty-five years old he 
was married in 1849, to Miss Sarah E. Simpkins. 
and the young people lived thereafter for three 
years at the Thompson homestead. In 18.02 they 
came to Illinois and settled first in Edgar County, 
where they sojourned five years. Their next re- 
moval was to their present farm, which was then 
merely a tract of wild land with not a stick of tim- 
ber or a shrub upon it. 

Our subject set himself industriously lo work for 
the improvement of his property ably assisted by 
his faithful wife, and making each year some head- 



way toward the desired end. After a lapse of years 
six children were embraced in the family house- 
hold, four of whom are living: Rowena Harriet is 
now the wife of Silas Bean, and the mother of one 
child by her present husband; they live in Hodge- 
man County, Kan. By her first marriage with 
Frank Funk she became the mother of four chil- 
dren; John Henry married Miss Emma Royer; 
they live in Kansas City, Mo., and have two chil- 
dren; Darius S. is unmarried, and has principal 
charge of the home farm, and is a member of Lodge 
No. 489, I. O. O. F.; Charles S. married Miss Re- 
becca Hubbard, and lives in Pilot Township, hav- 
ing no children. 

Mr. Thompson cast his first Presidential vote for 
Zachary Taylor, and was a member of the Old 
Whig party until 1856, when he cast his lot with 
the Republicans at the organization of this part}-. 
He has offic kited as Road Overseer in Edgar County, 
and has been School Director in his present dis- 
trict for eight 3'ears. Socially, he belongs to Lodge 
No. 489 I. O. O. F. at Fithiau, in which he has 
been Right Supporter and Outside Guardian. Mrs. 
Thompson is a devout member of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. Her parents were D. S. and 
Rowena Simpkins, the former of whom was a na- 
tive of Maryland, and later removed with his fam- 
ily to Ohio, settling in Clark Count}', where he be- 
came prominent and well-to-do. The parental 
household included eight children, of whom Mrs. 
Thompson was the fourth in order of birth. She 
was born Nov. 0, 1828, in Maryland, and received 
an excellent education. Her parents spent their 
last years in Clark County, Ohio. 

The father of our subject was Jeremiah C. 
Thompson, a native of Harper's Ferry, Va., and a 
farmer by occupation. He married Miss Susannah 
Wolfe, a maiden of his own township and a daugh- 
ter of Henry Wolfe, a native of Virginia and a 
prominent man of his time, who lived till nearly 
eight}' years of age. From the Old Dominion, 
about a year after their marriage, the parents "f 
our subject emigrated to Clark County. Ohio, set- 
tling among its earliest pioneers. The father in due 
time became owner of nearly 400 acres of land and 
was prominent in the community, officiating as 
Justice of the Peace and occupying other positions 



290 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPAICAL ALBUM. 



of trust and responsibility. He departed this life 
at the old homestead in 1851. The mother had 
preceded her husband to the silent land eleven 
years, her death taking place in 1840. They were 
the parents of eleven children, the most of whom 
lived to mature years, and were scattered through 
different States. 



WILLIAM CLIPSON, deceased, was form- 
erly an honored resident of Vermilion 
County, with whose farming interests he 
was identified. Coming here with his family when 
this section of the country was still in the hands of 
the pioneers and purchasing land in Catlin Town- 
ship, he was actively engaged in its improvement, 
and in the few years that he was spared to the 
community he greatly increased the value of his 
farm. His death when but a few years past the me- 
ridian of life was a severe blow to the township 
with whose interests his own were bound up, and 
his name and memory are still cherished here by 
those who knew him best. 

He was of English birth and breeding, born in 
Lincolnshire, May 18, 1806, and reared to man- 
hood in a town known as Minonsby, where he 
lived till he was about eighteen years old, when he 
went to Devonshire, England. He was first married 
in that shire to Jane Shaw, by whom he had eight 
children, of whom only two lived to grow up, 
Catherine and Jane. Catherine is the wife of Mil- 
ligan M. Moore, of Georgetown, 111. Jane married 
John Swanell, and died in Leavenworth, Kan., in 
1859. After his marriage Mr. Clipson removed to 
London, and there his wife died Jul}' 1, 1839. 
"While in Devonshire he enlisted as a soldier in the 
British Army, and served as messman to King 
William. After his removal to London he served 
on the police force of that city, and was afterward 
inspector for the London Gas Company for some 
ten or twelve years, and at the same time was en- 
gaged in the management of a hotel. He was mar- 
ried a second time in that city, his union with 
Miss Matilda Ann Barker being solemnized Nov. 5, 
1840. She was born in Boston, Lincolnshire, Eng- 
land, Dec 22, 1815. Of the thirteen children born 



of her marriage with our subject the following six 
grew to maturity: William H., John C, James, 
Harriet A., Richard, Albert. William married 
Mirantha Tipton, and they reside in Clarinda, 
Iowa. John C. married Margaret Hutchinson, and 
they reside in Clarinda, Iowa. James married Cla- 
rissa Douglas, and they reside in Catlin Township. 
Albert married Ethlen Sanford, and they reside in 
Catlin Township. Harriet and Richard live with 
their mother on the old homestead. 

Mr. and Mrs. Clipson continued to live in Lon- 
don till the spring of 1853, when they emigrated to 
America with their family, making the voyage on 
a sailing vessel in six weeks, and landed in New 
York, whence they came directly to Vermilion 
County. They settled in Catlin Township, cast- 
ing in their lot with its pioneers, and here he en- 
gaged in farming, having purchased 160 acres of 
wild land. He caused a good house to be erected, 
and made man}' other substantial improvements, 
besides getting much of the land under excellent 
cultivation, and was continually increasing the 
value of his farm, when death closed his busy, use- 
ful career July 6, 1862. He was a man of varied 
experience in life; intelligent and thoughtful, and 
his place in this township was among its best and* 
most desirable citizens. He was a fair-minded 
man, and was possessed of ripe judgment, tact and 
sound discretion, and was always found to be faith- 
ful and trustworthy in his dealings, so that his life- 
record is without stain. His venerable widow is 
still making her home on the old homestead, sur- 
rounded by all the comforts that the loving care of 
her children can devise. She is a fine lady of well- 
known English stock, is hospitable and entertain- 
ing, and with her family occupies a high position 
in the social circles of the community. She is a 
valued member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
and has been connected with it for more than 
twenty years, and her conduct in the daily affairs 
of life show her to be possessed of a truly religious, 
Christian nature. 

Richard and Albert Clipson, sons of our subject, 
have formed a partnership and are extensively en- 
gaged in the stock business. Besides having the 
management of the old homestead, the}* own and 
operate 360 acres of choice farming land. They 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



291 



buy and ship a large amount of stock, having sev- 
eral men in their employ who are engaged all the 
time in buying for them. The firm is well-known 
throughout this part of the West and stands high 
in financial circles, as the Clipson Bros, are known 
tn be men of honor who are always fair and up- 
right in their dealings. They are men of large en- 
terprise, full of energy and push, and possess a 
marked talent for business, which they conduct 
systematically and after the most approved meth- 
ods. Richard Clipson is a member of the I. O. 0. F., 
of Catlin. and Albert belongs to the Modern 
"Woodmen Camp of Catlin. 



s^W 7 



UGH WRIGHT is the son of William, whose 
father, Hugh, was a native of Bourbon Co., 
Ky., where he married Miss Anna Patter- 
'^*)l son. After their marriage they removed to 
Bourbon County, Kentucky, where they located on 
a farm and reared their family of eight children. 
viz.: William, John, Hugh. Thomas, Margred, 
Polly, Peggy, and our subject's father. William. 
The four eldest died at an early age; Margred. the 
fifth child, married a Mr. Piper, who is now de- 
ceased, after which she was again married to Eli 
Current, of Kentucky, who also died. She, how- 
ever, continued to live in Kentucky. Polly and 
her husband, Mr. Piper, both died leaving two chil- 
dren: Peggy, the seventh, married James Loonian, 
who died. She now resides in Kansas. The sub- 
ject's father, the eighth and last born, was married 
in Kentucky, to Miss Ellen, daughter of Silas and 
Margaret (Duffy) Waters. 

The subject's grandfather was a native of Vir- 
ginia but removed to Kentucky when the children 
were young. In 1828 Hugh's father with his 
family came to this county: there were at this time 
lint three children, Hugh, Silas and James. The 
latter was born in Rush County, Ind.. where the 
parents lived one year previous to coming here. 
Those born here are John A.. William A., now de- 
ceased, Margaret A., who died at the age of eight- 
een years, and Elizabeth, who married John Rut- 
ledge. 



Since her husband's death Mrs. Rutledge 



has lived in McLean County. The first settlement 
made here by the father was some three miles north 
of Danville. At the time of his location here there 
were but three white families in the village, this 
part of the county being chiefly occupied by In- 
dians. The land had not yet come into market : 
he, however, ventured to settle in the timber, and 
reckoned that the prairies would never become 
populated. The first house was made of logs, and 
the fireplace was concocted of a substance called 
stone-coal, which was supposed to be fire-proof. 
This, however, proved to be a mistake, for the fire 
was no sooner built than the stone-coal at once be- 
gan to burn, and it was with difficulty that the 
cabin itself was saved. After considerable exertion 
the flames were extinguished. Immediately after 
this disaster what remained of the coal chimney 
was torn down and it was replaced by a stick and 
clay one. 

The little log cabin was soon surrounded by a 
nicely cultivated farm, and later, in its stead a 
pretty house might be seen. There the family 
lived for ten years. During this time the vil- 
lage of Denmark, as it is now called, was started. 
It was a rough frontier town situated near to the 
house of our subject's father. On account of the 
many disadvantages arising from their nearness to 
Denmark, the father sold his farm and removed to 
this township, which was better suited to his taste, 
line he spent his last days. His death occurred in 
1845. His wife survived him by thirty-six years. 
She died at Farmer's City, McLean County, in 
1881, her daughter being with her at the time. 

Hugh Wright was married first in this county to 
Miss Manerva, daughter of Peter and Elizabeth 
Payne, who came from New York, their native 
city, to be pioneers in this county. Of this mar- 
riage there were six children: Margaret, America. 
Mary, Fannie, now Mrs. Henry Radymaker, Clarissa 
and Frank. Margaret and America are no longer 
living; Mary is now Mrs. Samuel A. Oliver, and 
resides in Southern Texas; Clarissa married Mr. 
Staunton Foster and lives in this township: Fannie 
and her husband are living in Armstrong. The 
whole family are members of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church, of which the father was a Class- 
Leader for many years. Hugh Wright's first wife 



2<J2 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



died in April, 1881. After .seven years lie was 
again married to Mrs. Stacy (Potts) Wikoff. This 
happy, event took place in Nov. 1888. By her 
first husband she had three children: Thomas, 
Ellen and James. Wikoff is a name well remem- 
bered among the old families of Ohio. 

Mr. Wright is the proprietor of a fine farm com- 
prising 400 acres all under good cultivation. This 
he has made his home, adding yearly to it all the 
advantages and improvements that suggest them- 
selves. An important feature in his character is 
his business accuracy and punctuality. These 
enable him at any time to command the assistance 
of any bank with which he does business. Besides 
the farm on which he lives, he is the owner of 800 
acres, all fine farms, in this township. His mill 
has been improved and an artesian well has been 
supplemented to the list of conveniences on his 
premises. 

Mr. Wright's father seems to have been consti- 
tutionally destitute of fear. He was made, as it 
were, without that peculiar faculty which makes 
people take danger into the account and try to 
keep at a distance from it. The full possession of 
this deficiency (if the phrase is not too direct a 
contradiction in terms) is now quite uncommon. 
It was therefore without trepidation that he made 
a friend of Wapanim, the chief of an Indian tribe. 
They were in fact on such friendly terms that .Mr. 
Wright did not hesitate to allow his son Hugh, 
who was then a child, to ride on the Indian's back 
through the woods. The tribe was at that time a 
peaceful one. 

One day while talking with Mr. Wright the 
chief requested him to report anything that a mem- 
ber of his tribe might do which did not happen to 
meet with Mr. Wright's approbation. This request 
was soon to be made use of. The occasion was as 
follows: A stalwart Indian came to the house and 
threatened to harm our subject's mother for having 
refused to give him the eggs that he had asked for. 
This fact was stated to the chief, who had the In- 
dian whipped most severely. The lash used was a 
stout one and was plied by a strong hand. The 
result was that the poor creature's skin was broken 
ami the raw bleeding flesh exposed. Still the pun- 
ishment was continued so long that fully a pint of 



blood must have been shed. .Mi'. Wright and his 
family were called upon to witness the scene. 

This little incident is given partly to direct at- 
tention to the care and assiduity with which this 
exceptionally good chief guarded the interests of 
the white families against the barbarous injustice of 
his own men. Wapinim spoke English well, and 
for a man of his type was unusually intelligent. 

Hugh Wright was seventeen years old when he 
got his first suit of store clothes, which he bought 
with the money he himself had earned by tramping 
out some oats with horses and hauling them to 
Chicago, where they sold at ten cents per bushel. 
Before this his clothes were such as his mother 
would make by means of the old spinning-wheel. 
He was very proud of his new apparel, which cost 
him $10, the price of 100 bushels of oats. 



/p^EORGE WHEELER JONES, M. D., one 
11/ (— , of the foremost physicians of the State of Illi- 
^^Ji nois, and who has a fine professional reputa- 
tion beyond its borders, was born in Bath, Steuben 
Co., N. Y., in February, 1839. Dr. Jones' father, 
John S. Jones, also a physician, was born in High- 
land, Kings Co., N. Y., and his father, John Jones, 
was born in or near New York City. They were 
of Welsh ancestry. Dr. Jones, father of George 
W., commenced the study of medicine while quite 
a young man, and was graduated from the medical 
college at Albany, after which he practiced his pro- 
fession in New York State until 1847, when he re- 
moved to Indiana and settled in Covington, practi- 
cing there many years. He removed from Coving- 
ton to Danville, where he died in the fall of 1871, 
but a few months after his last removal. Dr. 
Jones, St., married Charlotte Wheeler, a native of 
Steuben County, N. Y. Her father, George 
Wheeler, was a native of Connecticut, and they 
trace their ancestry to England. The mother of 
the subject of this article still resides in Danville. 
There were seven children born to her: George 
W., James S. (deceased), L} T dia, Frank and 
Caleb (deceased), Mary S. and Lottie E. James 
enlisted, at the age of eighteen, in the 63d Indiana 
Infantry, and was mustered in as private, but was 




Residence and Farm Property of John Leemon.om 




EC's A. «l1 0.(23 = 12.) and Sex's. 33. (24.-12.) Vermilion &. Iroquois Cos. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



297 



rapidly promoted through different grades until he 
reached the rank of Quartermaster. He served 
until the close of tiie war, and is now deceased. 

Dr. G. W. Jones attended the public schools in 
New York State and later in Covington, and finally 
completed his literary studies at Wabash College, 
and also began the study of medicine with his 
father and uncle Caleb Jones, at Covington. He 
attended several courses of lectures at a medical 
college in Chicago, during which time he received 
private instructions from Dr. Byford, of that city. 
In March, 1862, he was graduated, and imme- 
diately entered the army as Acting Surgeon of the 
26th Illinois Regiment. After a few month's serv- 
ice in that capacity he was tendered a commission 
with the rank of Major and Surgeon of that regi- 
ment, but preferred to be with his brother in the 
63d Indiana, and accepted the position of Assistant 
Surgeon of that regiment, where he served until 
the close of the war. For two years he was one of 
the Surgeons in charge of the field hospital of the 
third division of the 23d army corps. He served 
with Sherman in the Atlanta campaign, and also in 
the operations against Hood's army in Tennessee. 
He carries the scars of the wound received at 
Pumpkin Vine Creek, caused by the explosion of a 
shell. After being mustered out of the service in 
1865 he came to Danville, and at once inaugurated 
a successful practice. Dr. Jones has a brilliant war 
record, and one of which he can justly feel proud. 
The subject of this sketch was married in 1865, 
to Emery n K. Enos, of Cincinnati, Ohio, and a 
daughter of Benjamin and Susan Enos. She is the 
mother of one child, Hubert W. Dr. Jones and 
wife are members of Holy Trinity (Episcopal) 
Church. Politically, the Doctor is a stanch Repub- 
lican, and for many years has served as a member 
of the Pension Board, a position he has filled with 
marked ability. He is a member of the following 
medical societies: The Vermilion County Medical 
Society, The Illinois Central, Chicago Medical So- 
ciety, Illinois State Medical Society, Mississippi 
Valley, and the American Medical Association. 
He was a delegate to the meeting of the Inter- 
national Medical Congress which met in Washing- 
ton, I). C. in 1888, and which was composed of 
many of the scientific men of the world. While 



Dr. Jones stands at the head of his profession in 
his portion of the country, he is reckoned as one of 
the best of neighbors and citizens. The Doctor is a 
member of Lodge No. 69, I. O. ( >. F., of Danville, 
and also a prominent Mason, officiating with Ori- 
ental Consistory of Chicago, and several other 
secret societies. 



•:<■•■>:■ 



OHX LEEMON. The man who has flowing 
through his veins the blood of an honor- 
able ancestry has occasion for being proud, 
for he has thus been endowed with thai 
which is better than silver and gold. If he has like- 
wise been endowed with the wisdom to improve his 
talent, he is doubly fortunate, for no matter what 
circumstances surround him, he is usually able to 
fight his way resolutely to success. Some men are 
met with seemingly more than their share of ad- 
versity, while the course of others is comparatively 
smooth, but in either event men usually have about 
all they wish to contend with of trouble and toil. 
Those who have succeeded in breasting the waves 
are naturally looked up to by their fellow-men, 
among whom they become captains and leaders. 

The subject of this notice presents a fine illus- 
tration of the results of perseverance, and what 
man may accomplish from a very humble begin- 
ning. Commencing in life without other resources 
than Ids own energy and resolution, he climbed his 
way steadilj- upward until he is now a man of 
property and importance, owning one of the finest 
farms in Central Illinois. This comprises 1,080 
acres in one body, occupying the greater portions 
of sections 4 and 10, township 2:!. range 12, the 
residence being on -Land the balance in J roquois 
County on the north, in township 2 1. range 12 
In Fountain Creek he has 520 acres, and 120 acres 
near East Lynn. In Scott and Christian counties 
he has an interest in 1,785 acres. The home farm, 
which has naturally been under the especial over- 
sight of the proprietor, has been brought to a high 
state of cultivation, and niainh devoted to general 
farming together with stock-raising. The residence 
with its surroundings, which are represented by a 
lithographic engraving on another page, give it 



298 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



the air of plenty and comfort which is delightful to 
contemplate. The buildings and machinery are 
all that is required for the successful prosecution 
of agriculture. 

Mr. Leemon was born of Scotch parentage in 
County Armagh in the North of Ireland, May 8, 
L829, and emigrated to America when he was 
twenty-two years old, coming directly to Illinois 
and settling in Jersey County. He worked out by 
the month, first at *12, and during the winter sea- 
son husked corn at fifty cents per day and board. 
His wants were few, and at these small wages he 
managed to save a little money until he had enough 
to buy a team. This accomplished, he rented a 
tract of land in Jersey County, where he carried 
on farming until 1856. In the meantime he had 
come to this county and purchased 444 acres of 
wild land. As soon as possible he commenced its 
improvement and cultivation at a time when there 
was not a house in that vicinity, excepting the one 
occupied by Mr. Hoopes, with whom he boarded, 
going back and forth to his place, two and one- 
halt' miles, night and morning. 

In the fall of 1857 Mr. Leemon put. up a small 
house on his farm, and, like the bachelor of old, 
'•lived by himself," until he judged it prudent to 
take unto himself a wife. In the meantime he 
planted forest and fruit trees, set out a goodly 
amount of hedge, and instituted the improvements 
which, as time passed on, resulted in making his 
farm a very valuable and desirable piece of prop- 
erty. He has now two windmills and a feedmill. 
his bam being underlaid with water-pipes which 
lead to various tanks wherever required for the 
convenience of stock. The wet land has been 
thoroughly drained with tiling, which was con- 
vexed from Bloominglon. When Mr. Leemon 
settled here wild animals of all kinds were plentiful, 
especially deer and wolves. He has seen as many 
as seventy-five deer in one herd, while men fre- 
quently got together to hunt the wolves, which 
hunger made altogether too familiar to suit the 
settlers, sometimes stealing the deer meat from 
their doors. 

When the time came that Mr. Leemon felt that 
lie could justifiably assume the responsibility of a 
family, he was united in marriage with MissLodema 



Brown, of Butler Township, the wedding taking 
place at Rossville Aug. 26, 1865. Mr. and Mrs. 
Leemon commenced the journey of life together in 
their own home, and in due time they became the 
parents of six children, the eldest of whom, a 
daughter, Izele, died at the age of twelve years. 
The survivors are Lida, Robert A., John A., 
Charles N. and Edith, and they are all at home 
with their parents, being given the training 
and education which will fit them for their proper 
station in life, as the offspring of one of the first 
families of this county. 

Cpon becoming a voting citizen Mr. Leemon 
identified himself with the Democratic party, but 
in local or State politics, votes independently, 
aiming to support the men whom he considers best 
qualified to serve the interests of the people. He 
has been the incumbent of nearly every office in 
Fountain Creek Township. He served as Justice 
of the Peace eight years, also as School Director, 
and Trustee, and Supervisor for four years, and 
has uniformly distinguished himself as a man of 
progressive and liberal ideas — one willing to give 
his time and influence to those enterprises calcu- 
lated for the general good. He was reared in the 
doctrines of the Presbyterian Church. During the 
early days he labored early and late, frequently 
plowing all night long and resting a part of the 
day, on account of the flies. Notwithstanding this he 
took good care of his health, never abusing himself 
by using liquor, and is consequently still a well- 
preserved man and able to enjoy the fruits of his 
labors, now that he is in a condition to retire. 
Many of the enterprises of Hoopestown have found 
in Mr. Leemon a substantial friend and benefactor. 
He is Vice President and Director of the new bank. 

Thomas Leemon, the father of our subject, was 
likewise a native of the North of Ireland, to which 
his forefathers had been driven during the times of 
religious persecution in Scotland. lie married 
Miss Elizabeth Thompson, and they reared a fam- 
ily of six children, all of whom followed our sub- 
ject to America in 1854, three years after his arri- 
val here. The} 7 sojourned for a time in Jersey 
County, this State, then removed to Christian 
Count}', where the father died in 1862. The 
mother survived her husband some years, and 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



299 



spent her last days with her son John, passing 
away in 1883. Samuel and William Leemon, the 
two brothers of our subject, are residents of Chris- 
tian County. Mrs. Leemon was born near Lock- 
port, in Niagara County, N. Y., and when about 
seventeen \ - ears old emigrated with her parents to 
Indiana, where she lived until about twenty-two 
years old. They then removed to East Lynn, this 
county. Her father, John Brown, spent his last 
days in Marysville. EastTenn., where he died some 
years ago. The mother, Mrs. Catherine (Bears) 
Brown, still lives, and makes her home with her 
daughter, at the advanced age of eighty-one years. 



-Sfe- 



-fc— 



3* 



OHN R. THOMPSON. Few men are bet- 
ter known throughout Oakwood Township 
than Mr. Thompson. He owns a good farm 
of GOO acres, on sections 24 and 25, where he 
has effected most of the improvements upon it, 
erecting the barn and other buildings, and himself 
clearing 150 acres. He has made a specialty of 
sheep-raising — Shropshire* and Merinos — and has 
probably had a larger experience in this industry 
than any other man in the county. In this he has 
been uniformly successful, and maintains that the 
only money he has ever made and saved, he has 
accumulated in this manner. He has also dealt 
largely in cattle, swine and general farm produce, 
and cultivates 250 acres, which, from its soil and 
location, is classed among the best land in the 
township. He is a lover of the equine race like- 
wise and has four fine specimens of thorough-bred 
Kentucky running stock, two of Harkaway, one of 
(Muster, and one from 'Laurence, promising young 
horses, who will probably make a fine record. Mr. 
Thompson proposes retiring from active labor in 
the near future, which he can well afford to do, 
having an ample competence. 

The eighth in a family of eighteen children, our 
subject was born April 12, 1830, in Washington 
County, Pa. His parents were Joseph and Nancy 
(Stoughton) Thompson, natives respectively of 
New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The paternal 
grandfather was a native of Wales, whence he emi- 
grated to America at an early day. Joseph 



Thompson and his wife spent their entire lives in 
their native State, the father dying in 18G5, and 
the mother in 1880. Thirteen of their children 
lived to mature years, and ten are still living, mak- 
ing their homes mostly in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illi- 
nois and Kansas. 

The boyhood days of Mr. Thompson were spent 
in his native county and his education wasacquired 
in the district school, after which he engaged in 
farm work until 1851. Then, having reached his 
majority, he started for the farther West, landing 
in this county and for six years thereafter operated 
as a shepherd, thus gaining his knowledge of the 
proper care and treatment of sheep. He watched 
his flocks on the wild prairie when the settlers were 
few and far between and occupying farms within 
a mile of the timber. In coming to Illinois Mr. 
Thompson drove a flock of 1,300 sheep for another 
man. being sixty-six days on the way. He attended 
these until the spring of 1852 then returned to his 
native State and returned with a flock of 1,500 to 
this county, making the entire distance on foot and 
consuming seventy-two days. 

On the 27 of November, 185G, our subject was 
united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth, daughter 
of David C. Wright, who had died previously. 
The young people commenced the journey of life 
together on a rented farm which they occupied i liree 
years, Mr. Thompson still maintaining his inter- 
est in sheep, which he began to raise in goodly 
numbers and which brought him handsome returns. 
In due time he purchased 1G0 acres of land adja- 
cent to that which he now owns. He lived upon 
this four years, then sold it and purchased 190 
acres, partly improved and near the timber. Three 
years later he Mild out once more and purchased 
his present farm. 

To Mr. and Mr. Thompson there were born 
twelve children, one of whom died young. The 
survivors form an unusually bright and interesting 
group, of which the parents are justly proud. The 
eldest, Joseph Morton, married Miss Mollj Steen 
and is a leading member of the (i. A. R.. of Dan- 
ville. D. Lincoln married Miss Melissa Hall and 
is senior member of the firm of Thompson Bros., 
general merchants at Fithian; he has two children. 
Annie, Mrs. Elijah Board, is the mother of one 



300 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



child and lives in Oakwood Township; Nellie F., 
John R., (iertie K.. Ulysses S., Franciena, Maude, 
Harrison and Dollie, are at home with their pa- 
rents. The firm of Thompson Bros., is conspicuous 
for its admirable business abilities and has few 
equals in this part of the country. The children 
of our subject have all been given an excellent edu- 
cation, four of the six eldest receiving first-grade 
certificates. Joseph M. was graduated from the 
University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, receiving 
special instruction from Judge Cooley. 

Mr. Thompson votes the straight Republican 
ticket, being the only one of seven brothers who 
cast his lot with this party — the other six and the 
the father being staunch Democrats. He has offi- 
ciated as School Director most of the time since 
coining to Oakwood Township and has been Path- 
master for many years. Socially, he belongs to 
the 1. O. O. F. at Fithian and has passed all the 
Chairs and through the Encampment. A man 
never idle when there is anything to do, he has 
made for himself a good record in point of industry 
and perseverance. One of the most, fortunate 
things which has fallen to his lot is his estimable 
and sensible wife, a lady greatly esteemed in her 
community for her excellent qualities of character 
ami her devotion to her family. 

Mis. Thompson was the eldest child of her pa- 
rent,* and was born Dec. 26, 1837, in Champaign 
County. 111. Of the four children horn to her pa- 
rents three are now living, one residing in Iowa 
and one in Nebraska. Her grandfather, John 15. 
Wright, of Pennsylvania, removed first to Indiana 
and then to this county of which he was one of the 
pioneer settlers. 




fclLLIAM WILSON BUCHANAN, junior 
member of the firm of Crimmins & Bucha- 
nan, is with his partner operating the liv- 
ery stable at Sidell. and is highly popular among 
the residents of this well-regulated little village. 
He also operates considerably as an auctioneer and 
salesman. He is a man of undoubted ability, and 
line personal appearance, and possesses those correct 
ideas in relation to both public and private life 



from which spring the better elements of society. 
lie was born in Gentry County, Mo., March 17, 
1859. 

The parents of our subject were Enoch and Su- 
san (Beard) Buchanan, the father a native of Ohio 
and the mother of Kentucky. The paternal grand- 
father removed from the Buckeye State and settled 
in Edgar County, 111. about 1845, bringing his 
family with him. He and his father both served 
in the war of 1812. The Buchanan family is of 
Scotch ancestry and upon coming to this country, 
settled in Pennsylvania where they carried on farm- 
ing. They were a large, muscular set of people 
and usually thrifty and well-to-do. Enoch Bucha- 
nan was reared to manhood in Edgar Count}', this 
State, but was married in Vermilion County, 
whence he moved to Missouri about 1854, settling 
on a farm near Fairview. The troubles during the 
Civil War induced him to return to Illinois and in 
the meantime his property was destroyed. He was 
thus left without resources, but set himself to work 
and was prospered, finally becoming the owner of 
a farm in Carroll Township. He departed this 
life in 1878 after an active career of fifty years. 
The mother is still living and makes her home with 
our subject; she is now -fifty-eight years old. 
Their four children were named respective!}', Sarah, 
John, William Wilson and Elizabeth. The eldest 
daughter is a resident of Carroll Township; John 
died at the age of one year; Elizabeth became the 
wife of Benjamin Black, one of the leading citi- 
zens of Carroll, Township. 

Our subject acquired his education in the com- 
mon school and as his father's business called the 
latter away from home, William W., being the 
only son, necessarily assumed the responsibility 
of looking after the family, although but twenty 
years of age. In 1878 Mr. Buchanan engaged in 
the sewing machine business which he followed un- 
til the spring of 1889. At the same time he super- 
intended the operation of his farm. He was 
married in 1881 to Miss Alice C. Gilroy at her 
home in Carroll Township. Mrs. Buchanan is the 
daughter of William and Elizabeth (Beard) Gilroy, 
whose parents came to this county in 1845 and 
were among the pioneer settlers of Carroll Town- 
ship. The mother is still living and makes her 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



301 



home in Butler County, Kan.; she is about fifty- 
two years old. Of her first marriage there was 
born one child only— Mrs. Buchanan. After the 
death of her first husband she was married twice, 
having three children by the second husband and 
one by the third. 

Mrs. Buchanan was reared to womanhood in 
Carroll Township, this county, and completed her 
studies in the High School at Indianola. Of her 
union with our subject there have been born four 
children — Essie, Leila, Floy E. and Lima. Mr. 
Buchanan, politically, votes the Democratic ticket 
and socially belongs to the Modern Woodmen 
Camp at Indianola. The firm of which he is a 
member was organized April 17, 1880, but not- 
withstanding the business is comparatively new, is 
in the enjoyment of a good patronage. They have 
put in an excellent stock of new buggies and 
harness, have good horses, and, in fact, conduct 
their enterprise in a manner which makes it ex- 
tremely popular among the people of this region. 
They are consequently justified in their expectations 
of the future. 

Aside from his livery business Mr. Buchanan is 
recognized as one of the leading auctioneers of 
this county, operating principally along its south- 
ern line. He has been in practice for the last five 
years, his transactions being principally in live- 
stock deals. He is thus widely known throughout 
Western Indiana and Northern Illinois. He also 
officiated as Constable of Carroll Township. 



WTLLIAM DAVIS. The man who has thought 
much and studied much, and whose char- 
acter has commended itself to his fellow- 
men, naturally has an influence in shaping their 
views and opinions; and this influence will be felt 
long after he has been gathered to his fathers. Here 
and there we find one far in advance of his age — 
one whose children will probably live to see the 
lime when his prophecies will have been fulfilled 
and his ideas adopted by a later generation. These 
thoughts involuntarily arise in contemplating the 
career of Mr. Davis, who is a man of more than 
ordinary intelligence, possessing a mind filled with 



those broad and philanthropic ideas which must 
necessarily in time become of benefit to the human 
race. He was born with a natural antipathy to 
tyranny in all its forms, believing with Patrick 
Henry, that deatli is preferable to oppression. He 
is totally averse to trusts and monopolies and when- 
ever opportunity occurs lifts up his voice against 
those corporations which have proved the ruin, not 
only of individuals, but sometimes almost of entire 
communities. 

Mr. Davis was one of the earliest pioneers of 
Vermilion County and was at an early day acknowl- 
edged as one of its leading men. He was born in 
Guernsey County, Ohio, Jan. 25, 1811, and was the 
third in a family of ten children, the offspring of 
Henry and Rachel (Polock) Davis, both natives of 
Pennsylvania and the father born in Greene 
County. The paternal grandfather, also a native 
of the Keystone Stale, was a patriot of the Revolu- 
tionary War. after which he settled in Ohio, reared 
two families of twelve children each and departed 
this life about 1823. Grandfather Polock died in 
Guernsey County about 1820. This branch of the 
Davis family was of Dutch and Welsh descent while 
the Polocks traced their ancestry to Ireland. Henry 
Davis occupied himself largely as a farmer and was 
also successfully engaged in raising tobacco. 

The parents of our subject after marriage lived 
in Pennsylvania two years, then in 1807 made their 
way to the young State of Ohio, accompanied by 
grandfather Polock, and settled in Guernsey 
County. The mother of our subject died in Illi- 
nois in 1848. The father survived his wife five 
years, dying in 1853. They came to Illinois in 
the fall of 1836. Mr. Davis, prior to this, had vis- 
ited Illinois four times, being determined to settle 
here. Five of their children are still living, making 
their homes in Illinois and Iowa. 

The boyhood and youth of our subject were 
spent amid the wild scenes of pioneer life during 
the early settlement of Ohio and lie naively states 
that the only bear hunt he ever took part in was 
when he was five months old and his father killed 
the bear. He attended school two months in the 
winter season for a few years, and after reaching 
his majority began making arrangements for the 
establishment of a home of his own. In the fall of 



302 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



1834, he was married to Miss Elizabeth, daughter 
of David Hayes of Washington Count}', Pa. The 
young couple thirteen days afterward started for 
Illinois with a wagon and accompanied by an uncle 
of our subject and his brother Azariah with his 
wife and child. Thej r were nineteen days on the 
journey and Mr. and Mrs. Davis walked nearly all 
the way. 

Mr. Davis received from his father seventy-seven 
acres of land in Vance Township, this county, upon 
which was a hewed log cabin. The newly wedded 
pair had brought with them a couple of beds and 
a few things stowed away in sacks, while Mr. Davis 
had his ax and gun. Two hours after reaching their 
destination they were visited by prairie wolves 
which were frequent callers for many years after- 
ward. After obtaining some wheat which had been 
raised on his place the year before, Mr. Davis re- 
paired to Eugene, Ind., and selling this wheat. 
purchased a few cooking utensils. He and his 
wife had stools to sit upon and a table made by 
boring holes in the log wall of their dwelling, driv- 
ing in a couple of pins and laying a few slabs 
across. 

In those days there were only a few houses 
between Catlin and Sidney. Homer was not in 
existence. The Wabash Railway track was sur- 
veyed in 1837. Our subject's little farm was 
partly broken before it became his, his father 
giving him the deed for it in 1837. He was suc- 
cessful in his first farming operations, although he 
had very crude implements with which to culti- 
vate the soil and no help save that of his wife. 
He struggled along in the new country and grew 
slowly with it. He thinks the most prosperous 
times for this "section were between 1850 and I860 
and the two years following the close of the war. 

Ten children came to bless the union of Mr. 
and Mrs. Davis, seven of whom grew to mature 
years. Rachel became the wife of Daniel Roudebush 
who is now deceased; she has four children and 
lives near Portland, Ore.; Edith married Ben- 
jamin Browning and became the mother of four 
children; they live near .Sacramento, Cal.; D. Cook 
married for his second wife a Mrs. Miller of Pen- 
field, 111., and they have six children; Henry is 
written of elsewhere in this volume; Jemima is the 



wife of Sullivan Cox, lives in Dement and has one 
child; Lydia, E., the wife of George W. Baird, is 
the mother of four children and they live in Vance 
Township. 

Mrs. Elizabeth (Hayes) Davis departed this life 
at the homestead in the fall of 1861. 

Our subject contracted a second matrimonial al- 
liance Aug. 21, 18(J3, with Miss Mary C. , daughter 
of Lawrence T. Catlett and sister of Hiram and 
Harold Catlett of Vance Township. Mrs. Davis 
was the third in a family of twelve children and 
was born Aug. 23, 1821, in Charlottesville, Va. 
She attended school for a time in her native State 
and completed a good education in Ohio. She fol- 
lowed the profession of a teacher for some years 
prior to her marriage. The family came to Illinois 
in 1846 and Miss Mary taught school for some 
time in this county. She is a most estimable and 
worthy lady, kind, generous and hospitable anil 
especially attentive to those in affliction. She has 
always been interested in educational matters and 
donated $75 from her own private purse to the 
university at Upper Alton. She also gave $50 to 
the Baptist Church in Danville of which both she 
and her husband have been members for many 
years, Mr. Davis serving as Deacon and Trustee 
and both laboring earnestly in the Sunday-school. 
The health of Mrs. Davis for the past two years 
has been delicate, preventing her from pursuing 
this good work as she would have liked. 

Mr. Davis, more fortunate than many of his com- 
peers, financially, received $2,500 from his father and 
had the good judgment to take care of it and add to 
it. He is now the owner of about 1,000 acres of land 
in this county and five good houses. He has an 
interest in the implement firm of Davis & Stearns, 
and also in a large grain warehouse. Besides this 
he owns fifteen or eighteen lots in Fairmount and 
has given to each of his children $3,500. He 
donated $1,000 to the Douglas University at Chi- 
cago, $500 to the Wabash Railroad, $500 to the 
university at Upper Alton and has always been a 
liberal supporter of the schools, churches and other 
worthy enterprises in this County. His estate is 
valued at $00,000. While busy with the accumu- 
lation of this world's goods for himself he has the 
satisfaction of knowing that the needy have never 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



303 



been turned empty from his door. He sympathizes 
with those less fortunate than himself and none are 
more ready to aid those, who will try to help them- 
selves. 

The first presidential vote of Mr. Davis was east 
in 1832 for Andrew Jackson, and he has been a 
uniform supporter of the Democratic party until 
1876, since which time he has been a Greenbacker. 
Taking a lively interest in politics, his expressed sen- 
timents have always been pure and upright and could 
he have his way there would be no wire-working and 
no political dishonesty. During the election of 
1888 he supported the Union-Labor nominee and 
he has favored the election of a Greenbacker. He 
is rather opposed to secret societies and has held 
aloof from them. He served as School Director 
many years and for several terms officiated as 
Road Overseer. Few men have kept themselves 
more conversant with matters of general interest 
to the intelligent citizen, and few have been of more 
essential aid in supporting the various worthy en- 
terprises tending to elevate society and benefit the 
community. 



^p^EORGE HOAGLAND. In the fall of 1860 
ill < W/ tnere mi g ut Qave Deen seen wending their 
\^J! way across the new country, a young man 
with his wife and four children, intent upon mak- 
ing a home in a new section, and practically grow- 
ing up with the country. Few men had settled at 
that time in township 23, range 12, where our suli- 
jecl secured 120 acres on section 32. Upon this 
land there was a small house, into which he moved 
his family, and made them as comfortable as pos- 
sible. Little of the land around them had been 
fenced or cultivated, while deer, wolves and other 
wild animals had scarcely learned to be afraid at 
the approach of man. The nearest trading point 
was at Rossville, and for anything out of the com- 
mon line of merchandise Mr. Hoagland was obliged 
to repair to Danville, Attica or Paxton. twenty 
miles away. 

Our subject came a long distance from his birth- 
place to seek a permanent home, having first opened 
his eyes to the light on the Atlantic coast, New 



Jersey, May 15, 1802. There he spent the first 
nineteen years of his life, and then emigrated with 
his parents to Hamilton County. Ind.. where they 
were among the earliest pioneers. In due time he 
was married to Miss Mary Ann Znnt, who died, 
leaving one child. His second wife was Rachel 
Cushman, and to them there were born five chil- 
dren, of whom Jonathan C, who lives on the farm 
with his father, is the only survivor. 

Our subject first cleared eighty acres from the 
wilderness, then sold out, and purchased that which 
he now owns and occupies. He built this up from 
the raw prairie, and has given to it the labor of 
many years in bringing it to its present position, 
besides a generous outlay of money. Although 
now quite well advanced on the down hill of life, 
he retains much of the activity of his former years, 
and keeps himself well posted upon current events. 
He voted for both the Harrisons, and no man lias 
rejoiced more in the results of the war which 
lirought about freedom and preserved the Union. 
He has been a member of the Baptist Church since 
1828, and is of that kindly and genial disposition 
which has made him friends wherever he has so- 
journed. 

Jonathan C. Hoagland, the only living child of 
our subject, was born in Indiana, April 24,1846, 
and lived there until coming to this countv. in 
1860. Soon after the outbreak of the Civil War 
he enlisted in Company E, 149th Illinois Infantry, 
which was assigned to the Army of the Tennessee. 
This regiment, however, while before Atlanta dur- 
ing the siege of the city, was not • called upon to 
do any active fighting, but was simply assigned to 
guard duty. They received their honorable dis- 
charge, and were mustered out in 1866. Mr. Hol- 
land then returned to this county, and engaged in 
farming with his father, and lias since remained a 
resident here. 

Jonathan C. Hoagland. son of our subject, was 
married on the 24th of December. 1874, to Miss 
Rebecca Sanders, of Butler Township. The three 
children born to them — Rose E., Mary M. and 
Flora B. — are all living at home with their parents. 
Jonathan C. Hoagland has been School Direc- 
tor in his district several terms, and. like his hon- 
ored father, is held in high esteem by his neighbors. 



304 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Mrs. George Hoagland. wife of our subject, was 
born in Pennsylvania, July 30, 1*15, and removed 
with her parents to Indiana when a maiden of eigh- 
teen years. She remained under the parental roof 
until her marriage. Her father, Thomas Cushman, 
was a farmer by occupation, and spent his last 
years in Indiana. 

Charles Barcus, the grandson of our subject, and 
the child of his daughter. Mary, resides at the 
homestead. John Barcus, his father, after his mar- 
riage with Miss Hoagland, located in Grant Town- 
ship, and they became the parents of three sons 
and one daughter, one older than Charles, and two 
younger. 

-fcS^. 

ENRY LLOYD, a veteran of the late war. 
wherein he did loyal service for his adopted 
country, is one of the leading citizens of 
Catlin Township, prominent in the manage- 
ment of its public affairs, and closely identified 
with its material interests as an intelligent, pro- 
gressive farmer, stock-raiser, and stock-dealer. 
His farm on section 34, with its broad, well-tilled 
acres, its orderly, commodious buildings, and pleas- 
ant dwelling is one of the most desirable and at- 
tractive places in this part of Vermillion County. 
Mr. Lloyd is of good English stock, and is him- 
self a native of the mother country, born in Berk- 
shire, April 5, 1841. His parents, Richard C. and 
Susan (Wicks) Lloyd, were also born in England, 
and were life-long residents of the old country, 
dying in Berkshire. The}' were people of sterling 
worth, well thought of by their neighbors, and they 
trained their seven children to habits of useful- 
ness and honesty. 

Henry Lloyd was the fourth child of the family 
and the years of his boyhood were passed among 
the pleasant scenes of his native land. In 1858, 
when seventeen years of age he left his old home, 
ambitious to see more of life and to avail himself 
of the many advantages offered by the United 
States of America to the poor youth of other conn- 
tries to make their way in the world to positions of 
comfort and even affluence. After landing on 
these shores he came to Catlin Township, of which 
he has been a resident since, excepting during 



the trying times of the great Rebellion, when with 
a patriotism not exceeded by those native and to the 
manor born, he bravely consecrated his young life 
to the defence of the land of his adoption. In 
August, 18(12, tearing himself away from his little 
family, and laying aside all business interests, he 
enlisted, and in the following September he was 
mustered into Company G, 125th Illinois Infantry, 
and was in the army until after the war closed. 
He took an active part in the battles of Perryville, 
Mission Ridge, second battle of Mission Ridge, 
battle of Dallas, and was with Gen. Sherman in his 
famous march to the sea. During two years of his 
service he was detailed to haul ammunition. He 
was honorably discharged June 9, 1865, and re- 
turning to Catlin, resumed his former vocation. 
The first four years after coming to Catlin Town- 
ship he was engaged in the butcher business, but 
aside from that he has been occupied in farming and 
in raising, buying and shipping stock quite ex- 
tensively. He owns 240 acres of choice land, all 
improved, and amply supplied with excellent 
buildings for all necessary purposes and with mod- 
ern machinery for facilitating the labors of the 
farm. 

Mr. Lloyd and Miss Sarah Church were united 
in marriage in Catlin Township, Dec. 20, 1860, 
and nine children have been born to them — Edwin 
C, who died when ten and a half months old ; 
Maria L. is the wife of Abraham Wolf; two who died 
in infancy; Alice E., Fred R., Fannie E., Edwin 
II., and William R. 

Mrs. Lloyd is like her husband, a native of 
England, born in London Jan. 7, 1844. In 1850, 
when she was six years of age, her parents, Henry 
and Sophia (Puzey) Church, who were likewise of 
English birth, brought her to this country. They 
cast their lot with the early settlers of Catlin 
Township, and passed their remaining days here. 
They had seven children. Mrs. Lloyd being the 
youngest. She is a woman of a happy, amiable 
disposition, is well liked by all who know her, 
and is a member in high standing of the Methodist 
Church. 

Mr. Lloyd is a frank, open hearted man, gifted 
with rare energy and stability of character. His 
public spirit is well known, and any good scheme 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



307 



that will in any way promote the best interests of 
the township is sure to meet with his cordial ap- 
proval and substantial support. His fellow-citi- 
zens have often called upon him for advice in 
weighty matters, and as a public official he has 
shown his disinterested regard for the welfare of 
the community. He has been Road Commissioner 
three years, Township Collector two years, School 
Director six years, and Vice-President of the 
Vermilion Agricultural Society seven years. He 
is connected with the A. F. & A. M. as a member 
of Catlin Lodge, No. 285. He and his family are 
people of high social standing in this community, 
and their pleasant residence, situated a short dis- 
tance from the road and close to the corporation 
of Catlin, is the centre of a genuine hospitality, 
the graceful and kindly courtesy of its inmates 
making friends and strangers alike feel at home 
within its walls. ' 




IRAM YERKES. The firm of Yerkes <fe 
Reese conduct a first-class meat-market in 
Fairmount, obtaining their supplies from 
§>)j the farm of Mr. Yerkes, which furnishes 
the pure article so essential to the health of man- 
kind. The firm is one of first-class standing, and 
enjoys the patronage of the best people of Fair- 
mount and vicinity. The subject of this notice is 
a man of more than ordinary abilities, with a thor- 
ough-going business talent, while at the same time 
he is whole-souled, genial and companionable, en- 
joying the esteem and confidence of hosts of friends. 
The Yerkes family originated in Germany, from 
Which country the paternal great-grandfather of 
our subject emigrated prior to the Revolutionary 
War. He reared a fine family, and among his suns 
was Jacob S., the father of our subject, who was 
burn in Pennsylvania and adopted the business of 
a wagon-maker and farmer combined. He was 
married, in his native State, to Miss Ann S. Shoe- 
maker, who was born there, and not long after 
ward the}' removed to Ohio, where Mr. Yerkes 
followed wagon-making for four years. Then he 
removed to Indiana, and remained a resident of 



the Iloosier State a quarter of a century and en- 
gaged in wagon-making and agricultural pursuits. 
There the parents passed the remainder of their 
lives, the mother dying in 1882, and the father in 
the fall of 1886. 

To the parents of our subject there were born 
eight children, only four of whom reached their 
majority. Hiram, the second in the family, was 
born May 7, 1840, in Ohio, and was a mere child 
when his parents left the Buckeye State for Indi- 
ana. In the latter State his early education was 
conducted in the primitive log schoolhouse, the 
terms being very short and far between. He, how- 
ever, took kindly to his books, and gained a very 
good knowledge of the common branches. He re- 
mained under the home roof until the outbreak of 
the Civil War, and in August, 1862, enlisted in the 
Union army as a member of Company II, 63d In- 
diana Infantry, which regiment was organized in 
Indianapolis, first commanded by Col. Williams 
and later by Col. I. N. Stiles. 

Mr. Yerkes fought in sixteen battles and fol- 
lowed his. regiment in all its marches, participating 
in all the hardships and vicissitudes of a soldier's 
life. The records indicate that he was one of the 
bravest men of his company, and while at the front, 
in some of the hardest fought battles of the war, 
stood at his post without fear or flinching. He was 
(■(intent to enter the ranks as a private, and was 
first promoted to the post of Corporal, and after- 
ward to Sergeant. He met the enemy in the field 
at Resaca, Ga., Franklin and Nashville, Tenn., At- 
lanta. Kenesaw Mountain, Jonesboro, Cassville, 
Lost Mountain, Altoona, Chattahoochie, Town 
Geek. Burnt Hickoiy, Buzzard's Roost, Ft. Ander- 
son, Wilmington and Columbia, N. C. 

Although experiencing many hairbreadth es- 
capes. Mr. Yerkes never received a scratch. He 
was at one time entirely buried in the dirt plowed 
up by a Rebel cannon ball, escaping by a miracle 
from being torn to pieces by the deadly missile. 
He had the satisfaction of witnessing the sur- 
render of the rebel Gen. Johnston to Gen. Sher- 
man, but the joy of the Union army was soon sad- 
dened by the news of Lincoln's assassination. 
After the surrender spoken of, they remained in 
Greensburg until July, 1865, when the regiment 



308 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



was discharged, and our subject, being mustered 
out at Indianapolis, returned to his home in In- 
diana. 

On the 21st of September, in the above-men- 
tioned year, our subject was united in marriage; 
with Miss Hester E. Prevo, daughter of a promi- 
nent farmer of Fountain County, Ind., and one of 
the most lovely young ladies of that region. Mrs. 
Hester E. Yerkes was one of a family of six chil- 
dren, and was born in Indiana, in October, 1839. 
Soon after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Yerkes 
came to Illinois, arriving in this county Oct. 17, 
1865, and settling upon the land which constitutes 
the present homestead of our subject. Of this con- 
genial union there were born six children, the 
eldest of whom, a son, Spencer G., remains at 
home with his father. Alice M. is the wife of 
Charles Price, and they live on a farm two miles 
northeast of Fairmount. Ella May, Anna L., 
Susie and Hattie are at home with their father. 
The mother of these children departed this life 
at the home farm in Vance Township, on the 
6th day of September. 1877. She was a lady 
greatly beloved by her family and friends, possess- 
ing those estimable qualities by which she was en- 
abled to illustrate in her life the best traits of the 
devoted wife and mother, the kind and generous 
friend, and the hospitable neighbor. Her name is 
held in tender remembrance by all who knew her. 

Our subject, in January, 1878, contracted a sec- 
ond marriage with Miss Mary Olive, daughter of 
the Rev. J. H. Noble, a prominent minister of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. This union resulted 
in the birth of four children, one of whom, Pearl, 
died in infancy. The others are Hiram N., Lola 
G. and Winnie M. The boy Hiram is especially 
bright, very attentive to his studies in school, and 
maintains his position at the head of his class, 
gaining great enconiums from his teacher. Mr. 
Yerkes has officiated as Township Supervisor for 
five years, holding the office during the erection of 
the County Court House (at Danville), which bears 
his name upon its corner-stone. This was a scheme 
in which he was intensely interested, and it was 
largely through his efforts that the edifice was fin- 
ished in good shape and without involving the loss 
of a dollar to the county. So judiciously were its 



affairs managed that the taxpa3'ers hardly realized 
that they were contributing to its erection, and 
never missed the additional sum imposed. The 
Count}' Jail was erected about the same time and 
under the same conditions. 

Our subject has officiated as Highway Commis- 
sioner three years, and in this, as in all other posi- 
tions of trust and responsibility, which he has 
occupied, bent his energies to effect those improve- 
ments which would benefit the people and at the 
same time prevent excessive taxation. While hold- 
ing the above-mentioned office, he furthered the 
introduction of the system of stone arch bridges 
in Vance Township, and the}' are, without question, 
the cheapest and most durable bridge which can 
be erected. Sewer drainage for the small streams 
instead of the old plank culverts was also adopted, 
through the persistent efforts of Mr. Yerkes. He 
has been School Director in his district for many 
years, and so well has he performed his duties in 
connection therewith, that the Board is about to 
purchase a site and erect a new building at a cost 
of about $7,000. 

Politically, Mr. Yerkes uniformly votes the Re- 
publican ticket, and has frequently been sent as a 
delegate to the Count}' Conventions. In connec- 
tion with this, as in all other matters, he is content 
with no halfway measures, and has thus been of 
effective service to his party in this section, being 
thoroughly well-informed and alive to all the po- 
litical issues of the day. Both he and his estimable 
wife are members in good standing of the Metho- 
dist Episcopal Church. Socially, Mr. Yerkes be- 
longs to Fairmount Lodge No. 590, A. F. & A. M.. 
and to George N. Neville Post, G. A. R.. of which 
he was once Vice Commander. In his church he 
officiates as Steward and Trustee, and for the past 
eighteen years has been one of the most efficient 
workers in the Sunday- school, officiating as Super- 
intendent nine years, as teacher of the Bible Class 
the same length of time, and, when not chief Su- 
perintendent, acting as assistant. 

The farm of Mr. Yerkes is finely situated on 
section 9, and comprises 320 acres of land — all in 
one body. Being just outside the corporate limits 
of Fairmount, on the southwest, it is naturally very 
valuable. The whole is in a productive condition, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



309 




and yields abundantly the rich crops of Central 
Illinois. Mr. Yerkes feeds nearly 100 head of 
cattle each year, and about seventy-five head of 
swine. • He keeps simply enough horses to operate 
the farm. He has recently disposed of 185 acres 
of coal land, seven miles west of Danville. 

It is an appropriate testimonial to the worth of 
Mr. Yerkes that his portrait should occupy a 
prominent place in the Album of the county, to the 
material advancement of which he has so largely 
contributed. 

\ENJAMIN FRANKLIN SNOWDEN. The 
fact that this gentleman is successfully oper- 
(,' ating three farms in Sidell Township is suf- 
ficient indication of his ability as a business 
man and agriculturist, while his home is one of the 
most hospitable places to be found in many a mile. 
Although not a long-time resident of the town- 
ship, he has established himself in the esteem and 
confidence of its people, and is recognized as a citi- 
zen holding no secondary place in point of sterling 
worth, honesty and integrity. He has supervision 
of the Charles Wright farm — 220 acres in extent 
— upon which he resides; the A. J. Baum farm of 
340 acres, and a little farm of seventy acres, be- 
longing also to this estate, all of which comprises 
630 acres, and all of which, with the exception of 
forty acres, is under the plow. The hind is largely 
devoted to the raising of corn anil oats, and in the 
operation of this extensive tract there are utilized 
thirteen teams, with a goodly amount of machinery 
and all the other implements required for success- 
ful agriculture. The firm of Snowden & ^ni< has 
become generally recognized in this section as the 
synonym of reliability, push and enterprise. 

William Snowden. the father of our subject, with 
his wife, formerly Miss Martha Pigg, were natives 
of Clark County, Ky., where the paternal grand- 
father, Joshua Snowden. was also born and was the 
son of David Snowden, a native of Virginia, whose 
father was also born in the Old Dominion and 
whose grandfather emigrated from England. Joshua 
Snowden served as a soldier in the War of 1812, 



and the great-grandfather of our subject carried a 
musket in the Revolutionary War. The Snowden 
family is noted for longevity, many of them reach- 
ing the age of ninety years and some living to be 
over one hundred years old. The Pigg family in 
Virginia owned lands and slaves. They had origin- 
ally settled in Kentucky, and several of the male 
ancestors of our subject on this side of the house 
likewise served in the Revolutionary War. 

The father of our subject carried on farming 
and prosecuted quite an extensive trade in fine 
horses, cattle and mules, purchasing them in Ken- 
tucky and shipping to Virginia, Missouri, Illinois 
and other States. He brought about the first Short- 
horn cattle known in this State, landing them in 
Bloomington, 111. He was born, reared, married 
and died in Clark County, Ky., where he was a 
prominent citizen, well known and highly respected. 
His business relations extended to Bourbon, Fay- 
ette, Merritt, Esther, Powell, and other counties of 
that State, as also into various other States of the 
Union. In addition to his extensive private in- 
terests he served as Notary Public several years, 
and was noted for his public-spiritedness and gener- 
osity. He became quite wealthy, but finally became 
security for large amounts and lost the whole of his 
property, leaving his son, our subject, almost penni- 
less. His death occurred April 17, 1881. at the age 
of sixty-seven years. The mother only survived 
her husband a short time, her death taking place 
• Inly 4, 1883, when she was sixty-live years old. 

Nine children were born to the parents of our 
subject, being named respectively : Benjamin Frank- 
lin of this sketch, Thomas .1.. William N., John W., 
Louisa. Joshua. Mary, Melissa, who died at the age 
of thirteen years, and Nancy, who died when three 
years old. Thomas J. is a live-stock commission 
merchant at the Union Stock Yards, Cincinnati. 
Ohio; William X. is farming in Chirk County. Ky. ; 
John W.. a physician and surgeon, is located at 
Wade's Mill in Clark" County. Ky.; Louisa is the 
wife of Taylor Mansfield, a farmer of the above- 
mentioned county; Joshua is farming ami resides 
on the Parkville homestead; Mary is the wife of 
David B. Duncan, a farmer of Madison County, 
Ky. 

The subject of this notice was born Dec. 8, 1839, 



310 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



fourteen miles east of Paris in Bourbon County, 
Ky. He was a mere child when his father's family 
removed to Clark County, where he developed into 
manhood. He attended the subscription schools 
before the days of public schools, and engaged in 
farming and shipping stock. When twenty-one 
years old he was married to Miss Amanda F. Craig 
of Estill County, Ky.,and the daughter of Olando 
Whitney Craig, one of the lirst Methodist Episco- 
pal preachers in the Blue Grass State. Her mother, 
Miss Maria (Bellis) Craig, was a native of Estill 
County. Mr. Craig was born in Montgomery 
County. The progenitors of both removed from 
Virginia at an early date. The great-grandfather 
Craig was one of the earliest settlers of Montgom- 
ery County, locating there about 1821, and he lived 
to be one hundred and two years old. He also was 
a preacher of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His 
son, William, the grandfather of our subject, spent 
his entire life in Montgomery County. 

The father of Mrs. Snowden preached at various 
places in Kentucky — in Montgomery, Clark, Estill 
and Powell counties — and died in Estill County in 
1818. when only forty years of age; the mother 
survived her husband several years, dying in 1862 
at the age of forty-two. Their children, six in 
number, were named respectively William T., 
Amanda F., Eliza J., John T., Mary E. and Sarah 
E. The parents were excellent and worthy people, 
and the father especially beloved wherever known. 

Mrs. Snowden was born in Estill County, Ky., 
and received a very good education. She finally 
began teaching, and followed this three years prior 
to her marriage and for some time afterward. Mr. 
Snowden in the meantime engaged extensively as 
a stock dealer, buying and selling cattle, horses 
and mules. He also carried on farming in Ken- 
tucky. In the spring of 1887 he came to this 
county and rented the Wright farm, where they 
have since lived. The record of the eleven chil- 
dren born to them is as follows: Nancy B. died at 
the age of three years; John W. assists his father 
in his extensive farming interests; Thomas J. is 
also at home ; Martha M. is the wife of James W. 
Young of Danville, and they have one child, Annie 
Laura; William M., Lena Rivers, Joshua II., Mary 
E. and Nora A. are at home with their parents. 



The eighth child, Maggie L., died at the age of 
nine years and the youngest born, Algan, died 
when seven months old. 

Mr. Snowden, politically, affiliates with the Dem- 
ocratic party. Socially, he belongs to Estill Lodge, 
No. 469, of Spout Springs, Ky., and his wife is a 
member of the Ladies' Aid Society. The maternal 
grandfather of Mrs. Snowden served in the Revo- 
lutionary War, and one of her uncles was in the 
Mexican War, Two of her brothers were in the 
late Civil War — William in the Confederate Army 
and John in the Union Army, in which he enlisted 
three times. The old home of Mr. Snowden is 
located ten miles from Boonesboro, Clark Co., Ky., 
and was formerly the home of Daniel Boone, the 
old pioneer of Kentucky and of historic fame. 
Our subject is well acquainted with several mem- 
bers of the Boone family, and speaks of them as 
very worthy people, prominent in local affairs and 
invariably Hard Shell Baptists in their religious 
views. 



^$m^ 




ARL C. WINTER, editor of the Danville 
Deutsche Zeitung, was born in Heidelberg, 
Germany, April 21, 1841. He is descended 
from a prominent and distinguished ancestry, who 
have wielded much influence in their native land. 
Originally the family came in the seventeenth cen- 
tury from the coast of Holland, near Amsterdam, 
settling first at Heilbronn, whence the great-grand- 
father of our subject removed to Heidelberg in 
1807. His grandfather. Christian Frederick Win- 
ter, was for many years Mayor of the City of Hei- 
delberg, an office of greater honor and respectability 
in that country than in this, and one to which only 
prominent men are chosen. He was for many 
years also a member of the Legislature of the 
Grand Duchy of Laden, and exercised a wide in- 
fluence in its affairs. He introduced and procured 
the passage of the bill inaugurating the jury system 
in the State, and securing the liberty- of the press. 
He was afterward Commissioner of the Republic 
of Baden during the celebrated Revolution of 
1849, in Germany, which was the successor of the 
abortive attempt of 1848. During the year the 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



311 



Independent Republic of Baden existed, Mr. Win- 
ter was one of the leading .spirits in the affairs of 
the new State, being an orator of great power and 
influence. On the suppression of the Republic by 
the Prussians, Mr. Winter was imprisoned in Hei- 
delberg, and was compelled to indemnify the gov- 
ernment for all the official funds in the treasury at 
the time of the inauguration of the Republic. This 
cost him almost all his large private fortune. He was 
a political prisoner for about a year and after his 
release occupied a prominent position in business 
life and for several years prior to his death was 
again Mayor of Heidelberg. He was a close per- 
sonal friend of the leaders of the revolutionary 
movement, and especially of Col. Fritz Ilccker. He 
was also an intimate associate of Liebig, the chemist. 
Humboldt, Goethe, Fichte, Schlegel. and Schlosser, 
the celebrated German historian, with whom he was 
engaged in literary correspondence. He was the 
founder of the great publishing house of C. F. 
Winter, which printed the works of Dr. Liebig, of 
Bunsen, the chemist, of Haeusser, of Presenilis. 
Wohler's "Annals of Chemistry," and the works of 
many other world renowned writers. 

Christian Frederick Winter died in 1856, and his 
wife in 18.58. Of their sons several became prom- 
inent in the State and in business circles. The eld- 
est, Jonathan, whom in his admiration for this free 
land his father had named after -'Brother Jonathan," 
held the position of Under-Secretary of State in 
Baden, and was about to lie promoted to the posi- 
tion of Minister of State, when he died in 1886, in 
Carlsruhe, beini;- then in the prime of life. Another 
son. Christian Frederick, afterward became a prom- 
inent publisher in Frankfort, and printed many 
famous works, principally on theological and agri- 
cultural subjects. He died in Frankfort in 1883. 
Carl became publisher and bookseller in his native 
city of Heidelberg, where he was a prosperous and 
influential citizen. lie died in 1871. leaving a 
numerous family and a large estate. The remain- 
ing son. Anton, was the father of our subject. He 
vpps born in Heidelberg in 1808, and received his 
higher education in the celebrated university of ; 
that city. He succeeded to his father's business, 
which he had conducted during the latter part of 
bis father's life, lie Maintained the 1 national repu- 



tation of the great publishing house of C. F. Winter 
fully up to the standard which had been reached 
by its founder. After his father's death he removed 
the establishment to Leipsic, the great center of the 
book trade of Germany, and there he conducted 
it until his death, which occurred in 1859. 

Anton Winter was married in 1840 to Miss Emily 
Broenner, whose father, II. L. Broenner, was a pub- 
lisher at Frankfort. She was born in that city in 
1820, and was a highly educated lady, a graduate 
of the Female Academy at Rumperheim-on-the- 
Main. She died in December, 1887. She was a 
lady of many accomplishments, a fine painter, and 
well versed in science, literature and art. Her 
union with Mr. Winter was blessed by the birth of 
six children, of whom our subject was the eldest; 
Henrietta, the second child, died in Leipsic in 
1885; Ludwig is a landscape gardner and florist, 
and has an establishment of world-wide reputation 
at Bordighera, on the Riviera, near Nice, Italy, 
lie was educated in his profession at Potsdam, is 
royal gardener to the King of Italy, and holds a 
position in his art second to none in the world. 
Sophia is a noted teacher in the Female Academy 
of Leipsic, of which she was a graduate; Ferdi- 
nand is a merchant in London. England, being a 
partner in and manager of the English house of 
the Hamburg Rubber Company, the largest hard 
rubber establishment in the world. Clara died in 
childhood. 

Carl C. Winter, our subject, passed his boyhood 
amid the beautiful scenery in and around the city 
of his birth. His early education was in its public 
schools, and he was carefully trained, both mentally 
and physically, by highly cultured parents, who left 
upon him impressions deep and lasting. He was 
prepared for and entered the Lyceum at Heidel- 
berg, then under the direction of Professor Hautz. 
He was thoroughly prepared for the University, 
which he entered at the unusually early age of 
eighteen. He was educated especially to lit him 
for the business of publishing, and took a general 
historical course under Prof. Ludwig Haeusser, 
author, amongst other works, of an exhaustive his- 
tory of the Revolution of 1849. He attended a 
course in philosophy under Prof. Kuno Fischer, 
and a course in English and French literature under 



312 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Prof. Dr. Emil Otto, who gave him private lessons, 
a distinction shared by two other people only. On 
account of the death of his father he left the Uni- 
versity to assist his mother in settling up the busi- 
ness of the estate, and, being himself too 3'0ung to 
carry it on. the publishing business was sold to an 
association of capitalists, who still continue it at 
Leipsic, under the original title of C. F. Win- 
ter. 

In order to become practically acquainted with 
the printing business, our subject worked in several 
book publishing houses in Prague, Bremen, Mar- 
burg and in London, England. During this period 
he contributed many articles to the Illustrirte Welt 
and the Illustrirtes Familienbuch, the former pub- 
lished at Stuttgart, and the latter at Trieste and 
Vienna. While in London, he decided to come to 
the United States. He made a short visit to his 
native land in the early part of the year 1866, and 
in April of that year sailed for New York, landing 
there about the first of May. In that city he en- 
gaged as a clerk with L. W. Schmidt, bookseller 
and publisher, but his inclinations being toward 
literary pursuits, lie soon became city editor of the 
New York Staats-Zeitung, under the veteran editor 
Oswald Ottendorfcr. He filled that position for 
two years, at the same time contributing literary 
articles to the New York Herald, and articles on 
German and French literature to the New York 
Nation. In 1868 he resigned from the Staals-Zei- 
tung, to accept the position of editor of the Lehigh 
County Patriot, published at Allentown, Pa. There 
he remained for a year, and in that time wrote for 
the Nation a series of articles on the Pennsylvania- 
Dutch dialect, also contributing a series of letters 
on American life to the Daheim of Leipsic, Ger- 
many. 

In 1869 Mr. Winter was offered and accepted the 
position of city editor of the Daily Telegraph, a 
German paper, published in Indianapolis, Ind.,and 
remained with that paper until 1871, when he re- 
ceived a flattering offer from the manager of the 
Louisville Anzeiger, tendering him the position of 
city editor and literary writer. He stayed there until 
1872, when he was re-engaged by the Indianapolis 
Telegraph to conduct its city department during 
the exciting Presidential contest of that year. He 



was also engaged by Elijah Hal ford, then editor of 
the Indianapolis Journal, now Pres. Harrison's pri- 
vate secretary, and also by the managing editor of 
the Indianapolis Sentinel, to report and translate 
for their respective papers the first speech in that 
memorable campaign delivered in German at In- 
dianapolis by Carl Schurz. Mr. Winter, after writ- 
ing out his notes for the German paper, began the 
translation into English for the two other journals, 
using manifold paper, finishing the task in little 
over two hours, the speech occupying nearly two 
columns in each paper. Each of the editors, after 
reading a few pages, paid him the compliment of 
sending his manuscript to the printers without re- 
vision. Mr. Schurz afterwards told Mr. Winter it 
was the best translation ever made of any of his 
German speeches. 

Mr. Winter stayed in Indianapolis until lS7-'i.when 
he was called by telegraph to accept the position 
of city editor of the Westliche Post, the German 
paper published in St. Louis by Carl Schurz. He 
managed that successfully, and while there, also for 
two years contributed literary articles tolas Sunday 
edition, and several times, while the Missouri Legis- 
lature was in session, acted as its correspondent at 
Jefferson City, the capital. In 1875, failing eye- 
sight necessitated a cessation of night work, and 
Mr. Winter resigned his position, and went to Lock 
Island, III., where he began the publication of the 
Voiles Zeitung, a semi-weekly journal. In this ven- 
ture he was very successful, and he conducted the 
paper until 1882, when he sold it. He then bought 
an interest in the Champion of Personal Liberty, a 
paper published in Chicago in the interest of indi- 
vidual freedom. He traveled in the interest of this 
journal as correspondent collector and agent six 
months, then came to Danville, where he bought 
the good will of the journal of which he is now 
the editor, and which had by mismanagement been 
compelled to suspend publication. This paper he 
lias placed upon a secure basis, and it has acquired 
much influence among the German speaking resi- 
dents of the county, by whom it is liberally patron- 
ized. 

Another literary venture of Mr. Winter's was 
the writing of a four-act comedy in German, en- 
titled ~Es Stimmt," which has been successfully 



PORTRAIT ANT) BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



313 



performed in the German theaters of Chicago. 
Davenport, Moline, Dayton, Fort Madison, and in 
several other places. Mr. Winter submitted it to 
a celebrated critic at Leipsic, who spoke highly of 
it, saving it'was a very dramatic and interesting pic- 
ture of German-American life. This work he pro- 
duced in 1880, while he was publishing his paper in 
Rock Island. 

Since taking up his residence in Vermilion 
County, Mr. Winter has become a leader in its 
German-American circles, in which he wields much 
influence. He was United States Deputy Collector 
for the eighth district of Illinois from the fall of 
1885 until 1887. when the office was abolished. He 
is a busy man, for in addition to conducting his 
paper he performs the duty of a Notary Public, 
attends to applications for United States licenses, 
is a fine insurance and real-estate agent, procures 
steamship tickets, attends to European collections 
and is the Secretary of the Germania Building As- 
sociation of Danville. Being a man of force and 
executive capacity, he drives his multifarious busi- 
nesses, and does not let them drive him. He is also 
correspondent of the Chicago Times. 

The social relations of Mr. Winter are extremely 
pleasant. He is happily married, and moves among 
the best elements of German society. He is a mem- 
ber of the Feuerbach Lodge, No. 199, I. O. O. F., 
and of the Danville Turner Society, of which he 
has twice been President, and also Corresponding 
Secretary. He is pleasant and genial in his deport- 
ment, liberal to his friends, to whom his hand is 
ever open, and is deservedly esteemed by all who 
know him. 



~*s^.~*tJUlQ?®¥£- 



&$QftRm ~ -vw 



<^zt' 



■JOHN CESSNA is busily engaged in tilling 
the soil and raising stock on his well-man- 
aged, comfortably improved farm on section 
10, Pilot Township. He is a representative 
self-made man. and by industry and prudence has 
succeeded in accumulating a competence and in 
building a cosy home where he may pass his de- 
clining years well fortified against want and pov- 
erty, Mr. Cessna was born in Cocbocxon County, 



Ohio, June 29, 1833, his parents being Jonathan 
and Margaret (Divan) Cessna. His father was 
born in Pennsylvania in 1810. his mother in Bel- 
mont County, Ohio. 

At the age of seventeen the subject of this sketch 
accompanied his parents to another home near 
Toledo, Ohio, where they lived but a short 
time. They then went down the Ohio River 
on a trading boat to Cairo, 111., where the father 
died in 1844. After that sad event the subject 
with his mother and sister returned to Coshocton 
County. Ohio, and in about two years the mother 
married again, becoming the wife of Joseph Rich- 
ardson. In 1848 the family once more came to 
Illinois and located on the homestead Mr. Richard- 
son then purchased in this county, and now occu- 
pied b3 r the mother of our subject. Mr. Cessna 
lias but one sister now, the widow of Elisha Grimes, 
living on her husband's homestead. She has eight 
children, namely: John M.. Elisha C. William 
and Jacob (who are deceased), Alvin, Margaret, 
Ellen, Charles and Belle. 

John Cessna, of whom we write, commenced 
life as a farm hand. He wisely saved his earnings 
and in a few years had money enough to buy a 
good farm. In 1857, smitten with a desire to ac- 
cumulate wealth still faster, he went to California 
by the way of New York and Panama. In the 
Golden State he found employment on a ranche, 
and was well paid for his work in that country, 
where good and reliable help was scarce. Twenty- 
two months of life in that climate satisfied our sub- 
ject and he retraced his steps homeward, and on 
his return invested some of his capital in an 80-acre 
farm, which he subsequently disposed of at a good 
advance price, and then bought his present home- 
stead, which then comprised but 140 acres. He 
has kept adding to his Landed property till he now 
owns 260 acres of fine land, with excellent im- 
provements, that add greatly to its value, and he is 
profitably engaged in a general farming business, 
raising cattle, horses and hogs of good grades. 

Mr. Cessna has twice married. The maiden name 
of his first wife was Ann Rebecca Truax. She was 
born in Muskingum County, ( )hio, in 1841, and died 
in the pleasant home she had helped her husband to 
build up, in 1876. Her people were of Irish origin. 



314 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Of her marriage with our subject seven children 
were born, two of whom are dead; those living are 
William, Mary. Charles E., Lemuel E., and Eliza- 
beth. Mr. Cessna was united in marriage to his 
present wife in 1877, and to them have come six 
children, two of whom are dead, Frank and Jona- 
than. The others are Ann R., John R., Albert E., 
and Mont P., all being at home. 

Mr. Cessna has been a hard working man, but 
his labors have been amply rewarded, as he knows 
well how to direct his energies so as to produce the 
desired results. He is possessed of sound sense, 
discretion and other good traits, is honest and 
straitforward in his manner and dealings, and is in 
all things a sensible man. He and his wife are es- 
teemed members of the Christain Church, of which 
he is one of the trustees at the time of the erection 
of the present house of worship. He is prominently 
connected with the Masonic order as Master Mason. 

In polities, be is a good democrat, and is loyal 
in every fibre to bis country. He has held school 
Offices and has served on the juries of his county. 
( >ur subject's mother died since the above was writ- 
ten, her death ocenring June 30, 1889. 



— »* .<*o.-g3jA><\g)-.o*o.. 

(«s^ AMUEL ALBRIGHT. The subject of 
^^^ this notice was one of the first men to set- 
WL-M l ' e * n R° ss Township, along Bean Creek, 
taking up his abode there on the 11th day 
of October, 1855. His first purchase was 240 acres 
of land where he built a small house, and he was 
the first man to stir the soil with a plowshare. 
He did a large amount of breaking himself, en- 
closed and divided his fields with fencing, put out 
fruit and shade trees and erected buildings as his 
needs multiplied and his means permitted. He was 
prospered as a tiller of the soil and invested his 
surplus capital in additional land which under his 
wise management became very fertile and yielded 
handsome returns. His property lies on sections 
19, 30 and 31, and is considered as including some 
of the most desirable land in this part of the 
county. 

About 1875, the first humble domicile of our 



subject i:ave place to an elegant residence, while 
adjacent is a very fine barn Hanked by the other ne- 
cessary buildings. He has the latest improved ma- 
chinery, including an expensive windmill and an 
artesian well which throws a running stream of wa- 
ter two feet above the ground, with its source 130 
feet below. In bis stock operations, Mr. Albright 
breeds mostly horses and cattle. 

Mr. Albright in March, 1886, rented his farm 
and retiring from active labor, purchased a 
pleasant home in Rossville where he now resides. 
His has been a remarkably busy life, as in addition 
to his farming operations, he has" given consider- 
able of his time to looking after the local interests 
of his township, officiating as School Director and 
serving as Justice of the Peace for seven years. 
He usually gives his support to the Democratic 
party and for a period of forty-five years has been 
a member of the United Brethren Church. He 
has been at two different times the candidate of his 
party in this county for the Legislature, but being 
in the minority, was beaten as he expected. 

Mr. Albright was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, 
Sept. 12, 1816, and lived there until a lad of 
twelve years. He then removed to Pickaway 
County where he sojourned until his marriage, 
which took place four miles southeast of Circleville 
the bride being Miss Clemency Morris. Of this 
union there were born two children — John M. and 
Mary Ellen, the latter the wife of William McMur- 
trie of Potomac, and is the mother of four children. 
Mrs. Clemency (Morris) Albright died at her home 
in Ross Township in 1865. 

Our subject contracted a second matrimonial al- 
liance. Sept. 10, 1866, with Miss Mary M. Davis. 
This union resulted in the birth of two children — 
Orrie Lulu and Lilly Belle. The elder is the wife 
of William Cunningham of Rossville and the 
younger remains with her parents. Mrs. Mary M. 
(Davis) Albright was born in Muskingum County, 
Ohio, February, 1836, and is the daughter of Am- 
aziah Davis, who came to this count} - at an early 
day and became one of its most prominent farmers 
and citizens. 

David Albright, the father of our subject, was 
a native of Pennsylvania, whence he removed to 
Ohio when quite young. He was there married to 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



317 



Miss Phebe Newman and they reared a family of 
nine children. Upon leaving the Buckeye State 
they settled in Frankfort, Ind.. where the father 
died some years ago. The mother subsequently 
came to this county and made her home with our 
subject until her death. 



W~ ILLIAM H. PRICE, the son of an early 
settler of Vermilion County, may also be 
denominated as one of its pioneers, as he 
had a hand in developing its great agricultural 
resources and assisted in laying the foundations 
of its wealth and high standing among its sister 
counties. He is to-day one of the foremost 
farmers and stock raisers of Pilot Township, and is 
a man of considerable importance in the public life 
of this community. He has a large farm of over 
700 acres of well-improved land, comprising sec- 
tions 8, 9 and 10, whose broad fields are under high 
cultivation. and which is amply supplied with roomy, 
conveniently arranged, well made buildings, and 
all the appliances for facilitating farm work, while 
everything about the place betokens order and 
superior management. 

Mr. Price was born in Pike County, Ohio, July 
4, 1827. His father, Robert Price, was a native of 
Lexington, Ky., born of pioneer parents July 29, 
1788. The grandparents were from Wales and 
England. They removed to Pike County, Ohio 
when the father of our subject was a lad of nine 
years, and there he grew to maturity and married 
Miss Nancy Howard, a native of Ohio. Her par- 
ents came from England to that part of the coun- 
try in the early da} - s of its settlement. She was 
born Feb. 27, 17',(3 and died in middle life. Dec. 22, 
1842, some years after the removal of the family 
to this county, which occurred in 1830. She ami 
her husband were early pioneers of this section of 
the country. 

The father died Jan. 6, 1850, in Vermilion 
County. 111. They were the parents of four chil- 
dren, of whom our subject is the only survivor. 
The others were Lloyd II.. Drusilla, and Jerusha. 
Lloyd married Minerva Howard, of l'ikc County, 



Ohio, whose parents came to Vermilion County in 
an early day, and to them (Lloyd and wife) were 
born nine children, namely: William. Robert, 
Thomas, Sarah, Nancy, Frank. Lloyd. May, and 
George. Drusilla was the wife of Joseph Dalay, of 
Vermilion County, now deceased, and they left one 
child, Nancy, who became the wife of David Clay- 
pole, a farmer, and they have five children. Jeru- 
sha married Franklin Adams, of Vermilion County, 
now deceased, and they have three children — 
John L., William, and Samuel. 

When our subject was brought to this county, a 
child of three years, it was a wild waste of prairie, 
and the settlers at that time thought that the land 
awaj from the streams where the timber grew was 
worthless for settlement, so they confined them- 
selves to the banks of the creeks and rivers. He 
grew to a strong manhood in the pioneer life that 
obtained at that day, and early became independ- 
ent and self-supporting. Having determined to 
make farming his life work, he entered 200 acres 
of prairie land from the Government, as his keen 
discernment foresaw the worth of the rich and 
fertile soil to the intelligent and enterprising young 
farmer. After his marriage in 1850, he erected a 
house and commenced the task of upbuilding his 
present desirable home. He is still living on the 
land that he purchased from the Government, and 
has added more to it as his means have allowed 
till he owns one of the largest farms in the neigh- 
hood, comprising, as before mentioned over 700 
acres of choice land. lie has besides helped to 
establish his children in life by giving them land. 
He does a general farming business, raising all 
kinds of stock, making a speciality of breeding 
Short-horn cattle, of which he has a herd of sixteen 
thoroughbreds, besides all other kinds of slock us- 
ually found on a model farm. 

Mr. Price and Mary A. Ca/.att were united in 
marriage in 1850. She was born in Mercer County, 
Ky.. July 4, 1833, to Henry and Susan (Gritten) 
Cazatt, native of the same county, her father was 
born about 1808 and her mother Dee. I, 1810. 
Mis. Prices's grandparents were Irish and Dutch. 
They were pioneers of Vermilion County, coming 
herein 1837, and here they spent their remaining 
years, the father dying in 1841, ami the mother in 



318 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPAICAL ALBUM. 



1878, aged sixty-three years. Mrs. Price has one 
own sister — Minerva J., who married Otho Allison, 
a resident of this county. The union of our sub- 
ject and his wife has been blessed to them by the 
birth of six children — Jerusha J., Lloyd IL, Emily 
M., Charles R,, Alice N., Emma B., the latter is 
deceased. Jerusha married Henry J. Ilelmick, a 
fanner of this county, and they have two children 
— Charles and William E. Lloyd IL, a farmer, 
married Mary J. Snyder, of this county. Emily 
married Guy C. Howard, a merchant in Armstrong, 
this county. Charles R., a farmer, married Delia 
Hatfield, of this county, and they have one child — 
Everett Lloyd. Alice married Berry Duncan, a 
farmer of this county, and the}' have one child, 
Lola. 

Mr. Price is a noble type of our self-made men, 
who while building up a fortune for themselves 
have been instrumental in advancing the material 
interests of the county. He, and his wife are lead- 
ing members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
of which he has held the office of Steward and 
Trustee. He has held the office of Highway Com- 
missioner for twelve years. He is prominently 
identified with the A. F. & A. M. order, and is a 
Master Mason. In politics, he is a thorough and 
consistent Republican. He has served with credit 
on the juries of the State and county. 

Mr. and Mrs. Price have some valuable heir- 
looms, which they highly prize, in the old bibles 
of their fathers and mothers. 

A tine lithographic view of the country resi- 
dence and surroundings of Mr. and Mrs. Price 
appears in the Album, and represents a home 
of which the owners are justly proud. 



bUTHER TILLOTSON, Supervisor of Pilot 
Township, and one of its most intelligent 
s and influential public officials, is closely 
connected with its material interests as a practical 
agriculturist, owning and profitably managing a 
good farm on section 30. He was born in Warren 
County, Ind., Aug. 13, 1849, a son of E. B. and 
Mary A. (Cronkhite) Tillotson. His father was 



born in Cayuga County, N. Y., Dec. 8, 1811, and his 
father, Luther Tillotson, was a native of New 
York. The mother of our subject was born in 
Hamilton, Ohio, Dec. 26, 1816. During some 
period of their lives the parents of our subject 
settled in Indiana, and of their marriage twelve 
children were born, and the following is recorded 
of the nine now living: Sarah A. married Edward 
Foster, a farmer living near Armstrong, this county, 
and they have seven children. Rebecca married 
Jeremiah Butts, who lives retired in Potomac, and 
they have six children. James M., a stock dealer 
and fanner in Calcasieu Parish, La., married 
Mary J. Goodwine, and they have three children. 
Buell, a farmer of Pilot Township, married Eliza- 
beth Wiles and they have one child. Walter B., 
a farmer of Pilot Township, married Lucetta Endi- 
eott. Frances married J. A. Knight, a farmer of 
this county, and they have four children. William 
M., a farmer of this county, married Millie French, 
and they have three children. Mary A. married 
Frank II. Henry, who is living retired in Armstrong 
Village, and they have two children. Luther is 
the subject of this sketch. [For parental history 
see sketch of Buell Tillotson.] , 

Our subject came this county in L856 with his 
parents. His father is deceased; his mother resides 
in this county. Mr. Tillotson and Mary E. Myrick 
were united in the holy bonds of matrimony Sept- 
ember. 1871, and five children complete their happy 
household — Bertie, Alden, Cora E., Luther E., and 
Charles. Mrs. Tillotson was born in Illinois Sept. 
15, 1853, and is a daughter of Thomas P. and 
Susanah (Firebaugh) Myrick, natives of Ohio and 
Indiana respectively. They came from the Buck- 
eye State to this and settled in Pilot Township at 
an early day. 

After marriage Mr. Tillotson rented land for 
eleven years and carried it on to such good advan- 
tage that at the expiration of that time he had 
money enough to invest in eighty acres of improved 
land, which forms his present farm. He has his land 
well tilled, and it is capable of yielding large crops 
in repayment for the care bestowed upon it, and 
Mr. Tillotson has a neat and well ordered set of 
buildings for every needful purpose. He is doing- 
well from a financial standpoint, has his farm 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



3 I 9 



stocked with cattle of good grade as many as it 
will carry, and displays commendable enterprise in 
the management of his interests. 

Mr. Tillotson brings a well trained mind to bear 
on his work and fully understands how to perform 
it so as to obtain the best results, which is the 
secret of his success. His fellow-citizens, feeling 
that in a man of his education, of sound and sensi- 
ble views on all subjects, the township would And a 
superior civic official who would promote its high- 
est interests, have called him to some of the most 
responsible offices within their gift, and his whole 
course in public life has justified their selection. 
He has been Supervisor for six years, and was re- 
elected to that otlice this spring, and he has also 
been Assessor for one term, besides having held 
the office of Justice of the Peace for eight years. 
In politics he is a true Republican, although he 
performs his official duties without regard to party 
affiliations. 




*-*-J§P"- 



ARON DALBY. The late Civil War de- 
veloped some rare characters, the depths 
of which would probably never have been 

disturbed had it not been for this revolution 
which shook the country from turret to foundation 
stone. There were then brought to the surface 
that God-given quality — the love of the true man 
for his native land — and the extent of the sacrifices 
which he was willing to make to save her from dis- 
memberment. Among all those who are written 
of in this volume there was probably no truer pat- 
riot during the war than Aaron Dalby, and he 
justly esteems the period of his life spent in the 
Union Army as one of the brightest spots in his 
whole career. We give this matter prominence be- 
cause it is a subject dear to his heart and he has 
lost none of the patriotic affection which enabled 
him a quarter of a century ago to lay aside all per- 
sonal ties and give his best efforts to the preserva- 
tion of the Union. We now find him comfortably 
located in a quiet country home, embracing a well- 
regulated farm on section 11, in Vance Township, 



where, since the war, be has gathered around him 
all of the comforts and many of the luxuries of 
life. 

In reverting to the family history of our subject 
we find that his father, .lames Dalby, was a native 
of Pennsylvania, a carpenter by trade and in politics 
an old line Whig. He married Miss Sarah Sewell, a 
native of Ohio. April 4. 1S20, the wedding taking 
place in Clinton County, that State. They lived there 
about fourteen years, Mr. Dalby engaged as a gro- 
ceryman. a farmer and an hotelkeeper. conducting 
the old-fashioned country tavern after the most 
approved methods of those times. 

About this time the lead mines near Dubuque 
were being opened up and the demand for carpen- 
ters was great, so the father of our subject re- 
moved thither with his family in 1835, purposing 
to work at his trade, lie found the times very hard 
and the country peopled largely with desperate 
characters, among whom a murder was committed 
nearly every night. This state of things made it 
impossible for him to remain and so he established 
himself at Quincy, 111., where he lived three years 
and worked at his trade. He then returned to 
Ohio, where he sojourned two years and from there 
removed to Peru Ind.. but only remained there 
eight months. In August, 1843, he came to this 
county and on the 19th of October following 
passed from earth at the age of fifty-three years. 
He was a well educated man and especially fine 
penman. 

The mother of our subject survived her first 
husband for the long period of nearly forty-eight 
years. She was born March 12. 1803, and died 
Feb. 2G. L885, when nearly eighty-two years old. 
'The parental household was completed b3' the birth 
of six children, four of whom are living. Aaron, 
our subject, was the fourth in order of birth and 
was born in Clinton County, Ohio, April 2'>, is". I. 
He attended school at Quincy, 111., and also in 
Ohio a short time and in Indiana, and came to this 
county in time to avail himself of instruction in 
the subscription schools here. Being the eldest 
sou. lie. after the death of his father, naturally in 
due time assumed many responsibilities, and at the 
age of twelve years worked oul for $3 per month. 
six months, from spring until fall. The year fol- 



320 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



lowing he was employed by the same man, with an 
increase of salary of $1 per month. 

The mother of our subject was married a second 
time to James Elliott. Our subject was bound out 
for a term of six years to Alvin Stearns. Becom- 
ing dissatisfied with the arrangement he served out 
only half his time and went to Ohio to learn a 
trade. He came back to Illinois, however, a year 
later and employed himself at whatever he could 
find to do, being at one time the partner of Aaron 
Hardin in splitting rails and cord-wood. Their 
best week's work was forty-eight cords of wood, 
cut. split and piled, and this was done at twenty- 
live cents per cord, when rails were forty-five cents 
per 100. 

The next most important event in the life of our 
subject was his marriage, which occurred Dec. 23, 
1854, with Miss Martha E. Custer. The newly 
wedded pair commenced the journey of life to- 
gether at the old Custer homestead, which is now 
the property of our subject, and Mr. Dalby there- 
after farmed on rented land until the outbreak of 
the Civil War. In 1862 he went one day to assist 
a neighbor with his work and when he came back 
with his pitchfork over his shoulder his attitude 
and bearing were such that his wife exclaimed 
when she saw him coming, " there, I bet he is going 
to the war." He entered the house and asked for 
some clothing, and in ten minutes was off for Ho- 
mer, and joining some of his comrades repaired 
with them to Camp Butler and enlisted in Company 
E, 73d Illinois Infantry. 

Mr. Dalby accompanied his regiment to the 
front and first engaged in the battle of Perryville, 
Oct. 8, 1862. In the early part of the engage- 
ment he was in the front line of battle and had 
only discharged six or seven shots when a rebel 
bullet struck him in the right side of the abdomen, 
passing through the upper lobe of the liver and 
came out at the right of the spine, grazing the 
point of one of the vertebra?. The ball before en- 
tering his body struck the cap box on his belt, 
passed through the box and his belt, through his 
coat, the waistband on his pants then through his 
body and returning cut through the waistband and 
"body belt" and knocked the handle off the 
butcher knife on his belt, leaving the blade in its 



scabbard and glanced off to the rear. He pulled 
out of the wound a bunch of the wood from his cap 
box, some cotton-batting from his coat and a metal 
primer which he carried in the box. He was taken 
to the field hospital and a rubber tube pulled 
through his body twice: He was then conveyed to 
the Perryville General Hospital, where he remained 
until October 1863, and was then transferred to 
New Albany, Ind. He was discharged from the 
hospital there, Jan. 20, 1864. 

Mr. Dalby now returned to his family and al- 
though he has been almost wholly disabled for 
work since that time he declares he is ready to 
fight the battle over again if the occasion arises. 
He and his excellent wife have no children of their 
own, but have performed the part of parents to a 
boy and girl, the former the son of a comrade of 
Mr. Dalby, who was discharged from the army for 
disability and died. The boy Joe II. Summers, be- 
came an inmate of their home at the age of seven 
years and remained there until twenty-one. He is 
now married and lives in Mendon, Neb. The 
girl Mary J. Custer was taken by them when but 
eleven months old and is still with them, now 
grown to womanhood. 

It is hardly necessary to say in view of his war 
record that Mr. Dalby, politically, is a decided Re- 
publican. He had two brothers in the army, one 
of whom, Albert, enlisted in Company C. 25th 
Illinois Infantry and at Murfreesboro was wounded 
through the wrist and arm. At the expiration of 
his first term of enlistment he entered the veteran 
reserve corps from which he was honorably dis- 
charged. Another brother, William H. II., the 
youngest of the family, was born in 1840 and en- 
listed in Company D, 63d Illinois Infantry. He 
was killed by the explosion of a magazine at Co- 
lumbia, S. C, Feb. 19, 1865, being terribly 
mangled and blown into a river. He had strength, 
however, to swim ashore and was taken to the hos- 
pital where he died. He had been promoted to the 
rank of Sergeant. Mi-. Dalby has officiated as Road 
Overseer and is a member of Homer Post No. 263, 
G. A. R. 

Jacob M. Custer, the father of Mrs. Dalby, was, 
with his wife , Elizabeth Ocheltree, a native of Vir- 
ginia, They came to Illinois in 1849 settling in 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



321 



this county, but later removed to Champaign 
County, where the death of Mr. Custer took place, 
Sept. 17, 18C5. His widow subsequently married 
John L. Myers who has since died, and Mrs. Myers 
is now living at Homer at the ripe age of seventy- 
nine years. She is the mother of nine children, six 
of whom are living and of whom Mrs. Dalby was 
next to the eldest. She was born Sept. 4, 1836, in 
Fayette County Ohio, received a fair education and 
was married at the age of eighteen years. She 
is a very estimable lady of more than usual benev- 
olence and is a member of the Homer Woman's Re- 
lief Corps, No. 69. She was at one time President 
of this bod}' and was presented with a very fine 
gold badge as Past President by the members of 
her corps as a token of their appreciation of her 
worth and services. She has never missed a meet- 
ing, either regular or special since its organization, 
in April, 1887. In religious matters, she belongs 
to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. 

Mr. Dalb}' during t'.ie days of his early manhood 
was an expert hunter and has brought down many 
a deer in this county. He is naturally possessed 
of great courage and bearing, but is uniformly 
kind-hearted to all except the enemies of his 
country. 

■& 



|l)HN COLE. The bold, hardy, intelligent 
sons of New England have borne a prom- 
inent part in the settlement of the great 
West, and as a noble type of these, one who 
was a pioneer of Vermilion County in early days, 
we arc pleased to present to the readers of this 
work a review of the life of the gentleman whose 
name is at the head of this sketch. 

In the pleasant spring month of May. 1837, just 
fifty-two years ago, our subject, then in the prime 
and vigor of early manhood, twenty -two years of 
age, left his native home among the beautiful hills 
of Vermont to see if life held anything better for 
him on the broad prairies of this then far Western 
State, animated doubtless, by the pioneer spirit 
that caused some remote ancestor to leave his En- 
glish cot and seek a new home on this side of the 
Atlantic, and still later caused one of his descend- 



ants, in turn, to journey to the Green Mountain 
State on the same quest. In that day the trip con- 
templated by our subject was a great undertaking, 
it being but slow traveling before railways spanned 
the continent, and many days and weeks even 
passed before he reached his destination. He went 
first with a team to Troy, and thence by the Erie 
Canal to Buffalo, expecting to proceed on his jour- 
ney from there on the lakes, but the ice prevented 
further passage after the boat had gone thirty miles 
on Lake Erie. His next course was to hire a man 
to take him in a wagon to Chicago, paying him 
$10. There he saw a little city, or village, rather, 
situated in a low swamp, from which the frogs 
would venture to sun themselves on the narrow 
plank walks till some passing pedestrian disturbed 
their repose and caused them to jump into the 
water. There were, no indications that one day that 
spot was to be the site of one of the largest and 
finest cities on the continent. From there Mr. Cole 
proceeded on foot to the fertile and beautiful val- 
ley of the Fox River, and after tarrying there a 
few days to visit some old frjends he walked on to 
Vermilion County. He loaned what money he had 
taking a mortgage on a piece of land which was 
encumbered by a prior mortgage, and he soon had 
to buy the land in order to save his money. The 
summer of 1838, was noted among the early settlers 
as the sickly season, and almost everybody was ill, 
but Mr. Cole's fine constitution withstood the at- 
tacks of disease and he remained sound and healthy. 
Our subject found here the virgin prairie and prim- 
eval forest scarcely disturbed by the few pioneers 
that had preceded him; there were still traces of 
the aboriginal settlers of the country, and deer, 
wolves, and other wild animals had not tied before 
the advancing step of civilization. Settlements 
were few and scattering, and Chicago and New Or- 
leans were the most accessible markets, the only way 
to the former city being over rough roads by team, 
and to the latter by flatboat, via the Vermilion, Wa- 
bash, Ohio and Mississippi rivers. Mr. Cole fre- 
quently sent produce to those cities but did not 
journey there himself. He was one of the first 
wool growers in the county, but experienced much 
difficulty in raising sheep in the early days here on 
account of the wolves that would frequently kill 



322 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



some of his flock in sight of the house. He had a 
small horse that was an expert jumper and mount- 
ed on that animal Mr. Cole pursued the wolves 
and killed many of them. He commenced with 
forty-nine sheep and finally had a large flock, num- 
bering 2,200 of a fine breed. He invested in real 
estate here and engaged in farming, and in course 
of years met with more than ordinary success in 
his calling and became a large land owner, and 
now has 1,360 acres of fine land, divided into three 
farms. The one on which he resides on sections 
19 and 20, is one of the choicest in the county. 

We must now go back to the early history of our 
subject, and refer to his birth and ancestry. He 
was born in the pretty town of Shaftsbury, Ben- 
nington Co., Yt.. May 27, 1815, a son of Uriah 
( <ilc. a native of the same county and town. Par- 
ker Cole, the grandfather of our subject, was a na- 
tive of Rhode Island, of English ancestry. When 
he was sixteen years old his parents moved to the 
wilds of Vermont, before the Revolutionary War, 
the removal being made with one yoke of oxen 
anil one cow, they were guided by marked trees for 
twenty miles, the road from Williamstown, Mass., 
being a mere trail. The grandfather of our subject 
spent his remaining days in the Green Mountain 
State, buying a tract of timbered land, from which 
he cleared a farm, and he at one time owned 1,000 
acres of land. For some time the nearest market 
was at Williamstown, Mass., twenty miles away, 
and Troy, X. V., thirty-two miles distant was also 
a market town. The maiden name of the grand- 
mother of our subject was Mollie Nash, and she was 
also a native of Rhode Island. She frequently told 
her grandchildren the story of their removal to 
Vermont, and how when she forded the Connecti- 
cut River, the water was so deep that the pony on 
which she rode had toswim. She died in the eighty- 
fourth year of her age, on the old homestead, 
and now lies beside ber husband in the cemetery 
at Shaftsbury. The father of our subject was reared 
in his native town, and after he had grown to man's 
estate his father gave him a farm in Shaftsbury, 
and he bought other land till he had about 400 
acres. He spent his entire life in his birthplace, 
dying there when about sixty years of age. The 
maiden name of his wife, the mother of our sub- 



ject, was Nancy Barton, and she was also a native 
of Shaftsbury, coming of good old New England 
stock. Her father, Garner Barton, was a native of 
Rhode Island, and in early' life was a sailor. He 
was a pioneer of Shaftsbury and buying land he en- 
gaged in fanning' and also built and operated a 
tannery. He was a resident there till his demise at 
the advanced age of ninety-six years. The mater- 
nal grandmother of our subject died on the home 
farm at the venerable age of ninety-four years. 
She was a Quaker. The mother of our subject was 
reared and spent her entire life among the green 
hills of Vermont in the town of Shaftsbury. There 
were seven children born of her marriage, namely: 
Hiram, living in North Bennington, Vt. ; John; 
Almira, who married George Clark, and died two 
years later; Elizabeth, who died in infancy; .lames 
1!.. living in Vermilion County; Mary, wife of Jon- 
athan C. Houghton, of North Bennington, Vt.; 
(xeorge Byron died in Shaftsbury. 

The subject of this sketch grew to man's estate 
in the home of his birth, gleaning his education in 
the public schools, and as soon as large enough he 
assisted on the farm until he came West as before 
mentioned. In the summer of 1839 he returned to 
Vermont, and in the following December he was 
married to Miss Aurelia Miranda Huntington, and 
at once started with his bride for his new home in 
the Western wilds; traveling with a horse and a 
covered wagon, they arrived in Vermilion County 
six weeks and three days later. There was an un- 
finished frame house on his land on sections 29 and 
30, Danville Township, and in that he and his bride 
commenced housekeeping. He resided there about 
nineteen years, and then rented his farm and moved 
to Elwood Township where he improved a large 
farm, and made his home there till 1877. Then 
leaving his son in charge he went to Shelbyville, 
111., where he bought property, and was a resident 
of that city till 1882, when he bought the farm on 
which he now resides in Danville Township. 

Mr. Cole has been married three times. The 
wife of his early manhood died in January, 1847, 
leaving one child, Miranda S., now the wife of 
James McKee, of Danville. Mr. Cole's second mar- 
riage, which occurred in 1850, was to Miss Nancy 
Weaver, a native of Brown County, Ohio, a daugh- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



323 




ter of Michael and Mary Weaver. She died about 
1863, leaving one son, Henry J., who lives on the 
Ridge farm in Elwood Township. Mr. Cole was 
married to his present wife .Sue Patterson, and to 
them have come one child, Mary Edith. 

Our subject can look back over a long life that 
has been wisely spent, and his record is that of an 
honorable, upright man, whose high personal char- 
acter has made him an influence for good in the 
county where he has made his home for over half 
a century, and with whose interests his own are so 
closely allied that in acquiring wealth he has fur- 
thered its material prosperity. In politics he is a 
Democrat. 

— •"• * i <B*2 | |f. , 4 , (i" 1 •" ■ ■ 



NDREW J. SINKHORN, Supervisor of 
Blount Township, with whose agricultural 
and milling interests he is connected as a 
practical, wide-awake farmer and skillful 
miller, owning and operating a sawmill, is a fine 
type of the citizen-soldiers of our country, who 
saved the Union from dissolution in the trying 
times of the (ireat Rebellion, and since then have 
quietly pursued various vocations and professions, 
and have been important factors in bringing this 
country to its present high status as one of the 
greatest and grandest nations on earth. In the 
early days of the war our subject went forth with 
his brave comrades to fight his country's battles, 
he being then but nineteen years of age. a stalwart, 
vigorous youth, and he consecrated the opening- 
years of his manhood to the cause for which lie was 
ready to give up even life itself, if need be. Not- 
withstanding his youthfulness, he displayed the 
qualities of a true soldier, and in course of time was 
promoted from the ranks. 

Andrew Sinkhorn, the father of our subject, was 
born in Virginia. During some period of his life 
he went to Kentucky, and was there married to 
Fiances Shannon, a native of that State, and they 
began their wedded life there in Boyle County, 
and there their useful lives were rounded out in 
death. They had a family of nine children, of 
whom our subject was the eighth in order of birth. 



Dec. 3, 1842,, he was born in his parents' pleasant 
home in Boyle County, Ky. He was reared on a 
farm, and his education was obtained in the common 
schools. Aug. 12, 1861, his heart beating high 
with youthful ardor and patriotism, he entered 
upon his career as a soldier, enlisting at that date in 
Company A, 4th Kentucky Infantry, and had four 
years experience of life on the battlefield or in 
rebel prisons. He took an active part in the bat- 
tles of Chicaumauga and Mill Springs, Ky.. and in 
the latter contest lost a part of his index finger. 
He was at Perryville, Ky., Mission Ridge, and 
Atlanta, and while near the latter city he was cap- 
tured by the rebels, and was held for seven months, 
during which time he was confined in Anderson ville, 
and later in Florence, S. C, suffering all the horrors 
and hardships of life in rebel prisons. His steady 
courage and heroic actions in the face of the enemy, 
and his obedience to his superiors, won him their 
commendation, and he received deserved promo- 
tion from the ranks to the position of Sergeant. 
After the close of the war he was mustered out 
of the service and honorably discharged. 

After his bitter experience of military life Mr. 
Sinkhorn returned to his old Kentucky home and 
engaged in farming in Boyle County the ensuing 
two years. In the spring of 1869 he decided that 
he could do still better in his chosen calling on the 
rich soil of Illinois, and coming to Vermilion 
County, he settled in Blount Township, and has re- 
sided here and in Ross Township since that time, 
engaging both in agricultural pursuits and in mill- 
in- with great success, and he is justly classed 
among the most substantial citizens of the township. 

Mr. Sinkhorn has been three times married. 
He was first married in his native county, to Je- 
mima Ann Cozatt, who was also a native of Boyle 
County. After the birth of one child that died in 
infancy, she passed away in her native county. 
Mr. Sinkhorn's second marriage was to Emily J. 
Sexton, they having been wedded in Ross Town- 
ship, this county. March 28, 188a, she departed 
this life. She was a sincere and active member of 
the Christian Church. Four children were born of 
that marriage — William II.. Edward E., Jesse O., 
and Anna M. The maiden nameof .Mr. Sinkhorn's 
present wife, to whom he was unite. I in Blount 



324 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Township, was Mary E. Pilkington, and she was 
the widow of John Pilkington, and daughter of 
William Gritton. Two children have been born of 
this marriage, Ida E. and Girtie. 

Since coming to this township Mr. Sinkhorn has 
proved a useful citizen, and a valuable addition 
to the citizenship of the place. He takes an active 
part in the administration of public affairs, and in 
every way manifests an earnest desire to promote 
the highest interests of the community. His pleas- 
ant, genial disposition has made him popular with 
his fellow-townsmen, and, what is better, he enjoys 
their confidence. lie was elected Constable of 
Blount Township, and served to the satisfaction of 
his constituents seven years. In the spring of 
1886 he was elected Supervisor of the township, 
held the office one year, and in the spring of 1880 
was again selected for this important office, and is 
still an incumbent thereof. He has a deeply re- 
ligious nature, and in him the Free Methodist 
Church has one of its most esteemed members, and 
at the present time he is Class-Leader. 



-»■•£■- 



rsv EV. THOMAS COX was born Aug. 6, 1829, 
\<4v in Lawrence County, Ky. He is the son 
of John and Polly Cox, the former of 
^j whom was born in Lawrence County, June 
22, 1799, while his wife, Polly (Markham) Cox, 
Qrst saw the light at the same place on Feb. 17, 
1817. John Cox served in the War of 1832 known 
as the Black Hawk War, and was the father of six 
children, Thomas being the fourth child. 

John Cox and family came to this county in 
1829, settling six miles west of Da'nville on the 
Middle Fork, where he followed, with a large de- 
gree of success, the occupation of a carpenter, and 
also owned a fine farm. He died on May 23, 1846, 
universally respected by all his acquaintances. Po- 
litically he was a Democrat. Both he and his wife 
belonged to the Baptist Church; the latter died on 
Sept. 2, 1851. This couple were among the origi- 
nal settlers of this county, and as such, went 
through all the vicissitudes that surround the pio- 




neer. They were faithful in everything they un- 
dertook, and with them life was not a failure. 

Thomas Cox, of whom this sketch is written, 
came to this county with his father when he was 
but six weeks old, and at the age of fifteen years 
his father died leaving him to make his own way 
in the world. He went into the unequal battle 
with a determination to win, and his endeavors 
have been met by success. He followed agricul- 
tural pursuits until he was twenty-two years old 
when he commenced to learn the carpenter's trade, 
which occupation he followed until 18G7, when he 
purchased a farm in Newell Township and where he 
now resides. On Nov. 28, 1850 he was married to 
Susan Orr, daughter of John and Parthenia Orr, 
natives of Kentucky. They came to Indiana in a 
very early day and were united in marriage in 
Fountain County, that State. Mrs. Cox was born 
July 1, 1831, she being the fourth child of a family 
of twelve. She resided in Indiana until she became 
eighteen years of age, when she removed to Illinois 
with her parents, both of whom are dead. The 
Rev. Mr. and Mrs. Cox are the parents of three 
children: William L., who is a farmer of this 
county, married Miss Kate Robinson; Martha J., is 
the wife of A. Clapp, who is engaged in farming in 
Newell Township, while David M. is the husband 
of Miss Sarah Bell. They are living on a farm in 
the same township. 

Mr. Cox is the owner of 200 acres of good land 
which lie cultivates with a large degree of success, 
and besides this he has given all his children a farm 
and has educated them as best he could in the pub- 
lic schools. This is one of the beauties of the sys- 
tem of American farming which makes it possible 
for the parent to start his children out in life with 
land enough to insure their comfort and even com- 
petence, and it is within the reach of every provi- 
dent farmer to do this to a large or small extent. 
The industry that Mr. Cox inherited has been the 
keynote to his success. In 1886 he was ordained 
as a regular minister of the gospel of the Regular 
Baptist Church. Before his ordination as a minis- 
ter, he was actively and intelligently engaged in 
religious work, a fact which led him up to occupy 
a pulpit. 

Mr. Cox has served his township as a Commis- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



327 



sioner of Highways and School Treasurer, filling 
these offices with rare fidelity and intelligence. He 
has always taken great interest in educational 
matters and has consequently aided his neighbor- 
hood in having the best of schools. (Politically 
he acts with the Democratic party, but since en- 
tering ministerial work he docs not take much 
interest in political questions. As a Christian 
worker Mr. Cox is very zealous. He preaches 
every Sabbath either at home or on a circuit, 
which comprises Crawfordsville, Ind., Big Shaw- 
nee and Stony Creek. The record of Mr. Cox 
as a citizen and a preacher is of the very best. 

-■ .■-. .--^fc^-^ - , -> „ 



fOIIN W. TURNER. M.D., Mayor of Fair- 
j mount and a practicing physician of first- 
class standing, has been a resident of this 
city since 1881. He occupies one of the 
finest residences in the place, and there are few 
men more widely or favorably known in the town- 
ship. He has been prominent in politics and relig- 
ion — a leading light in the Republican party and 
an earnest laborer in the Sunday-school, the friend 
of temperance and the uniform supporter of all 
those measures instituted to elevate society and 
benefit the people. 

In referring to the parental history of our sub- 
ject; we find that he is a son of John T. Turner, a 
native of Maryland, who married Miss Catherine 
Shane, a native of Virginia. Soon after marriage 
the parents settled in Warren County, Ohio, then 
removed to Clay County, Ind. The father was a 
wagon manufacturer, and the household circle in 
due time included eight children, four sons and 
four daughters. Of these John W. was the seventh 
child. He was born in Clay County, Ind.. March 
24, 1839, and there spent the days of his boyhood 
and youth, pursuing his early studies in the com- 
mon schools. 

The subsequent years of Dr. Turner until a man 
of twenty-six were occupied mostly as a medical 
student. Then determined to see something of the 
country in which lie lived, he started Over the 
plains to Oregon, crossed the .Mississippi at Omaha 



and soon afterward bidding farewell to the haunts 
of civilization, journeyed on the north side of 
the Platte Ri/er, through Nebraska, Wyoming, 
Idaho and on to Oregon. lie reached Portland 
six months after leaving home. During the trip 
the party had numerous engagements with the 
Sioux Indians, one very serious among the Black 
Hills. 

Besides the Indians the Doctor met men from 
most all parts of every country during his tour in 
the wild West, and learned many interesting facts 
in connection therewith and the habits of life on 
the frontier, besides having an opportunity to view 
some of the most wild and romantic scenery in the 
world. We next find him officiating as a peda- 
gogue in Oregon for six months. He had already 
made up his mind to adopt the medical profession, 
and at the expiration of this time entered the med- 
ical department of Willamette University, Oregon, 
from which he was graduated with honors in 1872. 
He commenced the practice of his profession at 
Vancouver, Wash., where he sojourned four years. 
Here occurred the first great affliction of his life in 
the loss of his estimable wife, which occurred in 
1876. Soon afterward he returned to this State 
and was located in Oakland, Coles County, for five 
years. 

In 1881 Dr. Turner took up his residence in 
Fairmount, where he has made all arrangements to 
spend at least the greater part of his life. He has 
a most pleasant and attractive home, a fine and 
growing practice and apparently everything to make 
existence desirable. He was first married in 1861 to 
Miss Harriet N., daughter of Judge William E. 
Smith, of Toledo, Cumberland County, this state. 
Of this union there were born four children, the 
eldest of whom, a son. Alva M., married Miss 
Phoeba A. Reese, "and is employed in the drug-store 
of Lamon & Lamon. of Fairmount; his wife died 
April 25, 1889, of apoplexy; Sharon C. is doing 
a large business as a contractor at Ocean Beach, 
Pacific Co., Wash. He is unmarried; Nancy C. 
i.^ the wife of Edward Busby ami lives seven miles 
south of Fairmount; they have no children; Will- 
iam E. was accidentally killed on the railroad track 
west, of the depot, April 18, 1885, .'it the age of 
thirteen years. Mrs. Harriet N. (Smith) Turner 



328 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



departed this life at her residence, in Vancouver, 
Wash., in January. 1870. 

Dr. Turner contracted a second marriage in 
April, 1877, with Miss Eliza J. Hoagland, foster 
daughter of John S. C'ofer, of Areola, 111., the wed- 
ding taking place at Paris. This union resulted in 
the birth of two children, John W. and Mary, both 
living with their father and attending school. The 
mother died April 30, 1884. On the 10th of July, 
1884, the Doctor was married to Miss Mary E. 
.Mills, one of the leading lady teachers of Vermilion 
County. Mrs. Turner is a lady of more than ordi- 
nary accomplishments and stands high in the social 
circles of the community. The Doctor and his 
wife with the elder children are all connected with 
the Methodist Episcopal Church. Dr. Turner is a 
member of the Official Board and Vice-president 
of the Township Sunday-school Association, which 
latter office he has held for the last three years. 
He gives much time to the religious instruction of 
the young, a subject in which he has entertained a 
lifelong interest. 

At the last election for the city offices, Dr. Turner 
was reelected President of the Board of Aldermen, 
receiving, with the exception of eleven, all of the 
votes cast for this office. He is a pronounced Re- 
publican with broad and liberal ideas, and belongs 
t<> the A. F. & A. M., being Master of the lodge at 
Fairmount for four years in succession. He also 
belongs to the Modern Woodmen, in which Order 
he is Medical Examiner and holds the same position 
in connection with eight life insurance companies 
doing business in this state. As may be supposed, 
his practice and his official duties absorb a large 
portion of his time, but he still finds the opportun- 
ity to indulge occasionally in hunting and fishing, 
in which he is an expert and of which sports he is 
excessively fond. The temperance cause finds in 
him one of its firmest advocates. Genial and com- 
panionable by nature, he is one naturally making 
hosts of friends. As an orator he possesses talents 
of no mean order, and is frequently called upon to 
address political, religious and other meetings. 
There are always a few men who must lead in a 
community, and Dr. Turner, of Fairmount, is an 
admirable representative of this class of the com- 
munity. Therefore we are pleased to present 



to the readers of this volume a splendid por- 
trait of Dr. Turner, as perpetuating the features 
of one honored and esteemed by all, and the pres- 
ent incumbent of the most important official posi- 
tion in Fairmount. 



*«* 



-5-~ 



/^EORGE W. SMITH, who lives on section 
if ,==-. 31 in Grant Township, Vermilion County, 
v \^i) has resided here but six years. He for- 
merly resided in Champaign County, 111. He was 
born in Fairfield County, Ohio, July 11, 1833, his 
parents being John C. and Azenith (Lewis) Smith, 
the former a native of Delaware and the latter of 
Pennsylvania.- 

The parents of John C. Smith died in Delaware 
when he was quite young, and at the age of twenty- 
one years, in 1808, he emigrated to what was then 
considered the Far West. He was a carpenter by 
trade, and located at what is now the capital of 
Ohio, Columbus, then known as Franklin. There 
he put on the first shingle roof ever constructed in 
that locality, lie was still there when the War 
of 1812 broke out, and he enlisted in the army 
under Capt. Sanderson, of Lancaster, Ohio. He 
served during the entire time of the war, and re- 
ceived for his services two warrants, each entitling 
him to eighty acres of land. He was with the 
army at Detroit, and there endured the hardships 
suffered by that part of the army during that try- 
ing period. At the conclusion of the war Mr. 
Smith returned to Lancaster, staying there for two 
or three years. He never located his land war- 
rants, which he did not receive for many years, 
but sold them to another party. In 18111 he 
settled on a farm on the line that separates 
Fairfield and Pickaway counties, Ohio, and there 
lived for the remainder of his life, dying May 21, 
1857, in his seventy-first year, having been born 
March 10, 1787. He was married in Fairfield 
County, in 1819, to Mrs. Azenith Julian, widow of 
Stephen L. Julian, by whom she had three chil- 
dren, one of whom yet survives, and is also named 
Stephen L., and who is now living near Marion, 
Grant Co., Ind., and is in his seventy-seventh 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



329 



year. She owned .and lived on the farm, where they 
afterward both died. Mrs. Smith was born May 
24. 1788, and died Sept. 21. 1852, aged sixty-four 
years and four months. Mr. and Mrs. Smith were 
the parents of seven children, the following four 
being deceased: Rebecca L. was the wife of James 
M. Stewart, and died near Logan. Ohio; Eliza H. 
was married to Henry Dustman, and died ai Beaver 
Dam, Wis.; Mary W., who was the wife of James 
S. McDowell, died at Tolona, 111.; and Elizabeth S., 
who was married to John Burton, died also at that 
place. The survivors arc: Hannah A., the wife of 
L. C. Burr, a furniture dealer in Tolona; Martha 
J. is living with the subject of this sketch, the lat- 
ter being the youngest of the family. 

George W. Smith was brought up on the home 
farm at Tarleton, Ohio, where be lived until he 
was twenty-five years of age. Both his parents 
being deceased, he sold the Ohio farm in 1858 
and removed to Tolona, 111., where he bought a 
farm, on which he lived until 1883, when he sold 
it and removed to his present home. His birth- 
place was in a hilly country, and the work in clear- 
ing and cultivating it was arduous. He, therefore, 
had long directed his attention to Illinois as a 
place where he could better his fortunes. When he 
came to Illinois he was accompanied by his three 
younger sisters, all remaining with him until the 
the marriage of the two eldest. Mr. Smith was 
united in marriage Feb. 14. 1865, to Miss Julia 
II. Lock, daughter of William and Hannah (Eseoi | 
Lock, natives of England, where Mrs. Smith was 
born March 20. 1842. Her parents emigrated to 
Canada when she was seven years old, and in 
1864 settled in Champaign County, 111. Loth are 
now deceased, the mother dying in Canada of apo- 
plexy while on a visit to a son living there, in 
187 1. aged sixty-eight. Her father died in Cham- 
paign < ounty, in 1885, in his eighty-fourth year. 
Mr. Lock came to Canada alone in is 12. and 
bought a farm there, and then returned to Eng- 
land, where he remained for seven years, and then 
came back with Ins family. He made several 
Changes there before coming to tin' United States, 
buying considerable property. He ultimately be- 
came a large land-owner, alone owning 1,500 acres 
in Champaign County. 111. Mr. and Mrs. Lock 



had eleven children, all but one of whom are now 
living. William is a farmer in Canada; Louisa is 
the wife of Joseph Spettigue, of London. Canada; 
Henry is a farmer at Belmont, Canada; Eliza 
was the wife of Corelia Fields, and died in 
Canada; James is living at St. Thomas, Canada. 
where he is a boot and shoe dealer; Benjamin lives 
in Champaign County, 111. Mrs. Smith was next 
in Older of birth, then Daniel, a farmer in Marshall 
County, Kaji. John is also a farmer at Philo, 111., 
and Hattie is the wife of M. L. Brewer, a farmer 
in the same place. Frank was drowned while swim- 
ming, when eight years of age. Mr. and Mrs. 
Smith have no children, but the child of his sister 
Rebecca L., Frank L. Stewart, has lived with them 
since he was four months old, having been adopted 
by his aunt, Miss Martha J. Smith. He was bom 
in Logan, Hocking Co., Ohio, Jan. 30, 1857. 

While living in Champaign County, III, Mr. 
Smith was a School Director for twenty-four years, 
and also Assessor for five consecutive terms. He 
also held the offices of Highway Commissioner, 
Treasurer and Clerk of the Board. He is now- one 
of the School Directors of Vermilion Count}', and 
has been since the first year of his residence here. 
Mr. Smith has always sustained the character of 
an upright man, and the people who know him 
best are those who admire him most for his good 
qualities as a man and a neighbor. 

EWIS HOPPER. Among the notable 
characteristics in the makeup of this gen- 
tleman is his great self-reliance and the abil- 
ity to take care of himself, which was evinced at 
an early age and when thrown among strangers. 
Hi- life occupation has been that of farming, in 
which he has been eminently successful and from 
which it has been exceedingly difficult for him to 
make vip his mind to retire, although he has now 
done so, and i> coin fort ably established in a pleasant 
village home at Fairmount. Among the other 
fortunate things which befell him during his early 
manhood was the careful wife .and mother who has 
stood by the side of her husband for these many 




330 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



years, encouraging him in his worthy ambitions and 
ably assisting him in the struggle for a competence. 
They have lived happily together for many years 
and are now reaping a mutual enjoyment from the 
fruits of their early toil and sacrifices. Such have 
been their lives that they have commanded the 
esteem and confidence of the people wherever they 
have lived, bearing that reputation for solid work 
and reliability of character, which form the basis of 
all well regulated society. 

In reviewing the antecedents of Mr. Hopper we 
find that his parents were Beverly and Sarah 
(Miller) Hopper, natives of Virginia and the 
father born in Culpeper County. They lived in 
the Old Dominion after their marriage until 182K, 
then changed^ their residence to the vicinity of 
Newark in Licking Co., Ohio. Later, they re- 
moved to Indiana, where they died after their nine 
children were married and scattered. Of these 
our subject, was the youngest born and six are still 
living. He first opened his eyes to the light in 
Virginia on the 13th day of February, 1827, and 
was a child in his mother's arms when they 
removed to the Buckeye State. He attended the 
subscription school and worked with his father on 
the farm until a youth of eighteen years. 

Upon reaching his majority young Hopper be- 
gan learning the carpenter's trade, but the failure 
of his employers soon threw him out of business 
and he returned to the farm. He was married in 
1847 to Miss Margaret, daughter of Jacob Kinsey, 
of Peru, Ind., and lived in the Hoosier State until 
August, 1853. That year he came to this county 
with his little family and settled four miles north- 
east of Fairmount, residing there for a period of 
eleven years. He then sold out and purchased a 
farm five miles south-east of Fairmount and com- 
prising 160 acres all prairie. He turned the first 
furrow there and effected all the other improve- 
ments which finally rendered it a valuable piece of 
property, and occupied it until their removal to 
the village. 

The six children born to our subject and his 
first wife are recorded as follows: John married 
Miss Rebecca A. Carrington, is the father of three 
children and lives on a farm four miles south-east 
of Fairmount; Sarah is the wife of Joseph English, 



lives near Peru, Ind.. and is the mother of one 
child; Susannah married George Darr and is the 
mother of four children; they live three miles 
south-west of Fairmount; Martha Jane, Mrs. 
Charles Pemberton, is the mother of four children 
and lives six miles south of Fairmount; Frank 
married Miss Cora Hall, is the father of one child 
and lives six miles south of Fairmount; Vina, Mrs. 
James Smith, is the mother of three children and 
lives near Peru, Ind. Mrs. Margaret (Kinsey) 
Hopper departed this life at the home farm in 1876. 

Mr. Hopper contracted a second marriage March 
27, 1880 with Mrs. Lou (Stansberry) Olmstead, 
daughter of Bonaparte and Jane (Wooden) Stans- 
berry of Catlin this State. Mr. Stansberry was a 
farmer by occupation and the parental household 
included six children of whom Mrs. Hopper was 
the fifth in order of birth. She was born at Cat- 
lin, Jan. 27, 1842, and grew up amid the scenes of 
pioneer life, her parents having been early settlers 
of that region. Mr. Stansberry died when his 
daughter Lou was a young child. The mother is 
still living and is now aged seventy-seven years; 
she is a bright and intelligent old lady and takes 
delight in reviewing the scenes of her early life in 
Illinois to which her father came as early as 1812. 
She was present at the opening of the first court in 
Vermilion County. 

Mrs. Hopper attended the common schools dur- 
ing her childhood days and was carefully trained 
by an excellent mother in those housewifely duties 
which have so much influence upon the happiness 
and comfort of a home. Although not belonging 
to any religious denomination Mr. and Mrs Hop- 
per have made it the rule of their lives to do unto 
others as they would be done by, and among their 
neighbors and friends have maintained that kindly 
Christian character, which is the true index of an 
unselfish and benevolent heart. Their home is 
pleasantly situated at the east edge of Fairmount, 
where they have five acres of ground and a neat 
residence, erected in 1887. The year following 
Mr. Hopper put up a fine barn. He keeps some 
stock and pays special attention to the raising 
of swine. He has enough to keep himself com- 
fortably busy without overtaxing his energies. 

While not by any means a politician, Mr. Hoi)- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



331 



per keeps himself well informed upon State and 
National events and votes independently of any 
party. He has officiated as School Director and 
Trustee in his District, also as Road Overseer, fulfill- 
ing the duties of the latter office in an especially 
credi table manner. He identified himself with 
the A. F. & A. M. fraternity some years ago, and 
is connected with Fairmount Lodije No. 590. 



Jf OHN F. McGEE lias been a highly respected 
citizen of Blount Township since 1857, and 
i is numbered among its prosperous farmers. 
y He has a good, well-appointed farm on sec 
tion 34. comprising eighty acres of well-tilled soil 
that yields him rich harvests in repayment for the 
care and skill that he expends in its cultivation. 
In the cosy home that he has built up here he and 
his wife are enjoying the comforts of life, and are 
well fortified against want and privation. 

The father of our subject, William McGee, was 
a native of Fast Tennessee, born in one of its pin- 
neer homes in the year 1807. He was bred to the 
life of a farmer, and in 1831 assumed the responsi- 
bilities of a domestic life, marrying Rebecca Hes- 
sey, daughter of John and Sarah Hessey. Some 
time after they removed to Missouri, and, after 
living in St. Louis awhile, they settled in Greene 
County. Twelve years later they went to Scott 
County, Ark., where the father bought a farm. 
They lived there only two years, however, and in 
1852 departed for the Lone Star State. They 
staid but three years in Texas, in Cook County, 
when they again found themselves on the move, 
and. returning to Missouri, they settled in New- 
tun County, on Shoal Creek, eleven miles above 
the Neosha (New Granliy) lead mines. March 3, 
1856, the father closed his earthly pilgrimage when 
scarce past the prime of life. His wife died in 
October, 1882. Of the ten children burn to that 
worthy couple seven are now living, and he of 
whom we write was their fourth in order of birth. 
He was born during their residence in St. Louis, 
Mi>.. Dec. 19. 1839. Shortly afterward his parents 
removed to Greene County, that State, and there, 



as soon as old enough, he was sent to a subscrip- 
tion school, which was conducted in a rude log 
cabin without a floor, and with rough logs for 
benches, wooden pins in the ends serving as legs. 

Our subject accompanied his parents in their 
various removals to and fro, and, being a lad of 
intelligence and observation, profited by what he 
saw of the country. He remained an inmate of 
the parental household till the year of his fa- 
ther's death (1856), and then, in 1857, came to 
Vermilion County and to this township. Being 
pleased with the country around here, and the fa- 
cilities offered to an industrious, brainy, young 
farmer, he decided to locate here permanently, 
and. with that end in view, two years later bought 
his present farm. In the years of hard labor that 
have followed his settlement here Mr. McGee has 
greatly increased the original value of his farm, 
and has brought it under good cultivation. He 
has it amply provided with the necessary build- 
ings, and everything about the place is in good 
order, and betokens thrift and neatness on the part 
of the owner. 

Mr. McGee has been twice married. In 1860 
he was wedded to Sarah Jane Watson, daughter of 
James Watson. She was a truly estimable woman, 
and made a good wife and a true helpmate. In 
1866 she closed her eyes in death, leaving three chil- 
dren as the fruit of her union — Rebecca Jane,Joseph 
Thomas, and Precious. The marriage of our sub- 
ject with his present wife took place in 1874. Her 
maiden name was Elizabeth Hessey. and she is a 
daughter of Abram Hessey. Mrs. McGee is a 
true helpmate in every sense of the word, and of 
her pleasant married life four children have been 
born, two of whom died in infancy. The names 
of the others are Mary M. and Farrin A. 

Inning the thirty-two years that he has been a 
resident of Vermilion County, Mr. McGee has won 
'.he esteem and respect of all about him by his 
kind, obliging ways, and by his conscientious, up- 
right conduct in all the affairs of life. He is a 
hard-working, capable man, and by persevering 
and well-directed labor has established himself 
comfortably. In politics lie is a sound Democrat, 
and, religiously, is a consistent member of the 
Christian Church, known as the (ampbellite 



332 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



*, IfclLLlAM JIDi. IMS gentleman 
\pj// the reputation of being one of tin 
VW farmers in Middle Fork Township, 



Church. He was elected Road Commissioner in 
18-86, and again in 1889, and is performing the 
duties of that office with credit to himself and to 
the advantage of the township. 

WILLIAM JUDY. This gentleman bears 

the best 
where 

where he has resided since about 1851. That year 
he came with his parents to this county from Hardy 
County, Va., the journey being made overland with 
teams and occupying thirty-one days. The father 
located a claim upon -which there was a log cabin, 
and into it the family removed, and lived there 
several years. William was then a lad of thirteen 
years. Upon reaching manhood, he purchased a 
half section of land in sections 19 and 20, and by 
subsequent purchase 100 acres have been added to 
the original purchase. The elder Judy and his 
boys improved a good farm, and the father died 
in 1854, at the age of about sixty-two years. The 
mother is still living, making her home with her 
son Samuel, in Iroquois County, this State. 

Our subject during his boyhood pursued his 
studies in a log cabin on the subscription plan, at- 
tending there two terms. Afterwards a regular 
schoolhouse was built at Wallace Chapel, about 
two miles from his home, which he also attended 
for a time. Later he prosecuted his studies in 
Danville, lie distinctly remembers the time when 
this section of the country was a wild prairie, 
thinly settled, when deer and wolves were numer- 
ous, mill and market far away, and when the set- 
tlers endured many privations and hardships in 
the struggle to maintain existence. 

Young Judy remained with his widowed mother 
until his marriage, in 1862, to Miss Nancy A. 
Wood. This lady was the daughter of Absalom 
and Melinda (Copeland) Wood, and the grand- 
daughter of Henry A. Wood, a native of Virginia, 
who emigrated to this county and settled in Grant 
Township, when there was scarcely another white 
man within its limits. (Further notice will be 
found in the biography of Samuel Copeland in 



another chapter of this book.) Here he reared a 
large family and spent his last days. He was a 
man of great energy and industry, and improved a 
good farm from the wilderness. The father of 
Mrs. Judy was his eldest child, and also entered a 
tract of land from the Government, from which he 
built up a farm. The grandparents were members 
of the Methodist Church. Her great-great-grand- 
father Wood was born in England in 1739. Grand- 
mother Wood's maiden name was Hoover. 

The young couple took up their abode in the 
humble dwelling, and from that time on labored 
with the mutual purpose of making a home for 
themselves and their children. Their toils and 
sacrifices in due time met with a reward, and, in 
addition to developing his first land, Mr. Judy 
added to his possessions until he now has 420 
broad acres, the greater part of which is enclose! 1 
with beautiful hedge fencing, neatly trimmed, and 
the land all in a high state of cultivation. A fine 
large dwelling has supplanted their first humble 
residence, and a barn and other necessary out- 
buildings, a flourishing apple orchard and the 
smaller fruit trees form a most attractive picture 
in the landscape. 

There came in due time to the fireside of our 
subject and estimable wife, twelve children, who 
were named respectively : Lizzie Grant, now Mrs. 
F. M. Slusher; Frank L., J. Milton, Charles, An- 
nettie, Alta May, Robert Farl, Myrtie Florence, 
Fanny Clarinda, Wilber Wood, Mary Melinda and 
Grace Ethel. They are all living, and form a re- 
markably bright and interesting group. Mr. and 
Mrs. Judy are members in good standing of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, attending Wallace 
Chapel. 

Two brother of our subject, Ambrose and John, 
during the late Civil War enlisted in Company E, 
51st Illinois Infantry. John was killed in the 
battle of Franklin, Tenn., and his friends have 
never been able to find his resting-place. All the 
male members of the family uniformly vote the 
Republican ticket. The father, Nicholas Judy, 
was tiie son of Martin Judy, who reared his fam- 
ily in Virginia, the State of his birth. 

The father of our subject passed his boyhood 
and youth in the Old Dominion, and was married 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



333 



to Miss Mary, daughter of Andrew and Mary Skid- 
more. To them was born a family of seventeen chil- 
dren: Jeliu. John. Andrew, Rebecca, Isaac, Ellen. 
. Vinos. Elizabeth, William (our subject), Gabriel, 
Kve. Ambrose. Edward. Nannie, Samuel, and two 
who died in infancy. Eight of these children are 
living, and making their homes mostly in Illinois. 

Our subject's grandfather, Andrew Skidmore. 
married Miss Mary Stonestreet, of Virginia. The}' 
were both born in that State. He was a farmer 
and stock dealer, and was the owner of slaves, and 
died at the age of eighty-four years. Grandmother 
Skidmore was a noble woman, and taught the first 
Sabbath-school ever held in that county. 

Grandfather Martin Judy was of German ances- 
try and the father of twelve children, six boys and 
six girls. He was also a farmer and stock-raiser, 
and a member of the Lutheran Church. He lived 
and died in Pendleton Co., Va. 

Creat-grandfather John Skidmore, an English- 
man by birth, married a German lady, Mary 
Hmkle. 

Grandfather Stonestreet, on the mother's side, 
married Miss Williams, an English lady. 



c t ESSE LEEKA." M.D. One would scarcely 
suppose upon meeting this gentleman that 
he has attained to nearly his threescore 
J years, for he is still young looking and 
more than usually active. This has been the re- 
sult of a correct life and temperate habits and ex- 
ercising good care over "'the house he lives in." 
He has been a resident of Oakwood Village since 
1886 and is numbered among its most successful 
and prominent physicians, having built up a good 
patronage and accumulated a fair amount of this 
world's possessions. 

The first thirty years of the life of our subject 
were spent in Clinton County, Ohio, where he was 
born May 19. 1830. He received a common 
school education and at the age of twenty years 
began his apprenticeship to the trade of a cabinet- 
maker, at which he worked in connection with 
farming for many years. At the age of twenty-five 



he was married, Feb. 2, 1855, to Miss Rebecca A., 
daughter of Francis 15. Maey. of Indiana, and now 
res cling in Kokomo, that state. Afterward the 
newly wedded pair settled in New Vienna. Ohio, of 
which the Doctor in due time became Mayor. 
Subsequently he resided in Rush County, Ind., 
where he was Constable and later in Howard 
County, that State, where he held the office of 
Coroner two terms. After the outbreak of the 
Civil War. he on the 12th of December, 1863, en- 
listed in Company E, 9th Indiana Cavalry and was 
detailed to serve in the Quartermaster's depart- 
ment. He was with his regiment all through 
Hood's campaign and in the engagement at Pulaski, 
lie. however, saw little of active service but en- 
dured the hardships and privations incident to life 
in the army, was afflicted with rheumatism some 
time, and in October, 1864, had a severe attack of 
bilious remittent fever. After the close of the war 
he received his honorable discharge with the regi- 
ment. Aug. 28, 1865, at Vicksburg, Miss. 

Dr. Leeka began the practice of his profession 
in the spring of 1870 at Jerome, Ind. Later he 
entered the medical college of Indianapolis, from 
which he was graduated in the class of 1878. He 
has practiced in Howard County, hid., at Fair- 
mount, this county, whence he came to Oakwood, 
and is the only established physician in this place, 
where he has property and a pleasant home. 

The father of our subject was Philip Leeka, a 
native of Virginia, who in early life was taken by 
his parents to Washington County. Tenn., where 
he was reared to manhood. The paternal grand- 
father, Christian Leeka. was a native of Germany 
and crossed the Atlantic as one of the body of 
troops employed by the British Government to 
subjugate the American Colonists. Upon his ar- 
rival here Grandfather Leeka was ill and was con- 
fined in the hospital until after peace was declared. 
He settled in Southern Virginia and married an 
American lady of German parentage. In 181.5 
they removed to Clinton County. Ohio, where the 
grandfather died a few years later. Philip, the 
father of our subject, was the fifth of his seven 
children. Two of the older boys served under 
General Jackson in the Seminole War. One of 
them. Christian, Jr.. died while in the service in 



334 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Florida. The other, Henry, after leaving the army 
settled in Randolph County. Ind., where he became 
a prominent citizen and served as Justice of the 
Peace for a period of eighteen years. He there 
spent the remainder of his life, passing away at a 
ripe old age. 

Philip Leeka was horn March 21, 1799, and 
reared to farming pursuits. He acquired a good 
education and taught school considerably after his 
marriage. He maintained a warm interest in edu- 
cational matters and officiated as a School Director 
in his district from the time of settling there until 
his decease. He was married in Clinton County, 
Ohio, in 1821, to Miss Elizabeth Hodson, who wasof 
Quaker parentage and was born in North Carolina 
in 1797. The Hodson family emigrated to Clinton 
County, Ohio, about 1814. After their marriage 
the parents of our subject settled on a farm in that 
county, poor in purse but with strong hands and 
hopeful hearts, and after years of industry and 
economy, accumulated a good property including a 
tine farm. The mother passed away at the old 
homestead in 1842. Philip Leeka survived his 
wife forty-two years, bis death taking place near 
New Vienna, in 1884, when he was'quite aged. The 
household circle included ten children, nine of 
whom are still living, and of whom Jesse, our sub- 
ject, was the fifth in order of birth. 

To the Doctor and his first wife there were born 
Ave children, four sons and a daughter. The latter, 
Cora A., died when an interesting girl of twelve 
years. The sons are all living. Francis Edgar 
married Miss Sadie Sisson, and lives in St. Joe, 
111.; Charles Frederick married Miss Ida Ayles- 
worth. and they live in Hebron, Ind. Of the four 
children born to them only one is living. William 
L. married Miss Mary Gibson, is the father of three 
children, and lives in Durango, Col.; Daniel 
Cary is unmarried and a resident of Danville. 
Mrs. Rebecca A. Leeka departed this life April 11, 
1873. 

Our subject contracted a second matrimonial 
alliance in April, 1885, to Miss Elizabeth J. Tim- 
mons, formerly of Carroll County, Ind. Her father 
Elijah Timmons was a native of Ohio, her mother 
was Mary A. (Bennett) Timmons, of Pickaway Co., 
Ohio. This lady was one of a family of ten children, 



live boys and live girls, and was born May 15, 1838. 
Seven only are living. The Doctor became iden- 
tified with the Masonic fraternity thirty-six years 
ago and has always taken a warm interest in its 
prosperity. He is Senior Vice Commander of 
George Morrison Post. No. 635 G. A. R., Depart- 
ment of Illinois, in which he has held the office of 
Surgeon. He was at one time a member of the 
Sons of Temperance, and religiously is connected 
with the Society "of Friends. Mrs. Leeka finds her 
religious home in the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
Politically the Doctor is an ardent Republican, tak- 
ing a lively interest in the success and principles 
of his party and laboring as he has opportunity, to 
advance the political doctrines which he believes 
are the surest means of prosperity to one of the 
best governments on the face of the earth. 



-m ^<4£S£M -HE- 



NOCH VANVICKLE. More than sixty years 
ave gone by since the subject of this liio- 
aphical review, then a stout, manly lad of 
fourteen years, first came to Vermilion County 
with his parents from his early home in the Buck- 
eye State. Here he grew to a stalwart, capable 
manhood, and has since been identified with the 
development and prosperity of his adopted county, 
and has been a factor in promoting its agricul- 
tural interests, with which he is still connected, 
having a good farm on section 35, Blount Town- 
ship, comprising 140 acres of as fine, tillable land as 
is to be found in the whole precinct. By down- 
right, hard and persistent labor he has brought 
it to a high state of cultivation, it yielding him a 
good income, and he has erected suitable buildings. 
His parents were among the early settlers of the 
county, and it has been his pleasure to witness and 
assist in almost its entire development from a state 
of nature. 

The father of our subject, Evert Vanvickle, was 
born either in Pennsjlvania or Virginia. His 
mother, whose maiden name was Sarah White, was 
a native of Pennsylvania, and after marriage the 
parents settled in Butler County, Ohio, from there 
they removed to Jennings County, Ind.. where 





^;»V»,igfr f a;^ia^^ 



Residence of William Kelly. Sec.2. Danville Township. 







Residence or Mrs. Eliza Cassel,,5ec.I7.(T.20-Ri3) Pilot Township. 










w£ i . . . ■-■. - : ..-■..■...• ..^.». -v^v.u^.. a ;?.'.■• iiAftvia gjjf:-: 



- ■ - ■ ',V;'-;^ >^" ~, -'■"■" ,-'-'-v-,-i--i fl -y^ 



Residence of B.C.Pate,5ec.21.(T.197R.12) Catlin Township. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



337 



they lived till 1828. In that year they made an- 
other move westward and penetrating to the wilds 
of Illinois, came to Vermilion County and settled 
in Blount Township. After a residence here of 
some twenty years they went to Holt County, Mo., 
where their remaining years were passed. To that 
worthy couple were born five sons, of whom the 
subject of this sketch was the second. 

Our subject was born in the pioneer home of his 
parents in Butler County, Ohio. April 26, 1814. 
He accompanied his parents to this county in 1828 
and has ever since been an honored citizen of this 
place. After attaining man's estate he adopted the 
calling of agriculture to which he had been reared 
and for which he had a natural taste, and as the 
years have rolled by he has acquired a comfortable 
competency, and with the aid of a good wife he 
has built up a cozy home, in which they are spend- 
ing the declining years of a life of usefulness in 
quietness and peace, enjoying the full respect and 
affection of their neighbors and friends. 

Mr. Yanvickle has been twice married. The 
first time in Vermilion County, in 1837, to Miss 
Nancy White. Nine children were the fruits of 
that union, of whom the following seven grew to 
maturity: Ruth; Andrew, who was a soldier in the 
army, enlisted from Indiana, and gave up his life 
for his country at Knoxville, Tenn.; Sarah, Evert, 
Harriet, John, and Enoch. Mrs. Vanvickle de- 
parted this life in her husband's home in Blount 
Township. She was a thoroughly good, upright 
woman, and an esteemed member of the Chris 
tian Church. Mr. Vanvickle was married a second 
time in Blount Township to Mrs. Cynthia (Souders) 
Cline. She is a native of Pike County. Ohio, born 
April 11. 1823. She has also been twice married. 
Her first husband was Nathaniel Cline. He was a 
native of Gallatin. Tenn.. and took part in the 
Rebellion, enlisting from Danville, 111., in Com- 
pany A, 125th Illinois Infantry. He died at Gal- 
latin, Tenn. By that marriage Mrs. Vanvickle 
became the mother of eight children — Amanda. 
Martha, Mary. Benjamin F., John B., Charles, 
Luketta, and Emma. Amanda and Martha are 
deceased. 

Our subject is held in veneration by his fellow- 
men not only for his pioneer labors in Blount Town- 



ship, in whose welfare he has always taken a genuine 
interest, but for those honest traits of mind and 
heart that mark him as a good man and a desirable 
citizen. He is one of the few survivors of the 
famous Black Hawk War. in which he served 
about thirty days, being then a youth of eighteen 
years. He, and his worthy wife are esteemed 
members of the Christian Church, with which he 
connected himself some twenty years ago. and she 
joined thirty years ago. Mr. Vanvickle is a true 
Republican, and in him the party finds a devoted 
follower. 



&cx> 



*j|) AMES DAVIS is one of the prosperous and 
influential farmers of Vermilion County, 
who takes great pride in doing all things 
/ well. His father was Henry Davis, who 
was born in Pennsylvania. He removed to 
Ohio in 1808, and lived there twenty-eight 
years, and in 1836 settled in Illinois, locating 
on the farm now owned and occupied by his son 
James. His mother, whose maiden name was 
Rachael Pollock, was also a native of Pennsylvania. 

Henry Davis lived in Pennsylvania but a short 
time after his marriage, when he emigrated to Ohio, 
and there cleared a farm of 200 acres. After his 
removal to Illinois he became a very large land- 
holder, owning at one time about 4,200 acres of 
uncultivated Illinois prairie. He was the father of 
ten children, five of whom are now living. The 
mother died in 181*. at the age of sixty-one. while 
the father passed away in November, 1855, aged 
seventy-four years. James was the youngest of 
this family of children, his birth occurring Jan. 
21, 1828. in Guernsey. County, Ohio. He received 
a limited education in the old-fashioned log school- 
house, and his boyhood was mostly employed at 
work upon the farm. In those days he spent a 
great deal of time hunting deer, wolves, and other 
wild game, and refers to these times as the hap- 
piest moments of his life. He remained at home 
helping his father on the farm until he was twenty- 
two years of age. when he married America .1. 
Boggess, Oct. 18, L849. She is the daughter of 
John Boggess, who was one of the earliest pioneers 



338 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



of Vermilion County. He settled at Brooks' 
Point, and was a representative farmer of his time. 
Eleven children were born to him, nine of whom 
grew to maturity. He and his wife have been 
dead for many years. Mrs. Davis, wife of the sub- 
ject of this sketch, was born at Brooks' Point, May 
3, 1833. She grew to womanhood in this section, 
where she received a limited school education. 

After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Davis located on 
his present farm, where his father gave him 397 
acres of as good land as there is in the county. It 
will lie seen that Mr. Davis had a competency with 
which to begin life. He possesses the common 
sense and business skill necessary to keep his in- 
herited wealth and add to it. He is a first-class 
farmer, and raises cattle, horses, sheep and hogs. 
In 1865 Mr. Davis erected a tine residence at a 
cost of $5,000, and since that time has added to it, 
and made many improvements in its surroundings, 
lie also owns a good house and lot in Danville. 
Mr. and Mrs. Davis have had two children: .lohn 
T.. the elder of the two. is married to Miss Katie 
Thomas, and they are living three miles southwest 
of Fairmount. He is the father of one son — James 

Ro V by a former marriage. Rachel A. married 

E. R. Danforth; they reside in Danville with their 
three children — Jennie, Annie and James. 

Mr. Davis has held many of the local offices of 
his township, and has given the best of satisfac- 
tion in conducting them. For nine years he held 
the offices of Road Commissioner and School Di- 
rector, and is now a Trustee of his school district. 
He is a member of Homer Lodge No. 199, A. F. & 
A. M., of which he has been Senior and Junior 
Warden. Junior Deacon and Treasurer. The offices 
of King and Scribe have been held by him in the 
lodge of Royal Arch Masons No. 94. He is also a 
member of the commandery at Danville. Mr. 
Davis has been a member of the Baptist Church 
for many years, and he takes some interest in poli- 
tics. He was born and reared a Democrat, and 
continued with that party until the War of the Re- 
bellion, when he changed his political belief, and 
since that time he has invariably voted the Repub- 
lican ticket at National and State elections, but in 
local affairs he casts his vote for the best man. Mr. 
Davis has been somewhat of a traveler. His first 




trip was to Chicago, in 1842, with a load of wheat, 
and in 1848 he took a second trip to Chicago witli 
a load of apples. In 1875 he visited California, 
and made an extended trip through that State. He 
attended the Centennial at Philadelphia in 1876, 
and on that journey visited many different States. 
Mr. Davis enlisted in Company C, 71st Illinois In- 
fantry, and served with his regiment until late in 
the autumn of 1862, when he was discharged. 
There is no farmer in this section of the country 
whose judgment is better, and his record is one of 
the best. 

)IRGIL C. T. KINGSLEY, M.D. is a native 
of New York State, having been born near 

V/ Utica. His father, Jedediah S. Kingsley, 
was also a native of the same State and Utica was 
his home for a great many years. The grandfather 
of the subject of this sketch. Obediah Kingsley, 
was a native of New England and traced his an- 
cestry to England. He settled in Herkimer County, 
N. Y. and pursued the calling of a farmer, living on 
his first homestead for nearly a half century and 
dying there. He was one of the earliest settlers of 
Herkimer County, and early in the century, pur- 
chased a tract of timber land from which he cleared 
a farm. He built two saw-mills, was an extensive 
dealer in lumber and furnished the lumber for- the 
large asylum at Utica. 

Jedediah S. Kingsley, the father of the subject 
of this sketch was reared to agricultural pursuits, 
and followed farming for some time after his mar- 
riage, when his health gave way and he turned his 
attention to the study of medicine, a profession to 
which he was eminently adapted, as time later on 
demonstrated. He graduated from the University 
of Vermont, at Burlington, when he immediately 
commenced the practice of his profession at Rome, 
N. Y., and has remained there since. The maiden 
name of his wife was Angeline Myers, a native of 
New York State and to whom was born five child- 
ren. 

Dr. Kingsley, of whom this biography is written, 
was educated in the common schools of Rome, and 
was graduated from the High School there. Early in 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



339 



life he concluded that he was adapted to the pro- 
fession of medicine and surgery, and following that 
idea, he commenced the study of medicine with his 
father, after which he attended three years at the 
medical department of Michigan University at Ann 
Arbor, and graduated in the class of '83. After 
his graduation he returned to Rome and commenced 
practice and pursued his profession there until the 
spring of 1881. when he removed to Danville, 
where he lias built up an extensive and lucrative 
practice. The doctor makes a specialty of cancer, 
tumors and chronic diseases, and has been eminently 
successful in pursuing these specialties. Patients 
visit him from many different states. His office is 
well filled, a greater portion of the time, and all 
curable diseases are treated with success. The 
Doctor's pleasant ways and professional ability are 
drawing cards. 

Dr. Kingsley was married in 1884. to Miss Ella 
Brown, a native of Oneida County, New York 
State and daughter of Marv Brown. 




S.IMOTHY PARK, who lives on section 24, 
in Grant Township, Vermilion County, near 
the Indiana State line, was born in Franklin 
County, Ohio, in 1844. His parents were Silas 
and Mary (Good) Park, both of Virginia. They 
removed to Franklin County, Ohio, at an early 
day, but later went to Delaware County in the same 
State, where both died, the father in 1877, the 
mother about twenty years ago. Silas Park was a 
fanner by occupation, and a plain, hardworking 
man who never took any part in public affairs, but 
attended closely to the business of making a home 
for his family, and he succeeded. They had nine 
children, of whom five are living, namely: Ezek 
icl, William and Branson, farmers in Delaware 
County, Ohio; Rose, who is the wife of William 
Ilazlett, also living in Ohio. Those deceased were 
named respectively: Susanna, Samantha, Hardy 
and Ashforth. 

Timothy Park, of whom we write, was brought 
up lu farming, which has been his lifelong occu- 
pation. He remained in Ohio until 1869, when 



he came to this county, buying a farm on section 
25 in Grant Township, one-half mile south of his 
present home. He lived there but a year, however, 
when he returned to his native State. A few 
months later he came back to this county, was 
married and rented a farm on section 19, town- 
ship 23. range 10 and 11. and there he and his 
wife lived for four years, when he bought the 
farm which he now owns and occupies. It was 
then but a tract of uncultivated prairie, without 
a building, fence or tree, in fact, being wholly 
destitute of the work of man. Now he has all 
the improvements necessary for a well regulated 
farm, his house being neat and comfortable, his 
buildings ample for all his needs, and his land 
more than ordinarily well cultivated, the trans- 
formation being due to his untiring energy and 
knowledge, and the picture of his broad acres with 
their fine surroundings is one on which he can look 
with just pride. Eighty acres of his land are on 
the section on which his house stands, while another 
eighty is located on section 13, adjoining it on 
the north. Mr. Park has always been an ardent 
advocate of thorough drainage, and was one of 
the first to build tile drains in this part of the 
county, and he now has his entire farm tiled in the 
most thorough manner. On the northern half of 
his farm he has the biggest and deepest ditch in the 
northeast corner of the county, and the results of 
this careful attention to proper drainage and till- 
age of the soil are apparent in the splendid con- 
dition of his land and his usual good crops. 

Although not one of the original settlers of the 
county. Mr. Park located here when the land was 
new and sparsely settled. The presence of large 
sloughs and much low land in the neighborhood 
had retarded the progress of this section of the 
county, and he has witnessed its development from 
its wild state to its present prosperous condition, 
and has been no small factor in assisting [ts growth, 
to which he has contributed his full share. The 
first work that he did here was for his wife's father. 
James Budd, who was largely interested in the cul- 
tivation of broom corn, having as much as 300 
acres planted at one time. The nearest market for 
the product was at Lafayette, Ind.. and no regular 
and direct roads having been laid out, the wagons 



340 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



had to go the best way they could around the 
numerous sloughs and across the prairies, making 
the distance between here and there from forty-five 
to fifty miles. Often Mr. Park has started long 
before daylight, sometimes as early as two o'clock 
in the morning, in order to get to Lafayette by 
sundown, which could only be accomplished by 
hard driving. The next day was occupied by the 
return trip. Farmers of the present day would 
think this an overpowering hardship, but such trials 
as this the pioneers had to endure in their efforts 
to build up homes on the prairies, and their labors 
and sacrifices have made this country what it is. 
Without them railroads would not so soon have been 
built to carry the farmer's produce so far and near, 
and bring the articles he needs almost to his very 
door. All honor, then, to those brave and sturdy 
men who from the wild and bleak prairies have 
made this country one of prosperous farms, dotted 
with groves, among which nestle thousands of 
comfortable homes. Theirs were the toils and sac- 
rifices, while we in comfort and ease enjoy the 
fruits of their labors. Among these true men. Mr. 
Park is justly entitled to a place. When he settled 
here, Hoopeston was not thought of, and he men- 
tions as an interesting fact that he sold the first 
dozen brooms ever disposed of in that now thriv- 
ing town. Although yet a 3'oung man, he is to-day 
one of the oldest settlers living in the northeast 
corner of the count}'. 

On April 1G, 187G, Mr. Park was united in 
marriage with Miss Nancy S. Budd, daughter of 
James and Susanna Budd, then and now resi- 
dents of Iroquois County, 111., who emigrated 
from Ohio, where Mr. Budd was largely en- 
gaged in the occupation of sheep-raising. He 
has now a general farm, but is virtually retired 
from active life, being sevent3 r -six years of age. 
Mrs. Park was born in Ohio, 1841, and is the 
mother of one child — Elnora Jeanettc, a bright 
young miss, now attending school. Mr. Park is 
one of the younger farmers of Grant Township, 
who is becoming known as one of its most enter- 
prising and go-ahead citizens. He has never been 
an applicant for public office, but has held some of 
the minor township positions. He is an honest, 
trustworthy man, whose neighbors give him an ex- 



cellent character as a citizen, and one of the sub- 
stantial sort who contribute much to the prosperity 
of the county. Politically he is a supporter of 
the Democratic party in State and national affairs, 
but in local matters party ties rest lightly on him, 
for he believes in voting for the man best qualified 
for the position, the proper way for those who 
have the best interests of the community at heart. 



-:'<:**:• 



-r»- 




^SHOMAS KEPLINGER. The snug and well- 
regulated farm occupied by the subject of 
this sketch comprises 120 acres of choice 
land, located on section 29, Grant Township. 
This, when he took possession of it in 1870 was but 
slightly improved, only a little breaking having 
been done and not a shrub, post or tree upon it, 
being all open prairie. During the nineteen years 
of his proprietorship Mr. Keplinger has effected a 
great transformation, there being now a fine resi- 
dence with a good orchard and numerous shade 
trees, together with a barn and the other outbuild- 
ings required for the successful prosecution of farm 
pursuits. The fields are enclosed to a good extent 
with hedge fencing, and by a process of underdraw- 
ing the land has become remarkably fertile and 
the source of a handsome income. 

At the time of his coming to Illinois, Mr. Kep- 
linger found deer, wolves and all kinds of wild 
animals in abundance. For the first few years his 
farm was mostly devoted to the raising of grain to 
which it seemed best adapted, but now he raises 
all the cereals, besides the produce required for 
family use and considerable to sell. He is at this 
writing (April 1889) completing a handsome new 
residence, the main part occupying an area of 
16x24 feet with an "L" 15x26 feet and which when 
finished, set in the midst of shrubbery as it is, 
will form one of the most attractive homes in this 
region. Everything about the place is indicative 
of thrift and prosperity, cultivated tastes and the 
refinements of modern life. 

Mr. Keplinger was born in Fountain County, Ind.. 
six miles east of Covington, April 7, 1829, and 
lived there until a man of thirty-two years. He 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



341 



remained a member of the parental household until 
the death of his father, which occurred in 1859, at 
the age of fifty-three 3 - ears. The mother had died 
when he was a lad of twelve. On the 10th of May, 
1860, he was married to Miss Eliza Shaffer and 
the year following removed to the vicinity of 
Sugar Groye, Champaign County, upon which he 
operated ten or eleven years. In 1870 he came to 
this county and secured the land which he now 
owns. Since becoming a voting citizen he has 
given his influence and support to the Democratic 
party, but has carefully avoided the responsibili- 
ties of office. 

Mr. and Mrs. Keplinger have had six children, five 
of whom are living, as follows: Nancy, born Feb. 5, 
18C0, and died Aug. 2, 1862; James married Miss 
Ella Gunn, is a resident of Hoopeston and is the 
father of one child; George, Annie and Andrew 
are at home with their parents; Allie, the third 
child, is the wife of Elmer Crane and lives in Ne- 
braska; they have two children. Mrs. Keplinger 
was born in Fountain County. Ind., Jan. 24, 1835i 
and is the daughter of Daniel Shaffer, a farmer of 
that county. She received her education in the 
common school and remained with her parents 
until her marriage. 

Jacob Keplinger. the father of our subject, was 
born in Virginia and lived there until a man of 
twenty-seven years. He then emigrated to Indiana 
and was married to Miss Nancy Dedimore. To 
them there were born three sons and two daugh- 
ters of whom only three are living — Thomas, our 
subject, and his brother, John, a resident of Indiana 
and a sister Martha, who resides in Iowa. 




LFRED M. DIXON. This well-known 
MJ\\ gentleman, who owns a farm on section 10, 
in Grant Township, was born in Fayette 
County. Pa., May 2.3, 18:51, his parents 
being William and Jane (Montgomery) Dixon. 
both natives of the Keystone State. The father 
was a farmer in the county where his son was born. 
and there he died when the latter was about ten 
years of age. Alfred was brought- up to farm work 



from an early age, also drove cattle to market, and 
worked at all such like occupations until 1861, in 
which year he removed to near Attica, in Fountain 
County, Ind., making that his home for two or 
three years, but spending a summer during that 
time in Vermilion County, in which he settled per- 
manently in April, 1868, at a place known as Bun- 
Oak Grove, in Grant Township. There he worked 
for four 3'ears, when he removed to the farm on 
which he now lives. This land was given to him- 
self and wife by tin- latter's father and was then 
nothing but a tract of raw prairie land, with neigh 
bors few and far between, and to one accustomed 
to the more densely populated communities of the 
Eastern States ii did not present a very inviting 
appearance. "With stout hearts and willing hands, 
assisted by the labors of a faithful wife, our subject- 
set to work improving his land,' and at length 
brought it to its present state of thorough cultiva- 
tion. Wild game was in that day plentiful in this 
region, and Mr. Dixon mentions that he counted at 
one time seven deer at a small creek near his 
house. Wild fowl were also plent} - ; ducks, geese 
and prairie chickens being constant and not always 
welcome visitors to the farmers' grain fields. 
Prairie, wolves were unpleasantly numerous, the 
farmers' pig pens often suffering by their depra- 
dations. 

In the seventeen years that have elapsed since 
Mr. Dixon settled at his present home, great 
changes have been wrought, and the country about 
has been thickly settled. His own place shows t lie 
work of an industrious and thrifty hand. About 
nine years ago he put up a new frame house and 
his outbuildings are all that the necessities of his 
farm require. These have all been the results of 
his own labor, and the comforts he is now enjoying 
are deserved. 

In October, 1864, Mr. Dixon was married in 
Fountain County, Ind.. to Miss Serena Dunkel- 
barger. born in that place in 1845 and a daughter 
of John and Fanny Dunkelbarger. whose home 
was in the county named, but who were the own- 
ers of large tracts of land in Vermilion County, 
comprising 900 acres in all. Both of Mrs. Dix- 
on's parents were natives of Perry County. Pa., 
and they removed to Indiana al an early day. 



342 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



The mother died a few years afterward and Mr. 
Dunkelbarger has since been twice married, both of 
his later wives being- from Indiana, where lie still 
resides. 

Mr. and Mrs. Dixon became the parents of ten 
children, six of whom are 3'et living, four dying 
young. The survivors are: Fannie, wife of Burn 
Deeten, a farmer of Grant Township; John, who 
is a machinist by trade, lives in Milwaukee, Wis. ; 
Jennie, Emma, Ella and Dale Wallace are yet under 
the parental roof. 

Mr. Dixon takes an active interest in township 
affairs and has held several offices. He is now 
Highway Commissioner. He is a member of the 
Masonic fraternity, affiliated with Star Lodge, No. 
709, A. F. & A. M.; and with the Iloopestou 
Chapter, No. 181, R. A. M. In every position Mr. 
Dixon has filled he has discharged the duties im- 
posed upon him with such fidelity and judgment as 
to win the good opinion of all. and to-day no man 
stands higher in the respect and esteem of all who 
know him than does he. 



'if) OHN H. VAN ALLEN. In noting the men 
of prominence who are residents of Oak- 
-wood Township and have been instrumental 
'^§)J' '" bringing it to its present position, the 
subject of this notice could by no means properly 
be omitted, and those who in the future may 
peruse the records of this county will recognize in 
him one of its representative men, who, in agist- 
ing to develop a portion of its soil and each year 
turning in a handsome sum to the county treasury 
from the proceeds of his taxable property, has 
borne no unimportant part in establishing its repu- 
tation and importance. The value of history and 
biography are becoming more thoroughly recog- 
nized each year among the intelligent people of the 
"Teat West, who realize the fact that their children 
and their children's children in future years will 
reap great satisfaction in noting the names of their 
progenitors among those who contributed to the 
development of Central Illinois. 

In noting the events of the life of a prosperous 



and respected citizen, the mind naturally reverts 
to those from whom he drew his origin. The 
father of our subject was Stats B. Van Allen, a 
native of New York City, who learned carpenter- 
ing when a young man and in later years operated 
quite extensively as a contractor. The family is of 
Scottish descent, and was represented in this coun- 
try probably during the colonial days. Mrs. Mar- 
garet (Hill) Van Allen, the mother of our subject, 
was a native of Muskingum County, Ohio, and the 
daughter of William Hill, who was born in Virginia, 
and for a time was connected with the iron works 
in Gilim's Falls as foreman of a forge. He also 
carried on farming. He spent his last years in 
Henry County, Ohio, dying at the age of seventy- 
six. 

Stats B. Van Allen, the father of our subject, 
spent his last years in the Buckeye State, dying in 
February, 1888, at the age of seventy. The mother 
is still living there, and is now in the sixty-eighth 
year of her age. They were the parents of twelve 
children, all of whom lived to mature years. John 
H., our subject, was the thiid in order of birth, 
and first opened his e3 r es to the light Jan. 22, IS 13, 
in Licking County, Ohio. His Ixyiiood was spent 
in his native State, and he received a limited edu- 
cation in the common schools. He remained at 
home with his parents, turning over his earnings 
into the family treasury, until entering the army 
to fight the battles of the Union. 

Our subject, on the 1 1th of August, 18C2, en- 
listed in Company G, 97th Ohio Infantry, and 
served one year. The regiment was first ordered 
to Cincinnati and then to Louisville to follow up 
( leu. Bragg' s army. At Wild Cat Mountain he 
received a very severe fall and was sent to the 
hospital at Nashville, where he was confined in the 
Zollicoffer House. Being very discontented here he 
left and returned to his regiment, with which he 
remained until the battle of Murfreesboro. Thence 
he went to Nashville, and finall}- was sent to Camp 
Denison, Ohio, where he was obliged to accept his 
honorable discharge on account of disability. 

Mr. Van Allen now returned to his father's farm 
and remained there about one year. On the 21 th 
of November, 1864, he was united in marriage with 
Miss Rebecca, daughter of John Morrison, a prom- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



343 



inent farmer of his locality and one of the repre- 
sentative men of Licking Count}'. Mr. Morrison 
died in March, 1889, at the age of seventy-two 
years. He had been twice married, and by his first 
wife, the mother of Mrs. Van Allen, was the father 
of seven children. After her death, which occurred 
about twenty-four years ago, he was married the 
second time and there were born to him two more 
children. 

Mrs. Van Allen was the second child of her par- 
ents and was born in Licking County, Ohio, Feb. 1. 
1842. She received a very good education in the 
common schools, and remained a member of the 
parental household until her marriage. The newly 
wedded pair commenced the journey of life to- 
gether in Mt. Sterling, Ohio, and Mr. Van Allen 
employed himself as a carpenter for two years 
thereafter. Next he engaged in teaming three 
years, hauling principally stoneware and crockery. 
Finally, in 1869, he determined to seek the farther 
West, and coming to Illinois with his family located 
near Glenburn, where he established a pottery which 
he conducted about eighteen months. Then aban- 
doning this he turned his attention to farming, witli 
which he has since been occupied and has met with 
flattering success. 

The property of Mr. Van Allen embraces 205 
acres of choice land, mostly in one body and nearly 
the whole under a thorough state of cultivation. It 
is pleasantly located on section 26. The residence 
was put up in 1884, and comprises a neat and sub- 
stantial dwelling, which, with its surroundings i^ 
indicative of the enterprising and progressive spirit 
of the proprietor. Of the nine children born to 
our subject and Ids estimable wife, seven are living 
and all at home with their parents. They were 
named respectively: Erne. Charles H. William E., 
.lames M., Jessie F., Gracie M. and Robert S. 

In politics Mr. Van Allen is a Republican both 
by inheritance and a most decided preference for 
the principles of this party. At the time of Gen. 
( larfield's election as President of the United Stairs 
the father of our subject had the honor of casting 
eleven votes for the Republican ticket, nine of 
these being for his own sons and one for a grand- 
son. Our subject has served as School Director 
for the last twelve years, and still occupies the 



office. In religious matters his views coincide with 
those of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mrs. 
Van Allen is a member in good standing of the 
Christian Church. Socially, Mr. Van Allen belongs 
to Newtown Lodge. No. 714. A. F. & A. M., and also 
to George Morrison Post. No. 035, G. A. R., of 
Glenburn. 




LEX L. WHITE, a highly esteemed old 
resident of Vance Township, is without 
question one of the most popular men of 
Fairmount, where he has spent many years 
and with whose people he has been closely identi- 
fied both in friendly and business relations. His 
wide knowledge of human nature and his uniform- 
ly good judgment make him the recipient of many 
confidences, especially among the old people of the 
place, who often solicit him for advice in business 
matters, and he seldom fails to give them wise and 
judicious counsel. 

The native place of Mr. While was in the vicin- 
ity of Logan, Ohio, and the date of his birth Xo\ . 
2, 1849. His early education was conducted in the 

schools of his native town, and he made such a 1 

use of his time that at the age of sixteen years he 
began teaching, and followed this profession at in- 
tervals for a period of fourteen years. He taught 
first in the schools of his native town, when there 
were but two male teachers out of a corps of nine. 
At one time he was Superintendent of the Gore 
Coal Mines. Upon coming to Fairmount he offici- 
ated as Principal of the schools, and in 1880 took 
the census in Sidell Township, this county. The 
year following he journeyed to the Indian Terri- 
tory and became superintendent of the lumber 
business conducted by Osgood A- Haywood, of 
Indianapolis, being stationed in the Creek Nation. 
In the spring of 1882 Mr. White was elected 
Assessor and Collector of Vance Township, and 
held the position two years. In 1884 he was elected 
Township Supervisor, which office he lias since held 
by re-election each year. He was appointed Post- 



344 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



master of Fairmountin 1885, retaining the position 
until 1889, when he resigned on account of ill 
health. 

The marriage of our subject and Miss Angeline 
E. Noble took place at the bride's hbine in Fair- 
mount July 20, 1876. Rev. J. II. Noble, the father 
of Mrs. White, was a leading member of the Illi- 
nois Conference and Presiding Elder of the Dan- 
ville district. Later he was stationed at Springfield, 
and now, after an active service in the Master's 
vineyard of over forty years, contemplates retir- 
ing from his arduous duties. He is a strong and 
eloquent expounder of the Word, and thousands 
have listened to the admonitions which have fallen 
from his lips and borne good fruit. In the dis- 
charge of his pious duties he has been stationed at 
Lincoln, Mattoon, Shelbyville and Paxton in Illi- 
nois; and in Indiana was in Greencastle, New 
Albany and Indianapolis. 

Mr. Noble was born in Ohio in the fall of 1821, 
and was twice married. He became the father of 
thirteen children, ten of whom are living. His 
first wife was Miss Angeline Simmons, and his sec- 
ond her sister Caroline. 

Mrs. White was horn Aug. 3, 1857, in Indiana, 
and received an excellent education. She was 
married to our subject when a maiden of nineteen 
years, and is now the mother of three children, the 
eldest of whom, Anna Lee, was born Jul}' 30, 1877. 
The latter is a bright young girl, and takes a re- 
markable interest in her studies, prilling herself 
upon her progress therein. The second daughter, 
Edna Noble, was born June 20, 1879, and the only 
son, Edgar Paul, April 11, 1885. Mr. White 
politically is a strong Democrat, and has been quite 
prominent in politics. Several of his male rela- 
tives in Ohio occupied prominent positions, one 
uncle being Clerk of the County Court, another 
Count}* Commissioner, and two others Auditor and 
Recorder respectively, all holding olfice at the same 
time. Leaving Ohio in 1873, he came to this coun- 
ty, locating in Fairmount, with which his interests 
have since been closely identified. For the last six 
years he has been manager for the firm of Davis 
& Stearns, dealers in lumber, hardware and agri- 
cultural implements. He only officiated as Post- 
master six months, and when sending in his resig- 



nation Mrs. White received the appointment and 
held the office until the early part of June, 1889. 
Mrs. White is a very estimable lady and a member 
in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. Our subject socially has been Master of 
Fairmount Lodge, No. 590, for the last three years, 
and still holds the position. 

Mr. White was the third child of his parents, 
Darius and Esther (McBroom) White, who were 
also natives of the Buckeye State, and the father 
is now principal owner of the Logan Manufacturing 
Plant. The paternal grandparents were likewise 
natives of the Buckeye State. Grandfather Mc- 
Broom, also a native of Ohio, served in the War 
of 1812 and died in 1883, when over ninety years 
of age. His wife was a native of Maryland, and 
died in 1882. They had lived together for the 
long period of sixty-four years. To Darius White 
and his estimable wife there were born nine chil- 
dren, all of whom are living, together with the 
parents — a circumstance seldom equalled the world 
over, death having not yet entered this interesting 
household circle. 




ALBERT GIDDIXGS. One of the largest 
and best-appointed conservatories in East- 
ern Illinois, embracing 8,000 square feet 
of glass, is owned and conducted by the 
subject of this notice, who commands a wholesale 
and retail trade extending into most of the States 
from the Atlantic to the Pacific. As a florist he 
cannot be excelled, and he .is of that enterprising 
and go-ahead disposition which is the surest guar- 
antee of success. His life-long interests have cen- 
tered in Vermilion County, for it is the county of 
his birth, which took place in Danville, Dec. 3, 
1850. 

Our subject is the son of William and Caroline 
(Kitchener) Gid dings, prominent residents of this 
count}', and a sketch of whom appears elsewhere 
in this work in connection with that of John W. 
Giddings, their son. Albert was reared and edu- 
cated in his native city, although spending much 
of his time at the farm of his father, where he con- 





?-v 



(p J QsT^isvcdLt^: 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



347 



tinued until the death of the latter. He then en- 
gaged in the grocery trade in partnership witli 
W. II. Johns, and the firm of Johns & Giddings 
existed until May, 1882. Our subject then dis- 
posed of his interests in the business to his partner, 
and the year following established himself in that 
in which he is now engaged. 

The marriage of our subject with Miss Mary 
J. Cromer took place at the home of the bride, 
Oct. 4, 1877. Mrs. Giddings was born near 
Perry ville, Ind.. in February, 1859, and was the 
daughter of Francis and Isabella Cromer. Mrs. 
Giddings died June 5, 1883. and our subject, on 
the 23d of March. 1887, contracted a second mar- 
riage with Miss Ella Dill, of Danville, Ind. This 
lady was born Jan. 4, 1863, in Clearmont, Ind. 
Mr. and Mis. Giddingsare members in good stand- 
ing of the First Methodist Episcopal Church, and 
Mr. Giddings, politically, is a Republican. Socially, 
he belongs to Olive Branch Lodge No. 38, A. F. 
& A. M.; Vermilion Chapter No. 82, R. A. M.; 
Athclstane Commandery No. 15, Knight Temp- 
lar, and Oriental Consistory of Chicago. He 
is a man intelligent and well informed, and a favor- 
ite both in social and business circles among the 
people with whom he has grown up from boyhoi d. 



ILLIAM CANADAY, Si;. In giving their 



U1LL1AM CA.V 
just due to the 
W^H there is requir 



pioneers of Central Illinois, 
equired the pen of the historian, 
who will perpetuate their names and deeds to fu- 
ture generations, who as time passes on will learn 
to appreciate them at their full value. It is doubt- 
ful if those sturdy characters themselves realized 
the magnitude of the work which they had begun, 
and the results which were to follow. Not only 
did their labors affect themselves personally, but 
the works of each man contributed to make a grand 
whole in the development of a rich section of 1he 
country which is looked upon with pride by the 
people to-day. The fact that Mr. Canaday came 
to Elwood Township when there was but one cabin 
within its limits is sufficient to establish him as one 
of the most prominent men of this region, and the 



further fact that he has labored industriously and 
lived worthily, forms for him one of the most en- 
during monuments which can be erected to man. 

There are four men in Elwood Township bearing 
the name of William Canaday, and of these the 
subject of this sketch is the most prominent and 
the oldest. Of Southern birth and parentage, he 
was born in Jefferson County, EastTenn., Dec. 22, 
1809, and is the son of Henry Canaday, a native of 
North Carolina, who removed with his family to 
Wayne County. Ind., in the fall of 1820 and there 
spent the following winter. In the meantime two 
of the sons came to this county and put up in El- 
wood Township a round log cabin near the present 
residence of our subject and on the same section. 
Early in the spring of 1821 the family took posses- 
sion of the cabin, the only house in this region. 
Indians were numerous and often visited the family 
to beg, trade or steal. They camped on the banks 
of the Little Vermilion in thespringof the year to 
hunt and fish, but never seriously troubled the 
settlers. 

The Canadays made sugar that first spring and 
prepared to carry on farming, but finally one of 
the sons. Benjamin, returned to Tennessee, where 
he bought a farm and soon afterwards was joined 
by the balance of the family. The whole family 
returned to this county the following fall, having 
sold their Tennessee property. They were visited 
considerably with sickness and the nearest doctor 
was at Clinton. They had to go to the mill to 
Racoon (reek, in Park County, Ind., and Terre 
Haute was the nearest- trading point. They had no 
horses and broke the new ground with oxen. Wild 
game was plentiful — deer, turkey and a few buffalo. 
In the fall they filled the smoke-house with deer 
hams and also had plenty of pork. 

When returning to Tennessee the Canaday family 
left thirty hogs which they had brought from 
Indiana and which they could not well take with 
them upon going back South. So the animals ran 
wild, and for years thereafter their progeny roamed 
through the woods and became so ferocious that a 
boar would sometimes kill a cow. The Canaday 
family occupied the small log cabin, containing one 
room, for some time, and the mother did the cook- 
ing by the fire-place. The floor was of puncheon, 



348 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



the roof of clapboards held down with weight poles 
and the stick and clay chimney was built on the 
outside. 

About the second year]of their residence in Ver- 
milion County, Henry Canaday, the father of our 
subject, together with John Haworth, set up a 
"meeting," as it was called by the Society of 
Friends, (or in common parlance organized a 
church). These two men and others who after- 
wards came to the neighborhood built a log cabin 
and worshiped therein, and afterwards built a 
church of hewed logs. Sometimes the attendance 
was so small that Henry Canaday and his son Ben- 
jamin would go to "meeting" and sit through 
the hour for worship, in order to keep up the 
church organization as per the discipline of that 
church. 

Mrs. Matilda (Barnard) Canaday was a native of 
Nantuckett's Island, Mass., whence she went to 
North Carolina with her parents when a little girl. 
Her father, Capt. Benjamin Barnard, followed the 
sea for many years. The parental family consisted 
of five children, of whom Mrs. Canaday is the only 
one living. Her brother Benjamin, died at the age 
of seventy-eight years; John died when about fifty 
years old; Frederick and Mary were each about 
eighty-two years of age at the time of their de- 
cease. 

The subject of this sketch was reared at the old 
homestead and grew up with a limited education, 
there being no schools during his boyhood in this 
region. His father established a tanyard in which 
young Canaday worked, he also learned saddlery 
and harness-making. Besides his tanyard and the 
farm the father also conducted a tin shop. William 
in later years turned his attention exclusively to 
farming and stock-raising and operated largely as 
a stock-dealer, lie grew wealthy and is now the 
owner of 430 acres of land, besides having given 
540 acres to his children. 

The marriage of our subject with Miss Mary 
Haworth took place in 1H31. This lady was born 
in East Tennessee and is the daughter of William 
Haworth, a well-known resident of this county. 
This union resulted in the birth of ten children — 
seven of whom are living, viz: Julia A., Mrs. 
Harold; <1. Franklin; Richard II.; James A.; Ma- 



tilda J., Mrs. Brown; Benjamin F. and Alice, Mrs. 
Morris. Julia married Wilton Harold, of Ridge 
Farm, but has r,o children; Franklin married Miss 
Mary Jackson, who lived near Homer, and they 
have two children — Gertude and Edwin; Richard 
married Miss Catherine Harold and occupies part 
of the homestead, he has one child, William ; James 
married Miss Drusilla Diven.and lives at Burr Oak 
Grove, in Champaign County; they have four 
children — Mary E., Dora, Earl and Ora; Matilda 
married Rev. Thomas C. Brown, of Elwood Town- 
ship, and has two children — M. Alice and Oliver 
W. ; Benjamin took to wife Miss Cornelia Green, 
and lives in Elwood Township, and has seven chil- 
dren — Howard W., Richard A., Anna A., Jesse, 
Mary, Martha and an infant boy unnamed. The 
last three are triplets; Alice married Dr. Charles C. 
Morris, of Rockville, Ind., and they have three 
children — Jesse C, Estella E. and Mary II. 

Mrs. Mary (Haworth) Canaday departed this 
life in the fall of 1855. Our subject was married 
the second time, Oct. 30, 1873, to Miss Elizabeth, 
daughter of Nathaniel Diament, deceased. She was 
was born in New Jersey, Oct. 20, 1820, and is a 
member of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Canaday 
was reared in the faith of the (Quakers, to which 
he still loyally adheres. In politics he is a sound 
Republican but has held aloof from the responsi- 
bilities of office. A fine lithographic portrait of Mr. 
Canaday is shown elsewhere in this volume. 

MOS JACKSON was born in Clinton 
0/IM County, lnd.. on Sept. 15, 1837. He is 
14' one of the largest land-owners in the 
township of Sidell. His father and mother 
were born in Washington County. Pa., and Ohio, 
respectively. By his first marriage his father had 
eleven children, of which Amos was the tenth 
child and youngest son. The first wife died at 
Jefferson, Ind., in 1840, when Amos was a little 
over two years of age. His father remarried but 
died soon after at the age of forty-eight years. 

Thus it will be seen that Amos was left mother- 
less at the age of two and a half 3'ears, and when 




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



349 



he was ten years old he was left without a father, 
and at this time he began to light the battle of life 
alone. His father left a farm of 200 acres, but the 
administration of the estate left but little for the 
heirs. As before related, Amos began at the age 
of ten years, to work for his board and clothes. 
and under these circumstances his educational ad- 
vantages were necessarily extremely limited, lie 
attended school about eight months in all in a little 
log school-house, walking two miles. He continued 
to live in Indiana until he was eighteen years of 
age, when, in 1855, in company with his uncle. 
Johnson Ross, he came to Edgar County, 111., and 
assisted his uncle in clearing up a farm. At the 
age of twenty he returned to Indiana but remained 
only a year when he returned to Illinois and en- 
gaged at brick-making at Indianola. It was at 
this place he first met his wife. Miss Sarah Hesler. 
who at that time was living witli her grandfather, 
John Gilgis. one of the earliest pioneers of Indian- 
ola. Her father and mother were born in Ohio 
and Kentucky respectively. Mr. Gilgis was a mer- 
chant at Indianola and a man of considerable 
wealth. Francis Hesler, father of Mrs. Jackson, 
was a farmer in Douglas County and the father of 
eleven children, of whom six were girls. He was 
married three times and had two children b3 r his 
first, two by his second and seven by his third wife. 
.Mrs. Jackson's mother was his first wife, who died 
when Mrs. Jackson was but three or four years old. 
and since that time and till her marriage she re- 
sided with her grandfather. Mr. and Mrs. Jackson 
became attached to each other while very young, 
and at the age of seventeen years, and recognizing 
the fact that "love laughs at locksmiths," quietly 
crossed over into the State of Michigan, where 
they were married. Returning to Indianola, thej' 
were of course forgiven and at once launched out 
on life's highway with the resolution of contradict- 
ing the theory that marriage is a failure. And in 
this they have succeeded. In the spring of I860 
Mr. Jackson rented a farm north of Indianola and 
commenced work in earnest to earn a home. Mrs. 
Gilgis died about two years subsequent to their 
marriage and they were called back to the home of 
Mrs. Jackson's grandfather, and when he died he 
left the young couple eighty acres of land. After- 



ward Mr. Jackson purchased a section of land, 640 
acres, in Sidell Township, for which he agreed to 
pay $20,000. He sold his original eighty acres for 
$4,000, this leaving him in debt $16,000, drawing 
ten per cent, interest. Through prudent manage- 
ment Mr. Jackson has not only paid for that land 
bul has added thereto 492 acres. Beside all that 
he had made many valuable improvements, among 
which may be mentioned 5,400 rods of drain tile, 
and there is not five acres of waste land on this 
immense tract. He has also erected a splendid 
ham for general purposes, a cattle barn 66x100, 
a granary and feed-mill 30x30, and the other nec- 
essary buildings for a large, well regulated farm. 
He has 450 head of cattle and is feeding a large 
number of hogs. Of late years Mr. Jackson has 
begun breeding running horses and has abandoned 
the raising of Clydesdales. He is a great lover of 
the Morgan horse, of which he has some splendid 
specimens. He owns the celebrated running horse 
'•King Nero," who took the four first prizes on a 
Chicago track in the fall of 1887, amounting to 
$1,000. He is said to be the best bred horse in 
Illinois, being sired by " Harry Bassett," the cele- 
brated Kentucky horse. As a stock-raiser there is 
none who stands higher in Vermilion County than 
Amos Jackson. 

Mr. and Mrs. Jackson are the parents of seven 
children: John L. ; Bertie, who died at the age of 
four months; Jennie, Laura, Frank, Ada and Lula 
B. Politically Mr. Jackson acts with the Demo- 
cratic party and is a member of the Masonic Lodge. 
Mr. Jackson is exceedingly popular with his neigh- 
Inns, and is fully entitled to enjoy the large for- 
tune which he has accumulated by his energy and 
good management. 

fir OHN S. CRANK, a resident of Vermilion 
j County for more than twenty years, has 
I lived in Grant Township since the sprin 
/ 1867, and on his present, place for sixteen 
years. He is a native of Yoxford. Suffolk County. 
England, and was born Aug. 22, 1828. lie was 
brought up in his native county, learning the trade 



350 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



of a shoemaker, in which he was engaged until his 
removal to Illinois. After his marriage in the fall 
of 1852, he emigrated to Canada accompanied by 
his parents. They started from London for New 
York, and on arrival there at once left for Gault, 
in the Province of Ontario, Canada. There the 
family settled and John S. carried on business in 
his trade as a manufacturer and dealer, until lie re- 
moved to the United States. His parents made 
their permanent home in Gault where they were 
afterwards joined by others of the family who 
emigrated from time to Lime. 

When he was eighty-four years of age, Grand- 
father Crane made a trip to America alone to see 
his descendants. Here he stayed two years and re- 
turned to his home in England where he lived to 
be ninety-six years of age. The parents of John 
S. Crane were named John and Mary (Girling) 
Crane. The father was also a shoemaker and like- 
wise carried on business on his own account until 
he was quite old. He also lived to be an old man 
and at the age of eighty-four made a visit to his 
son in this country. He died four years afterward 
in his eighty-ninth year. His wife died several 
years prior to the decease of her husband, aged 
about seventy -six. Of their nine children six are 
now living, a record of whom follows: Harry, who 
is a carpenter and builder in Gault; George was a 
1 lumber and painter by trade in London, England 
and is now a farmer in Kanosh, Utah; William, 
also a carpenter and builder in Ganlt; Caroline is 
the wife of John Milligan, a graindealer in Ross- 
ville, this county ; Charles is also a resident of Kan- 
osh, Utah, and is largely interested in sheep raising 
and is President of the Wool Growers Association 
of Utah. He is also interested in the Salt Lake 
Tribune, the leading paper in that territory. He 
was learning the trade of a carpenter at Lafayette, 
Ind., when the war broke out and at the age of 
seventeen enlisted in the 10th Indiana Infantry 
for three months, during which time he was in the 
battle of Rich Mountain. He afterward joined 
the 63d Indiana Infantry, serving until the close of 
the war and for some time after that was Govern- 
ment messenger on the supply trains to the South. 
The other survivor is John S. 

The three who are deceased are Clara, who was 



the wife of James McKendrick, of Gault, and died 
in that place leaving a family of four children. 
James was a resident, of New Orleans at the out- 
break of the Rebellion, and being a Union man 
made his escape from that city intending to go to 
Canada, but contracted a fever and died on reach- 
ing Lafayette, Ind., where his brother Charles was 
then living. Adaline, the youngest sister, died on 
her way to America and was buried at sea. 

John, of whom this sketch was written, stayed 
in Gault until 1867, when he decided to give up 
his business and move to the United States. He 
had always desired to become a farmer, and the 
year prior to his removal came to Illinois to visit 
an uncle whom he had not seen for many years, 
and being much pleased with the appearance of the 
country he decided to make this State his home. 
Returning to Canada he sold out his property and 
in the spring of 1867 located east of where the 
thriving city of Hoopeston now stands. No rail- 
road was then in existence here and the site of 
Hoopeston was an open prairie. On the place 
where he first settled he stayed but a year, when 
he removed to a farm of the uncle named, situated 
on what is known as the Chicago road. Having 
bought 1 25 acres, a part of his present property, 
he rented a farm east of it while he was putting up 
a house and other buildings. The farm was then 
all wild prairie and the improvements upon it have 
been made by Mr. Crane — all the buildings, fences, 
trees, etc., being the result of his labors. To-day- 
it is as fine a property of its size as there is in this 
part of the county, and comprises in all 217 acres. 

Mr. Crane was united in marriage in England in 
L852 with Miss Eliza Garwood, who was born in 
Stratford, St. Mary, that county, March 21. 1830. 
She was the only one of the family to come to 
America. Mr. and Mrs. Crane are the parents of 
four children, one of whom Adeline, died in Gault 
at the age of three years. The survivors are 
Oscar G., who is now a resident of Rossville, this 
county; Edith is the wife of II. A. Hoover, living 
near Oskaloosa, Iowa; Charles (J. is at home with 
his parents. Mr. Crane is a gentleman who has, by 
his quiet, unassuming manners, and upright living, 
won the respect of the people with whom he has 
lived for now more than a score of years, and he 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



351 



is justly counted as one of the most valued citi- 
zens of the northeastern part of Vermilion County. 
He belongs to the Masonic fraternity, being a 
member of Star Lodge No. 70S), of Hoopeston. 
He is a gentleman of domestic habits and tastes 
and has never aspired to office, preferring the 
quiet of his own home to the worry attending 
public position. In his comfortable home he and 
his estimable wife dispense hospitality to all who 
visit them, and they are justly entitled to the high 
measure of esteem in which they are held. 



ran'SA PARTLOW is a native of Danville, 
; @_Oi where he was born on the 6th day of Jan- 




uary, 1833. His father, Rueben Partlow, 
was born in Virginia and his grandfather, 
Samuel Partlow. was a native of the same State. 
The latter removed from Virginia to Kentucky in 
an early day and located in Nelson County, where 
be purchased a tract of land and cleared a farm. 
In 1835, accompanied by his wife, lie came to Ver- 
milion County to spend the winter with his chil- 
dren, who were then living here. The journey was 
made on horseback, and in the fall of the year. 
They stopped with their son Samuel, in .Middle 
Fork Township, where the old gentleman was 
taken sick and died during the winter. In these 
times lumber was very scarce, there being no saw- 
mills in this section of the country and it was with 
difficulty that boards could be purchased at any 
price. At any rate, it is stated that not enough 
lumber could be had to construct a coffin in which 
to bury Mr. Partlow. His sons went to the timber 
and cut down trees and split enough off them to 
build a coffin, and in this manner Mr. Partlow was 
interred. Soon after, and during the same winter. 
his wife was seized with illness and followed her 
husband to tlie grave. In this family there were 
nine children, seven of whom came to this county 
and are entitled to the appellation of pioneers. 
There were four sons — John. .lames, Reuben, ami 
Samuel, and three daughters. 

Reuben Partlow. the father of Asa, was very 
young when his parents removed to Kentucky, 



where he was reared and resided until 1831. He 
married, and then accompanied by his wife, came 
to Vermilion County, making the journey on 
horseback, carrying a few household goods with 
them. He located at Danville, and being a wheel- 
wright and cooper, he worked at his trade until 
1834, when lie made a claim in Newell Township, 
upon which he built a log house. At this time 
stoves were possessed only by the rich, but fuel 
was plenty, and their old fashioned lire-place was 
a typical one. They made all their clothes of 
homespun cloth, and were happier than many 
who wear their fine clothes in these later days. 
Mr. Partlow lived there about a year, when he dis- 
posed of his claim and returned to Danville, where 
lie followed his trade for a while, afterward taking 
another claim in Middle Fork Township. When 
this came into market, he purchased it from the 
Government, and this tract of land has since been 
the old homestead. Of course, in those days there 
were no railroads, and for many years all supplies 
were drawn by horses or oxen from Perrysville 
and LaFayette and also from Chicago. At one 
time Mr. Partlow took a half barrel of honey to 
Chicago and supplied the whole town, returning 
home with a good portion of it. He was a resident 
of the old homestead until 1852. when he returned 
to Danville and lived retired until his death which 
occurred in May, 1866, aged sixty-two years. His 
wife's maiden name was Elizabeth II. Humphrey, 
a native of Kentucky. Her father, John Hum- 
phrey was born in Virginia and was one of the 
early settlers of Kentucky. She died in 1865. 
She was the mother of six children — Asa, Almira, 
who married Robert Davidson (now deceased); 
John H. died when fourteen years of age; David 
is also dead; Sarah A., married A. I. Draper, and 
they are residents of Danville; Elizabeth married Z. 
Morris, of Georgetown, this county, who is now 
dead. 

Asa Partlow, whose name initiates this sketch, 
attended the pioneer public schools. He describes 
the first school-house, which he attended, as having 
no window, but simply a log was taken out where- 
with to admit the light. As soon as he was large 
enough he was compelled to assist his father on the 
farm, but at the age of seventeen he went to 



352 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Georgetown, where lie attended a seminary, and 
after that taught one term of school. In 1852 he 
formed a partnership with S. A. Humphrey and .1. 
M. Partlow, under the firm name of Humphrey & 
Co. They prosecuted a general mercantile busi- 
ness, and financially were very successful. He was 
in Hie trade until 1873, with various partners, and 
in that year he sold out his store and engaged in 
the insurance business, and has built up a fine trade. 
He is also secretary of the Equitable Building 
and Loan Association. 

In 1857 Mr. Partlow was united in marriage with 
Mary Murdock, who was born near LaFayette, 
Ind., March 15, 1831. She was the daughter of 
John and .lane Murdock, natives of New Jersey, 
and is the mother of the following children: Harry 
G. married Stella Doane and resides in Danville; 
Edwin K. and Augustus. Fannie Mabel died at 
the age of four years; Minnie Ellen died at the age 
of ten months. 

Mr. and Mrs. Partlow are members of the First 
Methodist Episcopal Church, of which Mr. Part- 
low has been steward and treasurer for a long time. 
He is also a member of Danville Lodge No. G'J, 
1. O. O. F. 

— -%&m- — 

TRUMAN WILLIAMS. The farming com- 
munitv of Catlin Township has no more 
worthy representative than this venerable 
gentleman, and it gives us pleasure to insert a 
review of his life in this Biogkaphical Album. He 
has been a resident of this place for more than 
forty years, and during that time has improved a 
good farm on section 36, and has built up a cozy 
home, in which he and his estimable wife, who has 
worked by his side for more than half a century, 
arc comfortably spending life's declining years, en- 
joying the respect and affection of all about them. 
Eli Williams, the father of subject, was born in 
the good old New England State of Connecticut, 
as was also his mother, whose maiden name was 
Martha Aldermon. They first settled in their 
native State after their marriage, but subsequently 
removed from there to Pensylvania, and from thence 
to Onondago County, N. Y., and afterwards to 




Genesee County. Finally they returned to the 
Keystone State and settled in Crawford County, 
and there their earthly pilgrimage ceased, and they 
were gathered to their fathers at a ripe ol<\ age. 
Ten children were born of their marriage, five sons 
and five daughters, and of these our subject is the 
third in order of birth and the only one now liv- 
ing. 

He was born in Onondago County, N. Y., Sept. 
(I. 1812. Those were pioneer times in that part of 
the country, and our subject was bred to a hardy 
manhood under their influence. He remained an 
inmate of the parental household till he was twen- 
ty-six years old, and then married and established 
a home of his own, his marriage with Miss Marga- 
ret Nelson taking place in Crawford County, Pa.. 
Oct. 30, 1838. Mrs. Williams was born in that 
county Jan. 29, 1817, the third child in the family 
of nine children, two sons and seven daughters of 
James and Sarah (Sloan) Nelson. Her father was 
a native of Ireland, and came to America when he 
was about thirteen years old. His wife was a 
native nf Virginia, and after their marriage they 
settled in Crawford County in an early day of its 
settlement, and lived there till death closed their 
earthly career. 

After marriage our subject and his wife contin- 
ued to live in Crawford County until the fall of 
1846, and then with their little family of children 
they made their way across the country by the slow 
mi ides of traveling in those days, and came to the 
still wild and sparsely settled country, embraced 
in this part of the State of Illinois. They spent the 
first two years after their arrival in Danville Town- 
ship, and at the expiration of that time located on 
the farm where they still make their home in Cat- 
lin Township. Its 120 acres are under good til- 
lage and many valuable improvements have been 
made, so that as a whole it compares very favor- 
ably with the farms around it. and it yields fine 
harvests in repayment of the care bestowed on its 
tillage. 

Mr. and Mrs. Williams are the parents of ten 
children, as follows: Minerva; Charles, who died 
when about six years old; Nancy, the wife of John 
Harrin; Clarissa, who was the wife of George Jami- 
son, and died when about twenty-four years old; 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



353 



Ann died when about ten years old; Elizabeth, the 
wife of John Gones; Nelson married Mrs. Ida 
(Childs) Doran; Charles married Luda Torrant; 
Truman married Isadora Valentine; Maggie is the 
wife of George Cook. 

Mr. Williams inherited from a sterling New 
England ancestry the thrift and wisdom that have 
marked Ids course and the honorable traits of char- 
acter that make him a good husband, father, neigh- 
bor, citizen. He has borne a part in the public 
affairs of his township and has served very accept- 
ably as School Director and in minor offices. In 
politics, he firmly adheres to the Republican party. 
Religiously, both he and his wife have been mem- 
bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church a long 
term of years, and have always performed the 
duties incumbent upon them in a true Christian 
spirit. 

ylLLIAM WHITE, a veteran of the late war 
is numbered among the skilled farmers of 
Callin Township, and his pleasantly located 
farm on section 2. with its well-tilled fields and at- 
tractive buildings, is one of the first-class places of 
this locality, and from its cultivation he derives 
an excellent income that puts him among the well- 
to-do agriculturists of his neighborhood. 

.lames White, the father of our subject, was born 
in Baltimore, Md., while his mother, Hannah Rodg- 
ers, was a native of Perrysville, Vermillion Co.. 
Ind. After marriage in 1839 these people settled 
in Perrysville, and there she died in 1845 while 
yet in life's prime. The father married again and 
in 1859 came with his family to Vermilion County, 
this State, and settling in Catlin Township, he made 
bis home here till his demise July (!, 1882. He was 
a good man, who led an upright life, and was well 
thought of by the neighbors among whom he had 
lived for so many years. He was the father of 
three children by his first marriage, as follows: 
William, Samuel and Hannah. 

William, of whom this sketch was written, was 
born in Perrysville. Vermillion Co.. Ind., Oct. 30. 
1841. His education, conducted in the common 
gcljools, was necessarily somewhat limited, as being 



the eldest of the family, his father required his as- 
sistance. He accompanied his father to this county 
in 1859, and has since been a useful citizen of this 
community. He had not attained his majority 
when the war broke out. and in August, 1862, 
though not yet of age, he patriotically resolved to 
do what he could to aid the cause of his country, 
and enlisted in Company K, 125 Illinois Infantry. 
To his regret his eyesight became impaired so much 
as to disable him for a soldier, and he was honora- 
bly discharged in October of the same year. Since 
then he has given his attention wholly to farming 
and stock-raising. He owns eighty acres of highly 
fertile land, which is under admirable cultivation 
and is well supplied with an excellent class of build- 
ing, including a substantially built, commodious 
residence. He has his farm well stocked to its full 
capacity with cattle of good grades, and is doing 
well in that branch of agriculture. 

Mr. White has been twice married. He was first 
wedded in Danville to Miss Susan Cook, by whom 
he had three children — Oscar, James and Susan. 
March 19, 1872, this happy household was bereft 
of the much loved wife and tender mother by her 
untimely death. Mr. White's second marriage, 
which took place in Georgetown Township, was to 
Miss Minerva Bowen. Three children blessed their 
union — Elmer who died when about a year old; 
Melvin and Dottie B. Jan. 11, 1889 the dark- 
shadow of death again fell across the threshold of 
the dwelling of our subject, and in a few days all 
that was mortal of her who had been the home- 
maker was borne to its last resting place. In her 
happy wedded life she had been all that a true wife 
and mother could be; devoted to her husband's in- 
terests, and to the motherless children that- thus fell 
to her charge she gave as much care and love as if 
they were her own, and in her death they have 
again lost a good mother, while her own darlings, 
the youngest a dear little girl, scarce two years 
old. have met with an irreparable loss. 

Mr. White has succeeded by patient toil in plac- 
ing himself on a solid basis financially speaking, 
and since becoming the owner of this farm has 
greatly increased its value by wise management 
and a judicious expenditure of money for improve- 
ments. He is a quiet, unassuming man. but withal 



35 I 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



has that force of character that enables him to work 
with a purpose, and carry his plans to a successful 
issue. He has never given his fellow-citizens 
cause to distrust him, but has always aimed to do 
rightly by others. In polities, he affiliates with 
the Democrats, and is ever loyal to his party. For 
nearly nine years he has held the important office 
of School Director, and the educational interests of 
the township with which he has thus become identi- 
fied have not suffered at his hands. 



..o*o-£cTJA,<Vg)-o*o.. 



31 IfrJLLlAM U1LL1A.\1\ 

\f\lr P r > s i n g l ' K ' history of 
V» settlers of Vermilion C< 



WILLIAM WILLIAMS. In a record com- 

the principal old 
'ounty, the name of 
Mr. Williams cannot properly be omitted. He es- 
tablished himself in township 23, range 12, in 
1871, securing a tract of wild land, which, after 
years of arduous labor, he has converted into a 
comfortable homestead. It is 160 acres in extent, 
and pleasantly located on sections 18 and lit, the 
dwelling being on the latter. His career has been 
similar to that of many of the men around him, in 
which he has labored early aud late to provide for 
the wants of coming years, and in all respects has 
conducted himself as an honest man and a good 
citizen. 

Mr. Williams is a native of the Prairie State, 
having been born in McLean County. Dec. 13, 
1832. He was there reared to farming pursuits, 
and remained a member of his father's household 
until reaching his majority. He was blest with 
good common sense and excellent health, and made 
the most of his opportunities for obtaining a prac- 
tical education in the common school. At the age 
of twenty-one years lie began the battle of life on 
his own account, operating first on rented land, and 
within a few years purchased land and constructed 
a farm of his own. 

In the fall of 1871 Mr. Williams took possession 
of the land which he now owns and occupies, at a 
time when it was nothing but raw prairie. He has 
effected all the improvements which we now behold, 
and which certainly do great credit to his taste and 
industry. He made it his business at an early day 



to set out a grove of young trees, which are now 
grown, and furnish a delightful shade for the resi- 
dence and surroundings. Under his wise manage- 
ment the land has become highly productive. Mr. 
Williams at first purchased eighty acres,. and sub- 
sequently added to it until he is the owner of the 
quarter-section. He has a goodly assortment of 
live stock, and the necessary conveniences for their 
care and keeping, besides the required machinery 
for running the farm in a scientific and profitable 
manner. 

Shortly before reaching the twenty second year 
of his age Mr. Williams was married, Aug. 27, 
1854, to Mi^s Abigail Dean. The young couple 
commenced the journey of life together on rented 
land in a manner corresponding to their means and 
surroundings, and worked with a mutual purpose 
for the future. In due time the household circle 
included six children, four of whom are living: 
Elnora is the wife of Samuel Umbanhowar; they 
live about one-half mile east of the Williams home- 
si cad. and are the parents of five children — Nellie, 
George, Charles. May and William. .Tames .1. mar- 
ried Miss Anna Sellers, and lives north of his 
father's place on a farm ; he is the father of two 
children — Grace and Lula. Mary Evarilla, usually 
called Eva, and Jonathan Lee are at home with 
their parents. 

Mrs. Abigail (Dean) Williams, the wife of our 
subject, was born in Knox County. Ohio, Nov. 20, 
1833, and is the daughter of J. M. Dean, a native 
of Maryland. Mr. Dean emigrated when a young 
man to the Buckeye State, and was there mar- 
ried to Miss Mary Ehvell. They removed to 
McLean County, this State, when their daughter 
Abigail was a maiden of seventeen years, and set- 
tled on a farm, where the father died in 1872 at 
the age of seventy years, and the mother in Feb- 
ruary, 1888, aged eighty-seven. They were the 
parents of nine children, five of whom are living, 
and residents of Illinois, Kansas and Nebraska. 

William Williams, Sr., the father of our subject, 
was born in Tennessee, and when a young man 
came to McLean County. 111., where he took up a 
tract of raw land, and began farming in true pio- 
neer style. In McLean County he married Miss 
Evarilla Hobson, and they became the parents of 




Residence of W*. Hawkins , Sec. 7.,(T.i8. R.12.) Catlin Township. 






■. 




Residence of W- Jurgensmeyer, Sec.23.(T.18.-R.I4.) Vance Township. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



357 



one child, William, our subject. Mr. Williams 

died -when a young man, and his widow was subse- 
quently married to J. G. Rayburn; she died in 
1848, when her son William was a youth of sixteen 
years. She was a native of North Carolina, when 
she removed with her parents to Ohio, and from 
there to McLean County, where her father. Joshua 
Hobson, engaged in fanning and spent the re- 
mainder of his life. 

Mr. Williams, our subject, cast his first Presiden- 
tial vote for John C. Fremont, and while not mix- 
ing any with political affairs, has his own ideas in 
regard to matters and tilings, and gives his un- 
qualified support to the Republican party. lie is 
one of those solid old landmarks whose word is 
considered as good as his bond, and who can always 
be depended upon to do as lie says. 

¥a "MLLIAM HAWKINS. The citizen-soldier, 
who did so much toward saving the Union 
from destruction in the late war, has since, as 
is well-known, been a prominent element in further- 
ing the development of the vast resources of our 
country, and has contributed largely to its material 
prosperity. As a representative of that element it 
gives us pleasure to transcribe to these pages a 
brief record of the life-work of William Hawkins. 
He is actively engaged in tilling the soil and raising 
stock in Vermilion County, having on section 7, 
Catlin Township, as finely improved and well cul- 
tivated a farm as is to be found throughout the 
length and breadth of this rich agricultural region. 

Our subject is a native of Indiana, his birth 
taking place in Wayne County, Jan. 1, 1831. His 
parents, Nathan and Sarah (Wright) Hawkins, 
were also born in that county, and there they were 
reared and married, and in turn reared a family of 
ten children. The good mother passed away from 
the scenes amid which her entire life had been 
passed, stricken by the hand of death, but the aged 
father still survives, and makes his home in the 
place of his nativity. 

He of whom we write was the eldest of the fam- 
ily, and was bred to the life of a farmer, and habits 



of industry and frugality were early taught him by 
precept and example. He engaged in farming, 
tending sawmill, and in other occupations till In- 
had obtained man's estate, and in the spring of 
1860 sought the fertile prairies of Vermilion 
County, this State, accompanied by his wife and 
child, with a view of establishing a home here per- 
manently, lie has since been a valued resident of 
Catlin Township, with the exception of the bitter 
years spent on Southern battlefields, when with 
true patriotism he heroically gave up home and 
tore himself from his loved ones to aid his country 
in the time of her greatest trial. He enlisted on the 
11th of August, 18(52, in Company G, 125th Illinois 
Infantry, and for three long and weary years served 
faithfully and efficiently through many hard cam. 
paigns, and suffered the hardships and privations of 
a soldier's life without a murmur. He took part 
in all the engagements with which his regiment 
had anything to do, with the exception of that at 
Chickamauga. At Dallas, Ga., while on picket 
duty, he came near being captured, but he cun- 
ningly managed to elude the rebels. His gallant 
conduct in the face of the enem}". received merited 
commendation from his superior officers and he 
was promoted to the rank of sergeant before his 
honorable discharge at Washington, D. C. 

After his experience of military life Mr. Hawkins 
returned to this county, and resumed his interrupted 
labors, and has since given his entire attention to 
farming and stock-raising. He owns 170 acres of 
choice, well-tilled land, on which he has erected a 
fine set of buildings, including a roomy, substan- 
tially built residence, a view of which with the 
surrounding lawns, beautified by lovely shade trees, 
is an attractive addition to this volume. 

March 28, 1855. Mr. Hawkins and Miss Duanah 
Burgoyne were united in the holy bonds of matri- 
mony. Mrs. Hawkins is a native of Ohio, born in 
Muskingum County, Aug. 20. 1835, to James and 
Mary (Miner) Burgoyne. the former of English an- 
tecedents. The wedded life of our subject and his 
wife has been blessed to them by the birth of four 
children, namely: Lizzie, the wife of George Patter- 
son; Nora, the wife of Thomas Church: Ella; Etta. 

Mr. Hawkins is a valued member of this com- 
munity, and his loyalty to his country is as 



358 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



WT: 



marked as in the da}'s when he courageously took 
his life in his hands and marched forth to do battle 
for its honor and the preservation of its integrity. 
In him the Republican party finds one who faith- 
fully upholds its principles at the ballot box. He 
and his wife belong to the Presbyterian Church, 
and are zealous workers in the cause of religion, 
seeking to promote the moral and social elevation 
of the community. 

— - — *** - ' 111 * 3 * ]f * £ * !! '*' *** 

5ILLIAM JURGENSMEYER. The career 
the subject of this biography illustrates 
an admirable manner what may be ac- 
complished by a man beginning at the foot of the 
ladder and by force of persistent industry making 
his way upward to a good position socially and 
financially. Upon coming to this county, Mr. 
Jurgensmeyer had very little means but is now 
cpiite an extensive land owner and has a homestead 
of great value embellished with fine buildings and 
everything to make life pleasant and desirable. 
His course in life should prove an encouraging ex- 
am [ile to the young man starting out dependent 
upon his own resources and with nothing but his 
own hands to pave his way to a worthy position 
among his fellow men. 

The Jurgensmeyer family originated in Prussia 
where Gottlieb, the father of our subject, served 
as a soldier in the Prussian army three years, hold- 
ing the rank of Lieutenant. He was married in 
early manhood to Miss Caroline Rohlfink, a native 
of his own Province and whom he met after com- 
ing to this country in Lancaster, Ohio. In that 
place they were married and lived about ten years. 
Thence they removed to Hamburg in the same 
county and five years later changed their residence 
to Hocking County, sojourning there also five 
years. Their next removal was to Logan, county 
seat of Hocking County, where they spent their 
last vears and died within a week of each other, in 
1870. 

The father of our subject began life in this 
country without means, but was prospered in his 
labors as a farmer aud besides comfortably sup- 



porting his family of ten children, managed to 
accumulate a goodh r amount of property. Nine 
of these children lived to mature years and seven 
are now living. William, our subject, was the sec- 
ond child and was born March 30, 1843, in Lan- 
caster, Ohio. He received very limited schooling 
and with the ax and mattock assisted in digging 
out two big farms in the Buckeye State. He re- 
mained with his father until twenty-three years of 
age, then, in 1867, left home for Illinois, coming 
directly to Fairmount, this county. Here he met 
an acquaintance, Jacob Hies, whose brother was 
well-known to his father's family. He staid with 
him about a week, then entered the employ of 
James Dickson with whom he worked for nine 
months. Later he engaged for a short time with a 
threshing machine and after that for four weeks 
earned $18 per week cutting corn. 

Our subject now sent home for money and pur- 
chased 160 acres of land which is included in his 
present farm and of which he took possession in 
1868. He put up a house, then returning to Ohio 
was married April 18, 1869, to Miss Elizabeth 
Hengst. The young couple shortly afterward 
directed their steps to their new home in this 
county and began laboring hand in hand with a 
mutual purpose in view. The young wife had 
come from her father's homestead well supplied 
with all modern conveniences, to a new country and 
a home then presenting few attractions. It required 
great courage and perseverance to meet the diffi- 
culties with which they had to contend, as they 
were poor and at one time they could not raise 
enough cash to mail a letter. Mr. Jurgensmeyer 
began breaking the sod and preparing his land for 
cultivation as rapidly as possible. There were 
fences to be laid and buildings erected and it re- 
quired incessant labor to make both ends meet and 
carry on the desired improvements on the new 
farm. 

The condition of things since that time have 
materially changed with our subject and his indus- 
trious and efficient wife. Their estate now com- 
prises 640 acres of good land with as fine a resi- 
dence as can be found in Vance Township. The 
main barn occupies an area of CO x 54 feet with 
20-foot posts, being built in that solid and sub- 



PORTRAIT AND RIOURAHIICAL ALBUM. 



359 



stantial manner which will insure its solidity for 
the greater part of a century unless some very 
unusual catastrophe destroys it. A fine apple 
orchard of thirteen acres, more than supplier the 
needs of the family in this direction while there is 
a flourishing vineyard and an abundance of the 
smaller fruits. A beautiful grove of maple trees 
stands adjacent to the residence and the whole 
very nearly approaches the ideal country home. 
where peace and plenty abound. A view of their 
beautiful residence is presented on another page 
and will be appreciated by all the readers of this 
volume. 

Stock-raising forms one of the distinctive feat- 
ures of the Jurgensmeyer farm, our subject having 
usually about 155 head of high-grade. Short-horn 
cattle, twenty-four head of horses and about 150 
swine. It is conceded the world over that the 
sons of the Fatherland have especial good taste 
and discretion in the selection of their draft ani- 
mals and in their care of them. Mr. Jurgensmey- 
er's favorite breed is the Clydesdales, while he has 
some fine roadsters of the Gold Dust strain. His 
sleek and well-fed stock are at once an ornament to 
the farm and a matter in which he may take par- 
donable pride. 

Of the four children born to our subject and his 
estimable wife only two are living: Mary Eliza- 
beth was born Sept. 18, 1871. and has received a 
good education completing her studies in the schools 
of Danville; she is a fine performer on the piano 
and has an elegant instrument which adds greatly 
to the home recreations. The son, Louis V., was 
bum May 3, 187(5, and is a bright and promising 
boy still pursuing his studies. Mr. Jurgensmeyer 
votes with the Democratic party on national issues 
but at the local elections aims to support the men 
best qualified to serve the interests of the people. 
He has served as School Director fur a period of 
fifteen years, and with his excellent wife inclines 
to the doctrines of the Lutheran Church but there 
being no organization of that church in their town- 
ship, they have united with the Methodist Episcopal 
Church and are greatly interested in Sunday-school 
work. 

In the fall of 1864 Mr. Jurgensmeyer returned 
to his native land where he spent several months 



visiting some of the principal cities of Germany — 
Hanover. Bremen and Berlin, also going into Eng- 
land. This journey was a source of great enjoy- 
ment and much useful information, and Mr. Jur- 
gensmeyer considered the time and money well 
spent, returning with enlarged views and noting 
with satisfaction the natural changes occurring 
among an energetic and progressive people. 

The wife of our subject is the daughter of Lewis 
Hengst. who with his estimable wife is still living 
in Fairfield County, Ohio, both being in the seven- 
tieth year of their age, having been born the same 
year. Mr. and Mrs. Jurgensmeyer in addition to 
their own children took into their home and under 
their protecting love about 1882. a little girl, Edna 
Johnson, whom they purpose to keep until she 
shall have attained womanhood and goes to a home 
of her own. She was born Aug. 27, 1879, in Eu- 
gene, Vermillion Co., Ind., and will be given a 
good education with the careful training which 
they have bestowed upon their own children. 
Mrs. Jurgensmeyer is a very capable and intelligent 
lady and has done her full share in the accumula- 
tion of the fine estate, the taxes upon which each 
year add handsomely to the sum in the county 



treasury. 



-J»t^^=^>^^<^5tf-^5tf-. 



AMES HAYS. Here and there upon the 
dusty highway of life we come across an 
individual plentifully moistened with tin- 
dew of human kindness, and of this class 
Mr. Hays is a .shining light. All his neighbors 
testify to his generosity and hospitality, he being 
one who is ever ready to lend a helping hand to 
those in need, never asking or expecting any re- 
turn. He lias a comfortable homestead, compris- 
ing a good farm on section 14 in Vance Township, 
where he pursues the even tenor of his way, letting 
the world wag as it will and striving to do good 
as he has opportunity. 

In referring to the parental history of Mr. 
Hays, we find that his father. Benjamin Hays, was 
a native of Fayette County. Ohio, and born March 
5.1809. The paternal grandparents were natives 
of Kentucky, and two uncles of our subject served 



360 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



in the War of 1812, one receiving an honorable 
wound in the leg, from which he recovered. 

Benjamin Hays, in 1829, was married to Miss 
Elizabeth Thompson, in Fayette County, Ohio, 
where lie operated as a farmer and trader, and so- 
journed there with his family about forty years. 
Then, emigrating to Illinois, he settled on 320 
acres of land in the vicinity of Sydney, Champaign 
County, 200 acres of which he brought to a fine 
state of cultivation. The journey hither was made 
overland, in 1850, with teams, the travelers being 
thirteen days on the road. The family included 
nine children, of whom only three are living, 
James being the eldest of these. The others are 
Mrs. Martha Humes, of Sidney, and Mrs. Maggie 
Harding, of San Francisco, Cal. The mother died 
on the 9th of August, 1870. 

After the death of his wife, Benjamin Hays 
broke up housekeeping, sold his farm and pur- 
chased property in Sidney, 111. Later, he went to 
Ohio on a visit, which he prolonged about six 
years. Upon returning to Illinois, he took up his 
abode with his son, our subject, with whom he has 
since lived, and is now in his eightieth year. He 
rides about the farm on horseback every day, looks 
after the stock, and is in splendid health, playing 
his violin and dancing with much of the grace and 
agility of his earlier years. He is a great lover of 
the equine race, and has owned some valuable 
horseflesh, among which was "Buck Elk," a Ken- 
tucky racer of phenomenal speed, and "Cherokee," 
a very fine animal which he purchased of Thomas 
Fads. 

The subject of this sketch was the second child 
of his parents, and was born Dec. 10, 1830, in the 
same house in Fayette County, Ohio, wherein his 
honored father first opened his eyes to the light of 
day. lie received a practical education in the 
common school, mostly under one teacher, David 
Eastman, who died about fourteen years ago. He 
made his home with his father on the farm, assum- 
ing many of the responsibilities, until twenty-two 
years of age, when he began the business of life for 
himself by breaking prairie with seven yoke of 
oxen. In the winter of 1852-53 he fed 100 head 
of cattle for Hendrickson & Cowling. In the 
spring of 1853. April 1G, he started with these 



cattle on foot for New York City, where he ar- 
rived safely on the 11th of July. The head steer 
of the herd was led by Henry White, of Cham- 
paign. This errand executed, Mr. Hays returned 
home, and in due time started witli another lot of 
cattle from Parish's Grove, near LaFayette, Ind., 
driving them through to Lancaster, Pa., and being 
105 days on the road. Upon returning home, he 
engaged in a store at Old Homer for two years, 
and in the meantime shipped a load of cattle to 
Chicago for his father. Afterward he handled con- 
siderable stock for other parties. He assisted in 
removing the first house from Old Homer to the 
present town, and all this time watched the growth 
and development of Central Illinois with that abid- 
ing interest which is only felt by the intelligent 
and thoughtful citizen. 

The 6th of May, 1858, witnessed the marriage 
of our subject with Miss Mary E., daughter of J. 
M. Custer and sister of Mrs. Aaron Dalbey. These 
were the only girls iu the Custer family. Mrs. 
Hays was born Oct. 10, 1838, in Fayette County, 
Ohio, and was ten years old when she came with 
her parents to Illinois. She received her education 
in both States, and grew up a very attractive 
young woman, with a large amount of practical 
good sense. After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. 
Hays lived in Sidney two years, removing to their 
present home in 1861. 

The neat and well-regulated farm of our subject 
bears very little resemblance to the uncultivated 
tract of land upon which he and his young wife 
settled upon coining to this county. It was then 
an open prairie, unfenced and without buildings. 
Although making no pretentions to elegance, they 
live comfortably, and probably enjoy more solid 
happiness than many who make a greater dis- 
play' in the world. The five children born to Mr. 
and Mrs. Hays are all living. The eldest, Dollie 
E., is the wife of George T. Poage, a merchant at 
Prairie View, and they have two children; Mattie 
E. married Amos C. Harden, who is now deceased, 
is the mother of one child, and lives three miles 
west of Fairmount; William S., Ella and John M. 
remain at home with their parents. 

Mrs. Hays and most of her children are mem- 
bers iu good standing of the Cumberland Presby- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



861 



terian Church, and Mr. II.. although not identified 
with any religious organization, lias a full belief in 
the doctrines of the Christian religion. He main- 
tains a lively interest in politics, and keeps himself 
well posted in regard to those questions of inter- 
est to every intelligent citizen. Upon becoming a 
voting citizen, he identified himself with the Demo- 
cratic party, but in 18G0, when Abraham Lincoln 
had steal his way to Washington for fear of assas- 
sination, Mr. Hays said to himself," James, this party 
is not your right place." Since that time he has been 
a decided Republican. He is a strong temperance 
man, never having used ardent spirits, and steadily 
opposes their manufacture. Aside from serving as 
a Road Overseer in 1864, he has steadily declined 
becoming an office-holder. Socially, he belongs to 
Homer Lodge No. 1 !»0. A. F. & A. M., being the 
oldest member but one, entering the lodge after its 
formation, and in this he officiated only as Tyler, 
although he might have held all the other offices. 



Sf3;OT!I>"W» 




~nn.-*e&e&G!$g- 



\\ ILLS ODLE. This gentleman is one of the 
most prominent and best known citizens in 
the northeastern part of this county. He 
was born in Warren County, Ind., Dec. 26, 
1841, and was brought up to farming, receiving 
in his boyhood such education as could be obtained 
in the common schools of his native place. His 
parents were Nathan B. and Frances (Watkins) 
Odle, the father a fanner in the place where his 
son was born. Our subject remained quietly at 
the home farm until the outbreak of the War of the 
Rebellion, when he offered his services to his 
country and enlisted, while still under age, on 
June:?. 1861, in Company A., loth Indiana In- 
fantry, commanded by Col. D. G. Wagner and on 
the 14th of the same month, was mustered into the 
United States service at Lafayette, Ind. For over 
three years the young soldier did valiant service in 
his country's cause. His regiment was first en- 
gsged in active duty in West Virginia and three 
months after being mustered in. was in the battle 
of Cheat Mountain, W. Va , on Sept. 12, 1861, and 
on Oct. 3, following, was engaged at Greenbrier 



Springs, W. Va., both being Federal successes. In 
November, 1861, the 15th Indiana was transferred 
to the army of the Ohio, under Gen. Buell, Nelson's 
division, and here Mr. Odle took a part in several 
general engagements. He was in the great battle 
of Shiloh, Tenn., begun on April 6, 18G2, his regi- 
ment taking part on the second day, when the 
hardest fighting was done, Buell arriving on the 
7th in time to reinforce Grant's troops. He was 
under fire at the siege of Corinth. Miss., and after 
the evacuation of that place, went East with his 
regiment to Decatur, Ala., and later from there to 
Tuscumbia, Tenn., and was in all the toilsome 
marches and maneuvers, undertaken to prevent the 
return of the rebel, Gen. Bragg to Kentucky. 
Finally the Union army fell back on Nashville. 
Tenn., and from that point were sent to Louisville, 
Ky. The first open battle between the opposing 
forces fighting for the possession of Kentucky was 
fought at Perryville on Oct. 8, 1862, and in that 
the loth Indiana were active participants. They 
were then returned to Nashville, where they stayed 
utintil Dec. 26, 1862, when they were hurried to 
the front, and were engaged on the last day of the 
year on the hotly contested field of Stone River. 
The following year they were all through the Tul- 
lahoma campaign, and were afterwards engaged at 
the battle of Chickamauga on Sept. 19, and in the 
great fight at Mission Ridge, they were a part of the 
army that marched to the relief of Knoxville, when 
it was beleaguered by the enemy, and succeeding 
that were in many minor battles and skirmishes. 
The loth Indiana, were no holiday soldiers, but 
during their entire term of service, were actively 
engaged, marching and fighting, and in all their 
trials, hardships, battles, and skirmishes. Mr. Odle 
bore himself as a brave and gallant soldier. His 
term of service having expired, he was mustered 
out at Indianapolis on the 30th of June, 1864. 
Returning then to the pursuits of peace Mr. Odle 
engaged in farming in his native county, in which he 
remained until he decided to make his home in 
Vermilion County, 111. He bought L 20 acres of 
land on section 3 in Grant Township, now a part 
of his homestead, and to that place removed in 
March 1871, and there his home has siuce Inch. To 
this property he has added by subsequent purchase, 



3G2 



PORTRAIT AND WOGRAPIIICAL ALBUM. 



having now a fine farm of 490 acres, all thoroughly 
improved and cultivated with a good house and 
farm buildings, and worth probably about $18,000. I 
In addition to this Mr. Odle is the owner of a farm 
of 320 acres in Holt County, Neb., and of other real j 
estate, and personal property, and all has been 
acquired by his own energy, industry, and fore- 
sight. He is a man of keen business judgment, 
and his success is the legitimate reward of his close 
attention to his own affairs. 

Although always a farmer, Mr. Odle has been a 
a successful merchant as well. The store in Che- 
ney ville, in this township, was his property, and on 
Dec. 1, 1886, he took it into his own possession., 
and under his own immediate care and direction 
he successfully carried on mercantile business there 
until May 1889, when he exchanged it for a West- 
ern farm. 

The subject of tins sketch has been twice mar- 
ried — first on Aug. 30, 1866 to Miss Susan Hunter, 
who was born Nov. 25, 1847 and died May 17, 
1870, leaving two children, Ella Florence, born 
Sept. 17, 1867, and Anna Ross, Oct. 18, 1869. ,The 
first wife's parents are both living in Warren 
County. Intl., at the advanced age of seventy years. 

Mr. Odle was on Jan. 12, 1872, united in mar- 
riage with Sarah E. Hunter, born Jan. 22, 1850. 
His present wife was a daughter of John Hunter, 
a farmer of Warren County. Ind. He was 
a native of -Scotland, and came to this country 
when eighteen years old, in the year 1836. He 
staid in the city of New York for a couple of 
years, and then emigrated to Warren County, Ind., 
of which he was a very early settler. There he 
adopted the vocation of a farmer. He died Nov. 
18, 1880. when nearly sixty-three years of age. He 
was a well-informed man and took considerable in- 
terest in public affairs, but never held office. In 
politics he was a staunch Republican, and through 
the Civil War an ardent supporter of the Govern- 
ment. He was married in Warren County, Jan. 13, 
1842, to Miss Jane Montgomery, a native of Ken- 
tucky, born April 22, 1820. They had eight chil- 
dren, of whom five are now living. Mrs. Hunter 
lives with her different children but her home is 
with Mrs. Odle. 

Mr. and Mrs. Odle have five children, as follows: 



Hattie Letitia, born Feb. 21, 1874; John Lindsay, 
Aug. 3, 1875; Miles Sherman, Nov. 2, 1878; Na- 
than W., Nov. 2, 1880, and Frances J., Nov. 3, 
1883. 

Mr. Odle is a man of mark anil influence, in the 
community in which he lives, and his sound judg- 
ment leads his advice to be sought by his neigh- 
bors in business affairs. From comparatively hum- 
ble beginnings, he has raised himself to the position 
he now occupies, and the competence he has ac- 
quired he is justly entitled to. For a number of 
years he has been a School Trustee in Grant Town- 
ship, and from 1885 to 1889, was Justice of the 
Peace. He is a member of Harmon Post No. 115, 
G. A. R., of Hoopeston, and in politics is a staunch 
adherent of the Republican party in all State and 
National affairs. 



0RIN M. DANIEL is extensively identified 
with the agricultural interests of Vermilion 
County, and is one of its most enterprising, 
energetic and able farmers. He has a fine farm on 
section 20, Danville Township, comprising sixty 
acres, pleasantly located on the Georgetown Road, 
two and one-half miles from the court-house. He 
also leases a large tract of land from the coal com- 
pany, and has 1,000 acres under his personal super- 
vision, and in addition has the contract to fur- 
nish timber to the Grape Creek and Consolidated 
Coal Company. 

Mr. Daniel was born June 19, 1842, in Moores- 
ville, Delaware Co., N.Y., and is a son of Aaron 
Burr Daniel, a native of the same place, who was 
in turn a son of Mathew Daniel. The latter was a 
native of Scotland who came to America when a 
young man, and so far as known, is the only mem- 
ber of his family that came to this country. He 
located in the wilderness at Mooresville, buying a 
tract of timbered land, from which he cleared a 
farm and resided there some years. He then sold 
that place, and removing to Deposit about 1840, 
bought a farm there on which he made his home 
till death claimed him. The maiden name of his 
wife was Eunice Sturgis, who is thought to have 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



363 



been a native of New York State, and her last 
days were also passed on the homestead in Deposit. 
The father of our subject was reared and married 
in his native county, and then bought a farm one 
mile from Deposit, located partly in Delaware and 
partly in Broome County. He resided there till 
1870, prosperously prosecuting his calling, and 
then came to Vermilion County, where he is now 
passing the declining years of a busy, honorable 
life. He has been twice married, and is the father 
of twelve children, seven by the first marriage and 
five by the second. 

Orin M. Daniel of this brief biographical review 
was educated in the public schools of his native 
town, and from his father received a sound, prac- 
tical training in agricultural pursuits. He re- 
mained under the parental roof till he was twenty- 
one, and then in the pride of a vigorous, self-reli- 
ant manhood, he came West to try life in the 
Prairie State, rightly thinking that its rich soil 
offered many inducements for one who intended 
at some time to become a farmer. He came to 
Danville, but did not at first enter upon his career 
as a farmer but was employed bj r his uncles in the 
coal business. He subsequently engaged on the 
Illinois Central Railway in some capacity for two 
years. At the expiration of that time he returned 
to Ids native New York, and was engaged in farm- 
ing and other kinds of work in that part of the 
country till 1H72. In that year he came back to 
Illinois and obtained employment with the Ells- 
worth Coal Company, remaining with them five 
years. Since first coming here he had wisely saved 
his money, and at the expiration of that time had 
enough to invest in a good farm and so bought the 
one where he now resides. It is well tilled, is sup- 
plied with substantial, conveniently arranged build- 
ings and all kinds of machinery for conducting 
agriculture in the best possible manner, and it is 
indeed a model farm. We have referred to his 
other interests in the first part of this sketch. 

In June 2, 1808, Mr. Daniel took unto himself 
a wife in the person of Miss Jane Thompson, who 
has proved to him a veritable helpmate, and he is 
indebted to her for aiding him to become prosper- 
ous. She was born in Delhi, Delaware Co., N.Y., 
May 8, 1841, to Robert and Nellie (Shaw) Thomp- 



son. The pleasant household of our subject and 
his wife is completed by the five children born to 
them: Orin, Alvin, Walter F., Perry, Eftie. 

Mr. Daniel is a busy man, devoting his time to 
his many and varied interests, and while so doing 
has done much to promote the material prosperity 
of his township and county. He is prompt and 
systematic in his work and knows how to conduct 
it so as to produce the best results financially. He 
and his wife are esteemed members of the Presby- 
terian Church, contribute liberally to its support, 
and are always active in advancing all charitable 
and benevolent objects. In politics Mr. Daniel is 
a decided Democrat. Socially he is a member of 
Vermilion Camp. No. 244 M. W. A. 



€-*-!»- 




ELBEN JACK, Notary Public and engaged 
in the insurance business at Fairmount, is a 
man of note in his community, possessing 
Pgood business capacities and making for' 
himself the record of an honest man and a good 
citizen. He was born in Carroll County, Ind., 
March 19, 1840, and was the eldest child of Silas 
S. and Bashaba (Elmore) Jack who were both na- 
tives of Ohio, and the mother belonging to the So- 
ciety of Friends. They left their native State in 
their youth and were married in Tippecanoe County, 
Ind., in 1837. 

The parents of our subject remained residents of 
Indiana until April, 1 SCO. then came to this county 
and located in Fairmount. Only three of their 
children lived to mature years, viz: two daugh- 
ters and Reuben, our subject, During the pro- 
gress of the Civil War the father enlisted in Com- 
pany E, 73d Illinois Infantry in August, 1862 and 
was given the post of Orderly Sergeant. He soon 
afterward contracted a fatal disease and died in 
the hospital at St. Louis on the 11th of September 
following. The mother survived her husband over 
twenty years, remaining a widow, and died in Jan- 
uary. 1883. 

Our subject acquired his education in the com- 
mon school of his native State and when approach- 
ing manhood learned the trade of a shoemaker 



304 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



which he has followed continuously until quite re- 
cently. He remained at home with his parents 
until after the outbreak of the Rebellion and en- 
listed in the same company and at the same time 
with his father. He was first made a Corporal and 
later promoted to a Sergeant. He served three 
years and engaged in all the marches and battles in 
which his regiment participated, being at Stone 
River, Chattanooga, Mission Ridge and all the bat- 
tles of the Atlanta campaign, including Franklin and 
Nashville. Aside from the natural effects of hard- 
ship and exposure on his constitution, and a slight 
affection of his eyes, he escaped uninjured, being 
neither wounded or taken prisoner. He was under 
the command of Gen. George H. Thomas, Phil 
Sheridan, Granger, Rosecrans, Sherman, O. 0. 
Howard and Grant, at the time when James A. 
Garfield was Adjutant General of Rosecran's army. 
He received his honorable discharge with his regi- 
ment in June, 1865. Like thousands of others 
who were willing to offer up their lives as a sacri- 
fice to their country, he was content in knowing 
that he had done his whole duty, standing his 
his ground during the enemy's fire and bearing 
with fortitude and patience the vicissitudes of a 
soldier's life 

Upon retiring from the army Mr. Jack resumed 
work at his trade and on the 9th of August, 1865, 
was married in Fairniount to Miss Mary, daughter 
of Daniel Shroyer. This lady was born in Indiana 
and departed this life in Fairniount, Feb. 20, 1861), 
having no children. Our subject contracted a 
second matrimonial alliance June 15, 1870, with 
Miss Frances, daughter of Charles Rufing, of Del- 
phi, Ind. Mrs. Frances Jack departed this life 
March 7, 1871. without children. 

Mr. Jack was married to his present wife, forra- 
lerly Miss Jennie Fellows, Sept. 17, 1872 Mrs. 
Jennie Jack was born in Wells County, Ind., and 
is the daughter of George and Mary Fellows, who 
arc now, the mother in Fairniount the father de- 
ceased. This union resulted in the birth of two 
children — George B., born June 7, 1875, and Nellie, 
June 26, 1884. They area bright pair and will be 
given the education and advantages suited to their 
position in life. 

Mr. Jack has been quite prominent in local af- 



fairs. He was elected Assessor and Collector of 
Vance Township, in 1884, and has been re-elected 
each year since that time. In 1872 he was elected 
Township Clerk, holding the office until 1881. In 
1877 he was elected Justice of the Peace and served 
eight years. He cast his first Presidential vote for 
Lincoln and lias ever continued a staunch supporter 
of the Republican party. As an ex-soldier he was 
one of the leading members of the G. A. R. at 
Fairmount, which has recently surrendered its char- 
ter. In this organization he was first an Adjutant 
and later a Commander. In the I. (). (). F. he is a 
member of Homer Lodge, No. 252, in which he is 
Past Grand. He formerly belonged to the Lodge 
at Fairmount in which he held all the offices, until 
it disbanded. 

( )ur subject and his estimable wife are active mem- 
bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which 
Mr. Jack has been an earnest Sunday-school worker 
for years, officiating as Superintendent of the school 
and Trustee of the church. A man of domestic 
tastes and correct habits, he makes it his aim and 
object to stand on the right side of all questions 
and give his support to those projects calculated to 
benefit the community, socially, morally and finan- 
cially. In connection with his other business 
already spoken of, he does some conveyancing and 
represents as a Fire Insurance Agent, the Phoenix of 
Brooklyn, the Hartford and the .Ftna. He is gen- 
tlemanly, courteous and liberal, and while not pos- 
sessed of great wealth manages to stand square 
witli the world and extract a large measure of com- 
fort and happiness from life. 



/p^lJY SANDUSKY. The surname of this 
ill gentleman is well-known in Vermilion 

^^ij County as that of a pioneer family who had 
a share in its early development and in promoting 
its later growth. The subject of this sketch is a 
worthy representative of his sire and grandsire, who 
planted their homes here when the surrounding 
country was a wilderness, and, in doing so, pur- 
chance were more fortunate than they at first 
deemed possible, and he of whom we write is en- 




^ 



'%7^zZ^ 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



367 



joying the result of their labors, as well as of his 
o»vii active toil. He was born Feb. 5, 1854, on the 
old homestead on section 34, Catlin Township, that 
he now owns and occupies, and here he has erected 
a handsome residence, one of the most attractive 
homes in the county. He is carrying on agricul- 
ture and stock-raising with great skill, and from his 
300-acre farm derives a substantial income. 

The parents of our subject, Josiah and Elizabeth 
(Sandusky) Sandusky, were natives of Bourbon 
County, Ky., where they married, and immediately 
came to this township. The father had lived in 
this count} r while a single man, having removed 
here with his parents as early as 1819, and he went 
back to Bourbon County, Ky., to marry. His 
father, Isaac Sandusky, had come here in the early 
days of its settlement, he accompanying him, and 
had made a claim, and before his death accumu- 
lated quite a little property. In 1837 the father 
and mother of our subject, after their marriage, 
settled in this county, and lived at Brook's Point 
some two or three years, and then Isaac Sandusky, 
the paternal grandfather of our subject, dying, the 
lather was appointed administrator of the estate, 
and coming to Catlin Township .vith his family, he 
located southwest of Catlin Village on section 34. 
lie resided with his wife on this homestead until 
his demise Sept. 15, 1868, she surviving him until 
Jan. 10, 1884. Of their eight children four lived to 
maturity, three sons and a daughter. 

Guy Sandusky, of whom we write, was the third 
child of the family, and he was born and reared on 
the old homestead where he has spent his entire life. 
His education was conducted in the common 
schools, and was supplemented at home by a wise 
training from his worthy parents, and on arriving 
at years of discretion lie chose farming, of which 
he had a thorough, practical knowledge, as the pur- 
suit best adapted to his tastes. He has a good- 
sized farm that is complete in all its appointments, 
and is. indeed, one of the choicest places in the 
whole township. It is amply provided with a con- 
veniently arranged set of buildings for every nec- 
essary purpose, and with all kinds of machinery 
for lightening the labors of farm life. The resi- 
dence is one of the handsomest in the county. 

Mr. Sandusky and Miss Ada M. Williamson 



were united in marriage Nov. 12, 1876, and to 
them has come one child, Inez. Mrs. Sandusky 
is a daughter of Henry and Jane (Gray) William- 
son, natives respectively of Ohio and Indiana, and 
now residents of Linn County, Kan. Mrs. San- 
dusky was born about ten miles northwest of Dan- 
ville Oct. 15, 1858. 

Mr. Sandusky possesses an abundant and never 
failing supply of sound sense and sharpness, cou- 
pled with a faculty of doing well whatever he 
attempts, so that his success in his chosen calling is 
not at all surprising. The Democratic party finds 
in him a steadfast supporter through fair and 
through foul report. He is a valued member of 
Catlin Lodge No. 285, A. F. <fe A. M. 



^ AMES CLIFTON. The results of persever- 
ance and energy have been admirably illus- 
trated in the career of this gentleman, who 
is one of the most prosperous citizens in a 
prosperous community, who has been the architect 
of his own fortune and is in the enjoyment of a 
competence. He is approaching the fifty-seventh 
year of his age, having been born Oct. 8, 1832, 
and has spent his entire life in Vermilion County, 
III., in Georgetown Township where he was born. 
He remembers the time when wild animals abounded 
in this region and killed deer within the limits of 
this township as late as twenty-five years ago. 

William Clifton, the father of our subject, was a 
native of Ohio and married Miss Jane Brown, who 
was born in Tennessee. The grandparents emi- 
grated to Illinois about 1827, when the parents of 
our subject were in their youth and the latter were 
married in Vermillion County, Indi They became 
the parents of thirteen children, six sons and seven 
daughters, and spent their last 3'ears in Vermilion 
County, 111., the father dying at the age of fifty- 
seven and the mother when sixty-two years old. 

The paternal grandfather of Mr. James Clifton 
was of English birth, but came to make his home 
under our Republican form of government. He 
was married and became the father of two children 



368 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



in Ohio. A short time before the birth of his son, 
William Clifton, he started for his old home in 
England and was never afterward seen or heard of. 
The early education of our subject was con- 
ducted in the log school house of the primitive 
times, upon the subscription plan and carried on 
during the winter season. In the summer he as- 
sisted in the development of the new farm, grub- 
bing out the stumps, chopping, breaking prairie 
ami sometimes flat-boating on the river. Hunting 
formed his chief recreation — a pastime of which 
he was extremely fond. He served an apprentice- 
ship at the cooper's trade, which he followed mostly 
for a period of fifteen yeais. In the meantime he 
was married June 1 4. 1 855, to Miss Martha, daughter 
of Abraham and Sarah (Brown) Barnhard. 

The parents of Mrs. Clifton removed from Ohio 
to Indiana at an early date and in that State Mrs. 
Clifton was born, reared and married. Soon after 
the wedding the young people took up their abode 
in Georgetown Township, where our subject occu- 
pied himself at his trade but kept steadily in view 
his intention of becoming owner of a farm. He 
accomplished his project and is now the proprietor 
of 205 acres. This was mostly in a wild condition 
when he assumed possession, but now forms one 
of the finest farms in the township. It makes a 
most delightful and attractive home while at the 
same time it is the source of a handsome income. 

Seven children have been born to our subject 
and his estimable wife, the eldest of whom, a son, 
William, died when four months old. The others 
are Ella, Stephen A. D., Olive, Laura, Alonzo, who 
died at the age of two years, and James, Jr. Ella 
is the wife of H. G. Canady, and resides at Ver- 
milion Grove and has one child, Estella; Stephen 
operates a fine farm of 305 acres in Georgetown 
Township; the other surviving children are at 
home with their parents. Mr. and Mrs. Clifton 
are prominently connected with the Presbyterian 
Church and our subject, politically, is one of tin' 
warmest adherents of the Democratic party. Pub- 
lic-spirited and liberal, he is ever found giving 
his cordial support to those enterprises calculated 
to benefit his community, and possesses those quali- 
ties of character which have made him a universal 
favorite both in social ami business circles. 



Among the most valuable features of this volume 
is a fine portrait of James Clifton, which is pre- 
sented elsewhere. 




R. S. A. COFFMAN. physician and sur- 
geon, is the pioneer of his profession in the 
the town of Allerton. He is a young man 
of more than average ability and is rap- 
increasing his practice. The growth and 
development of his adopted town command his 
earnest and intelligent attention. 

Dr. Coffraan is a native of Gallipolis, Gal- 
lia Co., Ohio. His father. Capt. Josiah Coffman, 
was one of the most prominent river captains and 
pilots on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, his ac- 
quaintance extending from Pittsburg to New Or- 
leans. He ran his first barge down the rivers men- 
tioned to New Orleans, when he was eighteen years 
of age and at that time began his popularity as a 
river man. He purchased a farm in Gallia County 
but did not remain long in the business of agri- 
culture. His last boat was the " Pine Ridge," one 
of the largest steamers that navigated the Ohio 
River. He died in 1866 at the age of fift3-two 
years. His wife continued on the farm until her 
death, which occurred in June 1879. She was born 
at Shelby ville, Ind. 

The parents of Dr. Coffman, had twelve chil- 
dren of whom eight were boys and nine are now 
living. The Doctor was born on Ma_y, 12, 1858 and 
was but seven years old when his father died, lie 
was reared in Ohio, where his educational advan- 
tages were of the best. He first attended the com- 
mon schools at home, then the High Schools. He 
was engaged in West Virginia for two years in 
teaching. From his boyhood days his inclinations 
were all toward the medical profession, and during 
the time he was teaching he was studying to the 
end that he might some day enter its ranks. His 
first studies, medically, were under Dr. T. F. Sien- 
cknecht, of Kingston, Tenn., with whom he con- 
tinued his studies for eighteen months, when he 
became destitute of means. He then came West, 
spending one year in Missouri and from there he 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



3G9 



went to the Indian Territory, finally landing at Os- 
sawottamie, Kan., where he engaged in the hospital 
for the insane. Here his preceptor was Dr. A. II. 
Knapp, of that institution. By this time his means 
were sufficient to take him through the Beaumont 
Hospital and Medical College from which he grad- 
uated March 15, 1888, standing near the head of 
his class, He was married in Kansas to Miss Hat- 
tie E. Smith, a native of Columbus, Wis. She 
is the daughter of Asa and Mary Smith, who were 
pioneers of Sumner County, Kan. Through the 
influence of Dr. Parks and others, the subject of 
this sketch was induced to locate at Allerton, which 
he did in 1887 and where he is achieving success 
to a large degree. In his practice he has met with 
no obstructions but has steadily gained the confi- 
dence of his clients. The Doctor is an ardent Re- 
publican, and is always ready to do anything to for- 
ward the interests of li is party, that lies in the path 
of honor. He is examiner for the Manhattan Life 
Insurance Company, and is also a member of the 
Si. Louis Medical Association. 

Dr. C off man was one of twelve children whose 
names follow: Elizabeth, Joseph C, William, 
Harriet; Daniel M., Cyrus P., Thomas .1.. Cunning- 
ham, Sylvan G., Emma, Sylvester and Ella. Eliza- 
beth married Henry Irion, a farmer of Gallia 
County, Ohio; Joseph C. served in the Union 
Army, enlisting at the age of eighteen years, com- 
ing out of the service with the rank of Lieutenant. 
After the war was over he was commissioned in 
the regular army serving at Ft. Riley, Ark., 
and at Fort Union, N. M. He resigned from 
tlu 1 army, when he commenced the study of 
law, graduating at Ann Arbor and is now practic- 
ing at Ouincy, 111. He married Miss Carrie Hawk; 
Harriet married the Rev. Rose, who is her second 
husband, and a pastor in the Methodist Church in 
Athens, Ohio. She had five children by her first 
husband, James Hamilton; Daniel M. resides at 
Kockwood, Tenn. He is an attorney at law ami 
married Miss Romaine Blazer, they have one 
child; Cyrus P., died at the age of eighteen years; 
Thomas is practicing law at Hume, 111. He mar- 
ried Estasia Kerns. They have four children; 
Cunningham died in Texas at the age of twenty- 
eight; William, who was a twin brother to Joseph, 



died when one year old; Emma is a resident of 
Anoka, Minn.; she married J. C. Willey, a railroad 
contractor and has three children; Ella resides in 
St. Paul, and is the wife of W. Thornley, who is a 
contractor in that city. 



f/OHN C. SALLADAY. The life-long career 

of this gentleman is one which his children 
will love to contemplate in future years. In 
his make up, he is possessed of modesty, 
good manners, sound sense and high principles. 
He has all the qualities of a good citizen, is a kind 
husband and father and in all respects approaches 
the ideal of the Christian gentleman. We find him 
situated in a comfortable home, the possessor of a 
pretty farm, and his family relations leave little to 
be desired. His property is pleasantly located on 
Section 3 in Vance Township. 

Mr. Salladay was the eldest child of his parents 
and was born in Fayette County, Pa., April 16, 
1831. When a little lad of three years he removed 
with his parents to Ohio and acquired a good edu- 
cation in the common schools of the Buckeye 
State, pursuing his studies mostly during the win- 
ter season until twenty years of age. In the mean- 
time he became familiar with farming pursuits and 
remained a member of the parental household until 
reaching his majority. 

In December, 1855, our subject was united in 
marriage with Miss Mary J., daughter of Daniel A. 
Rich of Ohio, a prominent farmer in his commu- 
nity. There were four children of whom Mrs. Sal- 
laday was the second and she was born in Ohio in 
1833. Her childhood and youth passed quietly 
and uneventfully, during which time she attended 
the common school and received careful home- 
training from her excellent parents. The young 
people after their marriage settled on the home 
farm of the Salladay's, our subject working it upon 
shares with his father until I860. He then purchased 
fifty acres of land and made his home upon this 
until 1864 when lie sold out and set his face toward 
the farther West. 

Upon coming to Illinois Mr. Salladay purchased 



370 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



the land constituting his present farm and com- 
menced at first principles to build up a homestead. 
He was prospered in his labors as a tiller of the 
soil and added to his real estate until lie has now 
163 acres in the home farm and 160 acres in Powe- 
shiek Count}', Iowa. In connection with general 
agriculture, he is considerably interested in stock- 
raising, keeping a good grade of cattle and shipping 
each year to the eastern market. 

Five children came to bless the union of our 
subject and his good wife, one of whom died at the 
age of eight years. Salina and (ieorge D. remain 
with their parents; Florence is the wife of J. H. 
Bowen and lives three miles south of the home 
farm; John B. remains at the latter. Mr. Salladay 
cast his first presidential vote for John P. Hale and 
is one of the most active members of the Repub- 
lican party in this section. He keeps himself well 
posted in relation to current events and votes with 
his party upon the national issues. In local mat- 
ters he aims to support the man best qualified for 
office, irrespective of party. He has officiated as a 
delegate to the county conventions and is a School 
Director in his district which office he lias held for 
twenty years. He has been Highway Commissioner 
for six years. He and his estimable wife find their 
religious home in the Cumberland Presbyterian 
Church in which Mr. Salladay has been an Elder 
six years and when a younger man labored actively 
in the Sunday-school. 

Our subject is the offspring of an excellent fam- 
ily, being the son of (ieorge and Rebecca (Craft) 
Salladay. who were natives of Pennsylvania and of 
German descent. Grandfather John Salladay emi- 
grated from the Fatherland at an early period in 
the history of this country and settled in Pennsyl- 
vania. Upon the coming of the Revolutionary 
War he was a baggage master in the Continental 
Army from the beginning to its close. The ma- 
ternal grandparents of our subject were born in 
Pennsylvania but were of German descent. The 
parents of Mr. Salladay were married in Pennsyl- 
vania, where the mother died in 1833, leaving two 
children — our subject and a younger brother. The 
father subsequently remarried, and in 1834 removed 
to Ohio where he sojourned for a period of thirty 
years. Thence he came to this county in the spring 



of 1864, residing here until 1877. His next re- 
moval was to Homer, Champaign County, where 
he lived eleven years, dying in September, 1888. 
The mother survives and makes her home with her 
son-in-law, Mr. Bennett, near Homer and is now 
seventy-six years old. Both the Craft and the 
Salladay families were people of note in their com- 
munity, distinguished for the high principles and 
sturdy industry which were among the character- 
istics of their German nationality. They were 
uniformly well-to-do. industrious and frugal and 
uniformly exercised a good influence upon the va- 
rious communities in which they resided. The 
subject of this sketch is one of the worthiest of 
their descendants, perpetuating the name with dig- 
nity and honor. 



Jaifc-L- 



j^ffLBERT G. OLMSTEAD is a worthy de- 
scendant of Puritan ancestry, his fore- 
fathers having been numbered among the 
H^ early settlers of New England. In a later 

day and generation his grandparents and parents 
became pioneers of Vermilion County, and here the 
most of his life has been passed. He has not only 
been a witness of the marvelous growth of this 
section of the country in the fifty years that he has 
lived here as boy and man, but it has been his good 
fortune to aid in its upbuilding. For many years 
he has been intimately connected with the material 
prosperity of Catlin Township as a progressive 
and skillful agriculturist, and as one of its most in- 
fluential public officers. He owns a farm on 
section 23, that in all its appointments and improve- 
ments is equal to any other in this locality, and 
here he and his wife have an attractive home, to 
which they welcome many friends, as they have a 
warm place in the hearts of the entire commu- 
nity. 

Stanley Olmstead, the father of our subject, was 
born in the city of Hartford, Conn., to Oeorge 
Olmstead, Sr., and his wife, Hannah ( Roberts )01m- 
stead, natives of New England. They came to 
Vermilion County from Ohio in 1839, and he died 
here twoyears later. His wife did not long survive 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



371 



him, dying in September, 1843. Their son, Stanley, 
married Almira Green, a native of Vermont, and 

they began the journey of life together in James- 
town. Chautauqua Co., N. Y.. where he was 
busily engaged for several years in constructing a 
farm from the primeval forests of that section of 
the country, lie subsequently removed from there 
with his family to Marietta, Washington Co., 
Ohio, but after living there five years, he came 
with them, in 1831), to Vermilion County, making 
the journey down the Ohio River, up the Wabash 
River to Perrysville, and thence going to what is 
now known as Batestown, and settling in that vi- 
cinity among the pioneers that had preceded them 
to this then wild, sparsely settled country. The 
father operated a sawmill known as Olmstead Mill, 
and besides manufacturing lumber, engaged in 
building flatboats, that being the only mill where 
such boats were built, and the most of those that 
wn-e made in this section of the country were 
built there. He was a member of the Masonic fra- 
ternity, and quite a prominent man in bis commu- 
nity, and his death, in 1848, was considered a loss 
to the township. His widow was re-married about 
ten years afterwards, becoming the wife of Thomas 
\V. Douglas, and is still living in Catlin Township 
at an advanced age. She holds to the Presbyter- 
ian faith, and is a sincere Christian. 

Of the ten children that blessed the union of 
Stanley Olmstead and wife, our subject was the sec- 
ond in order of birth. He was born in the vicinity 
of Jamestown. Chautauqua Co., N. T., Oct. 14, 
1831. He was a lad of about eight years when he 
accompanied his parents and grandparents to this 
county, and the remaining years of his boyhood 
and his youth were passed in Danville and Catlin 
townships. His education was obtained in the old 
log schoolhouse of those early days, lie early be- 
gan life for himself, as he was but seventeen years 
of age when his father died, and the main charge 
of the family devolved upon him, he renting land 
and working at farming to support those depend- 
ent upon him. When he was twenty-four years 
old he married and rented a farm in Catlin Town- 
ship the ensuing seven years, the place belonging 
to Harry Sandusky. After that he bought a small 
place in Catlin Village, and continued renting land 



for three years. The second year after the pur- 
chase of the County Farm in 18G7. he was ap- 
pointed Superintendent of it, and he was found to 
be the right man in the right place, faithfully and 
conscientiously discharging the duties of that oner- 
ous position, by his skillful farming improving the 
land, and treating the poor people under his charge 
with firmness and kindness. He retained that oflice 
eight years, and then tendered his resignation, as 
he desired to invest some of his money in land and 
go to farming on his own account. Soon after he 
took possession of the land he now owns and op- 
erates, it having been the homestead of the parents 
of Mrs. Olmstead. of which she inherited a portion. 
The balance was purchased by Mr. Olmstead. His 
present farm consists of 180 acres of land, exceed- 
ingly rich and productive, and he has been con- 
stantly making improvements till the place is 
considered one of the best in the neighborhood. 
He has erected a good set of farm buildings and a 
pleasant residence, finely located somewhat back 
from the highway. 

This homestead formerly belonged to Mrs. Olra- 
stead's parents, Thomas N. and Mary Brown (San- 
dusky ) Wright, early pioneers of Vermilion County, 
and here she was born and bred, and on this spot, 
under an apple tree in the yard, her marriage with 
our subject was solemnized July 22, 1855, and here 
her life has thus far been spent happily and se- 
renely. She has never been very far from this 
home of her birth, and has never ridden in the 
cars, or been beyond the limits of the county. Mrs. 
Olmstead is a notable housekeeper, and is well 
versed in the art of making those about her com- 
fortable, and every one who crosses her threshold 
is sure of a cheerful welcome. Her parents were 
born in Bourbon County, K3 r .,and when the father 
was nineteen years old and the mother twenty. 
they came to Vermilion County, ami were united 
hi marriage six weeks later, in the year 1831. near 
Iudianolia. and immediately settled on the farm 
now owned by Mr. Olmstead. Mr. Wright built a 
log cabin, and in that humble abode they began 
their wedded life. Ma\ 3 1 . 1851, Mrs. Wright 
died, leaving live children, of whom Elizabeth 
Ann. Mrs. Olmstead. was the eldest. The father 
was afterwards married to Nancy Dougherty, and 



372 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



he died Nov. 18, 1872, on the homestead that he 
had eliminated from the wild prairies. Mrs. Olm- 
stead was born Sept, 22, 1832. In this home of 
her girlhood and womanhood five children have 
blessed her wedded life with our subject, namely: 
Mary B., the wife of John II. Palmer; Charles, who 
married Agnes Emmett, who died Nov. 17, 188* ; 
William C, who married Miss Eva Beck; George 
E.; and Albert C. 

Mr. Olmstead has been a valuable citizen of this 
section of Vermilion County since attaining man- 
hood, as he is a man of good personal habits, is 
just and honest in his dealings, wise and safe in 
counsel, and has always exerted his influence to 
advance the interests of his community morally, 
socially and educationally. He has taken an active 
part in the public life of this township, has held 
the office of Supervisor two terms, and for eleven 
years was School Trustee. He is a valued member 
of Catlin Lodge, No. 285, A. F. & A. M. He lias 
been Master of the lodge. In politics he sides 
with the Democrats, and is a strong supporter of 
part}- principles. Botli he and his wife are faithful 
members of the Presbyterian Church, and the acts 
of their daily lives show them to be consistent 
Christians. 

A fine lithographic view of the handsome home 
and surroundings of Mr. Olmstead is shown else- 
where in this volume. 

, ■■=> . i? » i i' ff « s * S '* »■* 



UILLIAM CESSNA, Sr., who is well known 
throughout Vance Township as one of its 
WW most prosperous men financially, is now 
approaching the sixty-seventh year of his age, hav- 
ing been born Nov. 7, 1822. He is a native of 
Bedford County, Pa., where his father, Evan 
Cessna, was also born. The latter, when approach- 
ing manhood, learned the trade of a blacksmith. 
Later lie turned his attention to agricultural pur- 
suits, and became owner of a good farm. He mar- 
ried Miss Mary Motelena Fenstermaker, also a na- 
tive of the Keystone State, and whose ancestors 
were from Germany. 

The parents of our subject continued residents of 



Pennsylvania for several years after their marriage. 
The father carried on blacksmithing and farming 
combined, and operated with fair success. He 
finally decided upon a change of residence, and in 
1842 set out for Ohio with his family, settling in 
the Western Reserve in what was then Trumbull 
but was afterward changed to Mahoning County. 
There the parents spent the remainder of their 
lives. The household circle originally comprised 
nine children, eight of whom grew to mature years, 
and six of whom are now living. William was the 
third child of the family, and like his brothers and 
sisters, acquired a limited education by attendance 
in a log school-house, under a system of instruc- 
tion in keeping with that time and place. Upon 
approaching manhood he learned the trade of a 
tanner, also that ofabrick and stone mason. Since 
a boy of twelve he has been mainly dependent 
upon his own resources, and assisted his father con- 
siderably until his marriage. Evan Cessna was 
very nearly blind for many years, having a cata- 
ract over each eye, ami losing the sight of one en- 
tirely. 

The 18th of May, 1850, marked an interesting 
epoch in the life of our subject, as on that day he 
was wedded to Miss Sarah Jane, daughter of Pich- 
ard Hawkins, a farmer and mechanic of Stark 
County, Ohio. The young couple commenced the 
journey of life together in a manner corresponding 
to their means and surroundings, and Mr. Cessna for 
several years thereafter followed his trade in Mahon- 
ing County. Finally he removed to Stark County, 
sojourning there probably two years, and then, in 
1856, changed his residence to Marshall County, 
Ind. In the latter place also he followed his trade, 
and purchased 300 acres of land, the cultivation 
and improvement of which he carried on until 
1868. 

During the above mentioned year Mr. Cessna 
moved into Champaign County, 111., and about 
twelve months later purchased the farm upon which 
his son William now lives, in Vermilion County. 
Later he added forty acres to it, then traded forty 
acres for that which he now occupies. Upon this 
he has lived for a period of thirteen years, and ef- 
fected- very many improvements, planting a 10- 
acre orchard, putting the fences in repair, and add- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



373 



ing the necessary buildings. He has invested his 
surplus capita] in additional land, and is now the 
owner of 500 broad acres. His possessions are the 
result of his own industry and perseverance, and 
he has delved from the soil an ample competence 
for his declining years. 

Mrs. Sarah Jane (Hawkins) Cessna departed this 
life Sept. 15, 1861, at the early age of thirty-three 
years, four months and eleven days. Of her union 
with our subject there were born five children, 
four of whom are living: John W. married Miss 
Myra Nichols, who is now deceased; he is the 
father of five children, and lives in Mineral Point, 
Kan.; Sarah Amelia is the wife of Wallace A. 
Yazel; they live four miles northwest of Homer, 
and have five children; Martha Ellen married 
.Marion Tibbetts, and is the mother of four chil- 
dren; the}' live four and one-half miles southwest 
of Fairniount; William L. I), married Miss Sally 
O'Shea; they have one child, and live one mile 
west of Mr. Cessna. 

Our subject contracted a second marriage Jan. 
29, 1865, with Mrs. Lucina Melser, who was the 
mother of two children by her first husband. The 
result, of this union was three children — Rosa I., 
Charles M. and Mary M., who are all living at 
home with their parents. Mr. Cessna has always 
taken a lively interest in polities, and keeps himself 
fully posted upon all matters of national interest. 
He is one of the warmest supporters of the Repub- 
lican party, believing it the party of progress and 
reform, and the party upon which the prosperity 
of America depends. In Indiana he served as 
Pathmaster three years, and in the district where 
he now lives has been a School Director nine years. 
Formerly he belonged to the I. O. O. F. 

Mr. Cessna, with wise forethought and care has 
furnished us with a portion of the family record, 
which we append as follows. Mis. Sarah J. (Haw- 
kins) Cessna was born in Washington County, Pa., 
Mas 1, 1811. John W., her eldest son. was born 
in Mahoning County. Ohio. Sept. 7, 18.31. Artlissa 
A., the eldest daughter, was born Feb. 19, 1854, 
and died in Ohio. Sarah A. was born in Stark 
County, Ohio, Feb. 11, 1856. Martha Ellen was 
born in Marshall. Ind.. April 24, 185s. William 
L, D, was born in Marshal! County, Ind.. Oct. 23, 



1861. Rossa Ilora was born in Marshall Count}', 
Ind., May 28, 1866; Charles M. was burn in Cham- 
paign County. 111., Jan. 20. L869. Mary Matilda 
was born in Vermilion County. 111.. Oct. 27, 1872. 
Evan Cessna, the father of our subject, died July 
29, 1861, at the age of sixty-eight years. His 
wife, Mary Motelena. died Jan. 20. 1876, at the age 
of seventy-six years. 




AMUEL STARK, of Sidell, is numbered 
among its most useful and praiseworthy 
citizens, and performed no small part in 
the early settlement of the place with 
whose growth and development he has ever main- 
tained a warm interest. In 1885 he purchased the 
Cleveland Hotel and from a small beginning built 
up a good patronage and became popular among 
traveling men generally. In connection with this 
he operated excavating machines such as the Mould 
Ditcher, the Plow Ditcher and Road Grader, and 
graded several miles of road in Vance, Sidell and 
Carroll townships, making an excellent thorough- 
fare which is greatly appreciated by those most 
nearly concerned. 

The parents of Mr. Stark were John and Mary 
(Cassadyj Stark, who were of Kentucky birth and 
parentage and came to this county during its early 
settlement, locating on its southern line. Their 
family comprised fourteen children, eleven sons 
and three daughters. Samuel was burn in Indiana 
and was reared to farming pursuits. He received 
a limited education in the primitive schools and 
developed into a strong and healthful man, sound 
in mind and body and well fitted for the position 
which he was called upon to till as a leading mem- 
ber of his community. He was married in Au- 
gust. 1875, to Miss Christina Rawlings, and the 
young people commenced their wedded life toge- 
ther on the Amos Jackson farm. Later Mr. Stark 
was connected with several farms as general over- 
seer, among them being the well-known Allerton 
farm, formerly the property of John Sidell. In 
1881 they took up their abode in Danville, Mr. 
Stark having purchased the furniture in the Mc- 



374 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Cormick House of that city. Eight months later 
they again removed to a farm at Garrett Grove, 
where they remained four years. Their subsequent 
movements we have already indicated. On mov- 
ing to Sidell Mrs. Stark assumed charge of the 
Cleveland House, which she has since conducted 
with marked success and has become very popular 
with the traveling public. She seems admirably 
adapted to her responsible position and possesses a 
great deal of tact, generosity and kindness, having 
the faculty of making welcome all who come within 
her doors. She is a lad\' of more than ordinary 
business abilities, and is increasing her patronage 
perceptibly each year. 

A native of Lee County, Va., Mrs. Stark was 
born Jan. 19, 1855, and is the daughter of Sampson 
B. Rawlins, also a native of the Old Dominion and 
who married Miss Elizabeth Sanford, of his own 
State. Both were of English descent. The}* were 
married in Virginia, whence they removed to Clay 
County, Ky.. about 1860. The father prosecuted 
farming for three years, but in 1863 again changed 
his residence, settling this time near Paris. Edgar 
County, this State. Ten years later they came to 
this county and located on a farm in Sidell Town- 
ship. Finally selling this also, they removed to 
Fairmount and conducted the Hall House one year. 
Afterward Mr. Rawlings engaged in the boot and 
shoe business of that place about a year. He re- 
moved to Sidell in 1885 and'in 1887 established a 
store of general merchandise at Archie. After a 
time he was burned out, suffering a loss of $8,000. 
He is now employed as a traveling salesman for a 
grocery house in Chicago. 

The mother of Mrs. Stark departed this life 
March 10, 1888, at the age of fifty-six years eight 
months and twenty-eight days. Her family con- 
sisted of nine children, the eldest of whom, Nancy, 
is the wife of J. P. Jackson, a farmer of Sidell 
Township, and is the mother of two children; 
Christina. Mrs. Stark, was the second child of the 
family; James W. H. II., married Miss Ida Patter- 
son and operates as a carpenter and builder in 
Sidell; he is the father of one child. Zarilda mar- 
ried George B. Baum, of Sidell, who operates as a 
farmer and liveryman, and they have two chil 
dren; Bertha is the wife of Austin Jones, a business 



man of Mt. Carmel, and they have one child; 
Sarah J is at home with her father; John F. is 
farming in Sidell Township; Dora is a saleslady at 
Cerro Gordo, 111.; Fanny M. lives with her father 
and sister. 

Mrs. Stark thus in her youth lived in three dif- 
ferent States, Kentucky, Virginia and Illinois. She 
attended the common school and at an early age 
evinced an aptitude for business details. At the 
age of twenty years she was married to Mr. Stark. 
She has contributed her full quota to the rapid and 
thrifty growth of the village of Sidell, in the ex- 
cellent management of her house and in attracting 
to it a class of well-to-do and intelligent people. 

A large force of builders is now (June, 1889) 
actively engaged in enlarging the Cleveland House, 
which when completed a month hence, will accom- 
modate a large number of guests and prove an or- 
nament to the village. Mrs. Stark patronizes the 
worthy enterprises established in the village, 
among them the Methodist Episcopal Church, in 
whose erection she took a warm interest. She is a 
lover of music and all those things which contrib- 
ute to the comfort and satisfaction of the people 
who may sojourn under her roof. She is a lady of 
decided views and sympathizes with the Demo- 
cratic party. The Ladies' Aid Society finds in 
her one of its efficient members. To her and 
her husband have been born four children: 
Callie, who died in infancy; Mary Alice; an infant 
who died unnamed; and Forest E. 




|ENJAMIN ZEIGLER. This gentleman is 
the oldest settler in the eastern half of 
Grant Township, in this county, having 
lived there more years than any other per- 
son now residing within its borders. He was born in 
Cumberland County, Pa., March 5, 1830, and when 
twenty years old came to Fountain County, Ind., 
with his elder brother, John, making the journey 
the entire distance in a two-seated wagon drawn 
by one horse. They came from Carlisle, in their 
native county, to Indianapolis. Ind.. over the road 
then known as the National Pike, and thence to 




Residence: or John Pollard ,5 ex. 21. Carroll Tr Vermi lion Co. 




%aiiisss^^ 



RESIDENCE OF W- H . SCONCE, 5 EC. 16. SlDELLTP. VERMILION Co. 




■«,w-^' ■■■- ■- -.... ■ ... .-.--■■ ... ...,■.-.--■■■■■..,. --■■.■;- ««M 



Store and Residence of Michael FisherJndianola^ermilion Co. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



377 



their stopping place, now named Reitersburgh, then 
known as Cbambersburg. The trip occupied two 
weeks and four days, but it can now be made be- 
tween those two points in sixteen hours! John 
Zeigler had spent the previous year in Indiana, 
and our subject made the journey West with him 
simply as an adventure. But he liked the looks of 
the country, and determined to stay, especially as 
he found he could get twice as much for his labor 
there as he could in the East. Accordingly he 
located in Fountain County and began working out 
by the month. He made his home there until 
1856, when having by this time secured a life 
partner, he came to Vermilion County and for 
two years worked for his father-in-law. Having 
saved a little money he had in 1852 bought 320 
acres of Government land on section 15 in Grant 
Township, and it is on this place his home now 
stands. He was too poor, however, to build on it 
or cultivate it. and he let it lie idle until 1858, 
when he managed to get a house built on it, but was 
yet unable to get it " broke." and therefore for the 
following two years he farmed what is known as 
the ••Ann Brown " place, of 1G0 acres, one and 
one-half miles east of his house. In this way he 
accumulated some small means, and the following 
pear he broke forty acres of his own land with a 
team of four yoke of cattle and a twenty-four inch 
plow. 

His industry and energy soon made themselves 
felt, and each successive year saw Mr. Zeigler a little 
better off. Gradually more and more land was 
brought under cultivation, fences and hedges were 
made and planted, farm buildings were erected, and 
after the lapse of years more land was bought, and 
to-day our subject owns an excellent farm of 540 
acres in one body, well fenced, drained, cultivated 
and with good and sutlicient buildings, and as he 
looks around over his broad acr§s he can reflect 
with satisfaction upon the fact that this is all the 
work of his own hands. When he fust, bought 
this land it was all bare open prairie, not a tree or 
shrub was on the ground. Now ii presents to the 
eyea typical American western scene. The house 
stands bark some distance from the road and is ap- 
proached from the front through air avenue lined 
on either side with well grown maple trees; the 



buildings are all that are needed, for the large farm. 
the growingcrops and the contented cattle grazing 
in the enclosed fields, all bespeak thrift and com- 
petence. All this is the work of Mr. Zeigler's own 
hands. The finegrove of maples which surrounds 
his house was raised by himself from seed and cov- 
ers nine acres, and an apple orchard of four acres. 
also of his own planting. The country when he 
first came here was wild and unsettled, and his 
nearest neighbor for some time was two miles away, 
and from the rising ground near his house, as far 
as the eye could see. there were less than a dozen 
houses. Prairie wolves were numerous, compelling 
the settler to house his stock at night, wild game 
was plentiful, and deer, ducks, geese and prairie 
chickens were in such abundance that dogs were 
kept and trained to keep them from -the farmer's 
grain fields, and the pioneer's table was well sup- 
plied with delicacies, the fruit of his gun. But 
one road was then laid out hereabouts, the sett his 
making their way across the prairies by following 
tracks made by others who had gone before. Not 
a fence was up, and to leave the beaten path was 
to run the risk of being lost on the prairie. Trad- 
ing was done mostly at Attica, [nd., thirty miles 
away, the trip to store and back consuming two 
days. Mr. Zeigler says it was his Custom when re- 
turning, if overtaken b\ darkness, to tie his lines 
and let his horses take their own way. they never 
failing to bring him safely home when human 
eyesight was of no avail in finding the road. 

Now how different the scene. Public highways 
are laid out in all directions. The country about 
is thickly settled, and half a mile from Mr. Zeigler's 
door is the village of Cheneysville, a station on 
the Lake Eiie ami Western Railroad. Around his 
home is ■■> thickly settled and prosperous commun- 
ity, with evidence on every hand of comfort, 
schools and churches are easy of access, and all 
the appliances of civilization are at the fanner's 
door. This change has been brought about by 
the toils and sacrifices of such men as our subject, 
and to such all honor is due. 

.Mr. Zeigler was united in marriage, in Fountain 
County, [nd., -Ian. •".. 1854, with Miss Yerlina 
Brown, daughter of John and Catherine Brown, 
early settlers in that pari of Indiana. 1 lie former 



378 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



was born in Perry County, Pa., and the latter in 
Dauphin County in the same state. After mar- 
riage the}- emigrated to Indiana, where Mr. Brown 
improved a large number of farms, certainly as 
many as twenty, selling as soon as he could get j 
advance on his property. In this way he made j 
considerable money and during the latter years 
was quite well-to-do. He died in Hoopeston 
in the winter of 1884-85. His wife had passed 
away some years previously at Otterbein, Benton 
County, Ind. Mrs. Zeigler was born in Fountain 
County, Ind., March 27, 1834. By this marriage 
nine children were born, all except one, who died 
in childhood, being now living: Cyrus A., the eld- 
est, farms a portion of the homestead half a mile 
cast of his father's house, and is married to Miss 
Cyrenia Leverton, and they have one child and 
one is deceased; Peter M. is married to Susan 
Labaw, has one child, and lives two miles east of 
his birthplace on a farm belonging to his aunt, 
Catherine A.Brown; John B. is married to Jose- 
phine Stufflebeam, and lives on a rented farm 
in the northeastern comer of Grant Township; 
George B. is married to Mary Ann Labaw, and 
has two children and lives on a part of li is father's 
farm; Benjamin Franklin, Mary Amanda, Rachael 
Mahala and William J. are unmarried and are yet 
under the parental roof. 

Mr. Zeigler has witnessed and participated in the 
growth and increasing prosperity of this part of 
Vermilion County. When he came within its 
borders, growth had hardly been begun in this part 
of the count}'. The site of the flourishing city of 
Hoopeston was a barren prairie which he could 
have bought from the Government at $1.25 per 
acre, but he thought it dear at that, when 
prospecting for a site, as the land was low and wet, 
and therefore bought where he is, where the land 
lies higher. On such small things docs fortune 
sometimes hinge. Vet he has no reason to com- 
plain. Starting from an humble station and from 
small beginnings he has achieved a competence, 
and what is still better, has gained the universal 
respect, esteem and confidence of the community, 
a just tribute to the moral and upright life of the 
man and to his entire trustworthiness of character. 
For many years he lias been compelled by his fel- 



low-townsmen to accept office at their hands, hav- 
ing been School Director, Town Trustee, Road 
Overseer, etc., and he is now Assistant Supervisor, 
and among the worthy citizens of Vermilion 
County none stands higher in the estimation of 
those who know him than does Benjamin Zeigler, 
the pioneer. 

- ocio 

<« IfclLLIAM THOMAS SANDUSKY lias for 
\r\j/l more than twenty years been prominently 
W^l identified with the leading farmers and 
stock growers of Vermilion County, a shrewd, in- 
telligent set of men, and in that time he has been an 
important factor in extending its great agricul- 
tural interests. He has a farm on section 36. Cat- 
lin Township, of some over 400 acres, which is 
well cultivated, and on which he has erected a 
substantial, roomy set of buildings, and has all the 
needful machinery and appliances for carrying 
on agriculture with facility and to the best ad- 
vantage. 

Our subject, although a Kentuckian by birth, 
was reared in Illinois, and has passed the most of 
his life here, his parents having been among the 
earliest settlers of Shelby County. His father, 
William Sandusky, was a native of Kentucky, 
while his mother, Julia (Earp) Sandusky, was born 
in Virginia. They were married in Kentucky, and 
there commenced their wedded life, but in 18211, 
when our subject was a small infant, they emi- 
grated to Illinois and settled in Shelby Count}'. 
In the following spring Mr. Sandusky's earthly 
career was cut short, while he was yet in life's 
prime, by his premature death. The wife survived 
him ten years, when, in 1840, she too passed away. 

Of a family of three children, our subject was 
the second child ,and the only son. He was born 
in Bourbon County, Ky., March 11, 1829, and was 
consequently but a few months old when his par- 
ents brought him to this State. He was bred to a 
farmer's life in Shelby County, and, amid the pio- 
neer influences that surrounded his early life, be- 
came strong, manly, self-reliant and energetic. In 
the spring of 1848 he left the place where his life 
had been mostly passed hitherto and came to Ver- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



379 



milion Count}', having in his charge a drove of 
cattle, which he herded here till the fall of the 
year, when he proceeded with them toward New 
Fork. He only went as far as Sandusky, however. 
when he disposed of his cattle at a good price. He 
then returned to Vermilion County, and for some 
years after that was engaged in farm work and in 
in tending cattle. In the spring of 1853, ambi- 
tious to accumulate money faster than he was 
doing, he determined that he would seek the gold 
mines of California, and going there by the way 
of the Isthmus of Panama, he pursued mining on 
the Pacific Coast with fair success till the fall of 
1855. Tiring of the rough life of the camps, he 
turned his face homeward, and. coming to Ver- 
milion County once more, was soon actively en- 
gaged in the business of buying stock, continuing 
that till the spring of 1859. At that time he turned 
his attention to the hotel business, having none 
to (ireencastle. Putnam Co., Ind., in June, and 
building a hotel known as the Junction House. He 
was profitably engaged in its management till the 
spring of 1866, when he sold out, returned to 
Vermilion County and bought the farm where he 
now lives, having decided to turn his attention 
once more to the calling to which he had been 
reared, and for which he has a natural aptitude. 
He now gives his attention wholly to agricultural 
pursuits, and for several years, besides managing 
his farm, was extensively engaged in buying and 
shipping stock, and stdl continues to raise a goodly 
number of cattle and hogs. 

November 30, 1859, was an important date in 
the life of Mr. Sandusky as it was the occasion of 
his marriage with Miss Emily A. Clements, who 
has been to him all that an intelligent, refined, 
capable woman can be to the man by whose side 
she walks the journey of life, making his home 
pleasant and attractive, and a welcome retreat 
from the cares of business. She is a wise and 
tender mother to their children, of whom they had 
four, as follows: Ada, who died in infancy; Charlie, 
who died at the age of five months; Maggie and 
Kate, who are left to brighten the household by 
their presence. Mrs. Sandusky was born in Shel- 
byville, 111.. May 28, 1839. a daughter of John 
and Emily (Livers) Clements, natives of Mary- 



land. Her parents were among the early settlers 
of Shelby County, and there the father died. '1 he 
mother is living in Shelby County. III. 

Mr. Sandusky is a man of much experience, 
gifted with firmness, sagacity, and foresight to a 
marked degree, which traits have no doubt been 
instrumental in gaining him a position among the 
first citizens of Catlin Township as a substantial, 
well-to-do farmer. He is very liberal, and never 
hesitates to spend his money where it will do good 
or relieve suffering. He has a mind of his own, 
and is very tenacious in his opinions. This is es- 
pecially true in regard to his political views, he 
being a very strong Republican, active in political 
affairs, and giving material support to his party. 
He has not mingled much in public life, having 
devoted himself strictly to his own private affairs, 
but he has been School Director for a long term 
of years, interesting himself greatly in educational 
matters. 



HARLES IIILLMAX. There are few more 
, industrious or more conscientious and 
^f' worthy men in ( la k wood Township than 
the subject of this notice, who is located upon a 
well-improved farm upon section 24. His properly 
is the result of his own unaided industry and has 
been accumulated by years of arduous labor and 
close economy. Modest and retiring in disposition 
he is a man making very little show in the world. 
but one whom his friends recognize as possessed of 
high principle and sound common sense, and one 
whose word is considered as good as his bond. A 
patriot during the late Civil War. he contributed 
his quota in assisting to preserve the Union and it 
is hardly necessary to say, uniformly votes the 
straight Republican ticket, lie has ever been the 
advocate of temperance, practically and theoretic- 
ally and with his estimable wife is a member in 
good standing of the .Methodist Episcopal Church, 
in which he has officiated as Steward and Class- 
Leader and held other positions of trust and 
responsibility. 

The offspring Of a good family, our subject is 
the son of Edward Hilhnan. a native of Eng- 



380 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



land and a tailor by trade which lie followed for 
some time in London, Province of Ontario, ( an- 
ada, to which he emigrated when a young man. 
His mother, who was of Scotch descent, died when 
a young woman, and when her son Charles was 
scarcely more than nine years old. Charles and his 
eldest sister were afterward taken to the home of 
Mr. John Bateman, of Ontario, with whom he lived 
until coming to Illinois in October. 1857, when a 
youth of seventeen years. 

To the parents of our subject there were born 
four children, Charles being the eldest. He first 
opened his eyes to the light March 8, 1840 and re- 
ceived very few opportunities for an education. He 
attended school for a time after coming to this 
Slate but had his own living to make and was 
mostly employed on a farm. He saved what he 
could of his earnings as years passed on, and at the 
age of twenty-seven was owner of eighty acres of 
land in Oakwood Township, and some personal 
property. 

Upon the outbreak of the Civil War, Mr. Ilill- 
man that same year enlisted in Company I, 35th 
Illinois Infantry, and served with his regiment in 
the battles of Stone River, Perryville and Chicka- 
mauga. At the latter he was wounded, Sept. 1.9, 
1863, being shot through the left thigh in a pecu- 
liar and dangerous manner. His recovery was long 
and tedious, he lying in the hospital until Septem- 
ber. 1861, at which time expired his term of en- 
listment and he received his honorable discharge. 
Upon his recovery he again entered the ranks, Feb. 
1, 1865, as a member of Company K, 150th Illinois 
Infantry. He served with his regiment in Georgia 
and Tennessee some months after the close of the 
war, receiving his second and final discharge, Feb. 
1. 1866, and now draws a pension from the Gov- 
ernment. He went into the service as a private 
and on account of fidelity- to duty and bravery in 
times of danger, was first promoted to Sergeant 
and afterward to Second Lieutenant, with which 
rank he was mustered out. 

The 8th of October, 1867, witnessed the mar- 
riage of our subject with Miss Sarah A. miliary and 
the newly wedded pair settled at once upon the 
farm whic'.i they now own and occupy. This em- 
braces 202i acres of land all in one body, 132A 



acres under cultivation and embracing property 
formerly owned by Martin Oakwood. The four 
children born to Mr. and Mrs. Hillman are named 
respectively Edward .1., Bertha, George F. and 
Mary E. They are all at home with their parents, 
are well educated and form a most intelligent aud 
interesting group. Mr. Hillman has officiated as 
School Director in his district for a period of 
twelve years, and has been Commissioner of High- 
ways three years. Stock-raising forms a leading 
feature of his farming operations, an industry 
which is very profitable in Central Illinois. As an 
ex-soldier our subject is identified with George 
Morrison Post, G. A. R., at Glenburn. 

Mrs. Hillman was born March 15, 1849, in Ver- 
milion County, 111., and is the daughter of George 
Hilliary, one of the pioneer settlers of this county 
and who died about 1876. His widow is still liv- 
ing being now seventy-five years old and making 
her home in Oakwood. 



■ *- T . 4 V ~~^<^- 



^ LINTON D. IIENTON, M. D., a popular 

_, physician of Vermilion County, was born 
^^ in Fountain County, Ind., on the 3d day of 
August, 1831. His father, Evan Henton, it is be- 
lieved, was a native of Virginia. lie was married 
in Ohio and in an early day moved to Indiana and 
settled in Fountain County, where he purchased a 
tract of land four miles from Attica. He resided 
here until 1838, when he sold his farm and re- 
turned to Ohio and settled in Highland County, 
where he purchased a farm one and a half miles 
from Hillsboro, and there resided until his death, 
which occurred in 1856. His wife's maiden name 
was Maria Inskeep, a native of Ohio and daughter 
of the Rev. Daniel Inskeep. She died on the home 
farm in 1876. She was the mother of seven chil- 
dren, six of whom grew to manhood and woman- 
hood and whose names follow: Eliza, Clinton, 
Racbael, Col man, Samuel and Mary. 

Dr. Henton was a lad of six years when his 
parents removed to Ohio, where he received his 
early education in the public schools. He also at- 

At. the age of six- 



tended Hillsboro Academy, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



381 



teen, he commenced teaching and taught and at- 
tended school alternately. In the meantime he 
became anxious to study medicine, and pursued his 
studies in this direction all through the time cov- 
ered by teaching school. In July, 1853 he came 
to Vermilion County and inaugarated a successful 
practice of his profession, but being anxious to 
further post himself he went from Myers ville, 
where he lived, to Chicago, where lie attended Rush 
Medical College, graduating therefrom in 1861. 
He returned to Myersville and practiced until May, 
1872, when he came to Danville, where he has been 
a successful practitioner since. In 1855 he mar- 
ried Susan Gundy, who is a native of Ross Town- 
ship, this county, and a daughter of Joseph Gundy, 
(a sketch of whose life appears in another part of 
this volume.) 

Dr. Henton is a member of Olive Branch Lodge 
No. 38, A. F. & A. M., and also of Vermilion Chap- 
ter No. 82, R. A. M. The Doctor and wife are 
communicants of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
Professionally Dr. Henton has been very successful, 
and as a citizen, his reputation is one of the high- 
est. He keeps well read up on current events, and 
is what the world calls a well-posted man. 

)IRD C. PATE is numbered among the 
K worthy citizens of Vermilion County who, 
natives of its soil, have for many years been 
active in developing and extending its 
great agricultural interests, and while so doing 
have placed themselves in independent and pros- 
perous circumstances. He was born and reared in 
Catlin Township, and since attaining man's estate 
has been a practical member of its farming com- 
munity, owning and busily engaged in the man- 
agement of a good farm of 200 acres of fertile land 
on section 2 1 . 

Adam Pate, the father of our subject, was a 
native of Virginia. When he established himself 
in life he married Elizabeth Owens, a native of 
Kentucky. They commenced their wedded life in 
Dearborn County, Ind., but in 1829 they made 
their way through the rude and sparsely settled 




country to Vermilion County, and became early 
settlers in this vicinity, locating at first about three 
miles north-west of Catlin, and then removing to 
this farm, which is now in the possession of our 
subject. Here their remaining lives were spent 
in the toil necessary to improve a farm in the wil- 
derness, and now that they have passed away, their 
memory will be cherished with that of other pio- 
neers who labored and sacrificed that they might 
build up comfortable homes, and in so doing 
aided in building up this commonwealth of Ill- 
inois. The father died Feb. 24. 1867, aged seventy- 
four years, two months and five days. Thejmother 
died Oct. 8, 1874, aged eighty years, nine months 
and twenty-six days. The}' were the parents of 
fourteen children, of whom Bird was the thirteenth. 
He was born in Catlin Township, July 12, 1836, 
and grew to manhood amid the primitive surround- 
ings of those early days of the settlement of the 
county, and on the homestead where he was reared 
he has spent his entire life thus far, and has de- 
voted himself exclusively to farming. 

To the lady who presides over his pleasant home 
and helps him to dispense its abundant hospital- 
ities to whosoever comes under its sheltering roof, 
he was united in marriage in Vermilion County, 
Dec. 21, 1857. Her maiden name was Rebecca 
Tanner, and she was born in this county, July 30, 
1839 to William and Lucinda (McKinsey) Tanner, 
early settlers of the county. Six children have blessed 
the marriage of our subject and his wife, of whom 
five are living — Lafayette P. married Rebecca 
Jones, and is engaged in the coal business north of 
Catlin; Horace M. is unmarried and resides in Gar- 
vanza, Cal.; Asa married Jennie Alexander, and is 
engaged in farming in this township; Clay and Clara 
O., the two latter reside at home with their par- 
ents. Their eldest child, George W., died when 
about four years old, and thus early taken from this 
weary world, he is "safe from all that can harm, 
safe, and quietly sleeping." 

Mr. and .Mrs. Pate are very pleasant people, 
kindly and generous in their dealings with their 
neighbors, by whom ihey are much liked. Mr. 
Pate has been Road Commissioner and School Di- 
rector, holding the latter office twenty-one years, 
and in both capacities has served the public etliei- 



382 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



ently. He is a sound Republican and earnestly 
supports the principles promulgated by his party. 
He is a man of correct moral habits, and though a 
member of no religious society yet takes an active 
part in the affairs of the church and does what he 
can for its welfare. He is a member of the A. F. 
& A. M., Catlin Lodge, No. 285. 

A fine lithographic view of the homestead and 
surroundings on the farm of Mr. Pate is shown 
elsewhere in this work. 



***> 



— •*- 



\fUDGE OLIVER LOWNDES DAVIS. It 

is seemingly natural, at least it is easier, for 
mankind to wander into crooked paths 
than to follow the straight road of recti- 
tude and honor; but he who fortunately con- 
fines himself to the latter, must have some realiza- 
tion of the homely and ancient adage that "virtue 
brings its own reward." Men do not realize the 
truth of this so much as in life's decline, when the 
shadows of the great change which is soon to come 
are already visible; then fortunate is he who may 
humbly feel that his life labors have not wholly 
been in vain. These thoughts involuntarily arise 
in contemplating the career of Judge Davis, which 
lias been perhaps, like that of a deep stream, little 
disturbed at the surface, but with an under-current 
whose strength has been clear and decided. A 
native of New York City, he was born Dec. 20, 
1819, and is the son of William and Olivia (Thomp- 
son) Davis, who were natives respectively, of Sar- 
atoga, N. Y., and Connecticut. After their re- 
moval to the metropolis the father was for many 
years engaged with varying success as a shipping 
merchant. 

The subject of this sketch pursued his first studies 
in a select school in his native city, afterward en- 
tered Hamilton Academy, and later was a student 
at the academy in Canandaigua, N. Y. After lay- 
ing aside his books he entered the service of the 
American Fur Company, which was founded by 
John Jacob Astor and which was at that time un- 
der the presidency of Ramsey Crookes. He con- 
tinued with this company until 1841, and then, 



having determined to make his home in the West. 
came to this county and settled in Danville, where 
he now lives. 

Early in life Judge Davis had looked forward to 
the time when he could enter the legal profession 
and now in keeping with his long cherished desire, 
he placed himself under the tuition of Isaac P. 
Walker and began the study of law. By close 
application and untiring diligence he made rapid 
progress in his studies and on the loth day of De- 
cember, 1842, was admitted to the bar. Soon 
afterward opening an office on his own account, he 
began the practice of his profession, but contin- 
ued his studies and in due time established him- 
self as a reliable practitioner and was regarded 
as an able advocate who signalized himself as ex- 
ceptionally honorable and high-minded. 

In 1861 upon the formation of the Twenty- 
seventh Circuit Court, Mr. Davis was elected Judge 
and was appointed by Judge Treat as United 
States Commissioner. On the 1st of July, follow- 
ing, he was re-elected to the former office, which 
he held until July 10, 1866, when, owing to the 
meagreness of the salary he resigned and resumed 
the practice of his profession, which he continued 
with marked success until 1873. He was then 
elected Judge of the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit 
which office he held until 1879, and in that year he 
was elected and commissioned Judge of the Fourth 
Judicial Circuit. 

In the meantime, on the 25th of September, 
1877, our subject was appointed by the Supreme 
Court as one of the Judges of the Appellate Court 
— an office to which he was twice subsequently re- 
appointed and in which he served with great wis- 
dom and discretion for twelve years and at the end 
of the second appointment retired from the bench. 
He is particularly distinguished for his legal acumen 
and honesty, together with great purity of motive, 
while his equitable rulings and gentlemanly bearing 
have secured him the high esteem of all with whom 
he has had dealings. As a lawyer, he has honored 
his profession, while as a Judge, he holds the un- 
qualified respect of both bench and bar. 

In politics, Judge Davis, was originally a Demo- 
crat, but upon the organization of the Republican 
party he became identified with that body. He 






. 








PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



383 



was elected to the Legislature, first in 1851, and 
again in 1857. Aside from this he lias declined 
political preferment, finding more satisfactory oc- 
cupation in the practice of his chosen profession. 
In his religious views, he is a Presbyterian, having 
united with that church in 1870. 

Judge Davis was married Dec. 5, 1844, to Miss 
Sarah M. Cunningham, a daughter of Hezekiah and 
Mary (Alexander) Cunningham, who were natives 
respectively of Virginia and Georgia. In the lat 
ter State were man}- members of the Alexander fam- 
ily who rose to eminence, and were particularly 
gifted with the traits of an illustrious ancestry. Mrs. 
Davis is a native of this county and was born Sept. 
3, 1827. To the Judge and his accomplished wife 
there were born ten children, six of whom are liv- 
ing — Mary married Charles J. Palmer; Lucy, mar- 
ried J. B. Mann; Jennie, married S. M. Milliken; 
Nellie, Henry Harmon, and Fannie, E. 



'Si AMES E. WHITE is industriously pursuing 
the calling of a farmer on section 10, Catlin 
Township, where he owns a good farm 
whose well-tilled acres yield him an income 
that enables him to support his family in comfort. 
He was born in Perrysville, Ind., Sept. 4, 1851, a' 
son of James and Frances Ann (Sanders) White. 
The former was twice married, his first wife being 
Hannah Rogers, the mother of William White, of 
whom a brief account is given on another paa;e of 
this work. 

Our subject is the oldest living son of his father 
and mother, and was a lad of eight yens when his 
parents came to Vermilion County, this State, and 
here the remaining years of his boyhood and youth 
were spent, and when it became time for him to 
settle upon some calling by which to earn a living, 
he selected agriculture as the one for which he was 
the best fitted. He has been quite successful thus 
far and has already placed his 160-acre farm under 
excellent tillage and has made many good improv- 
ments. 

June 3, 1874, was the date of one of the mosl 
important events that ever occurred in the life of 



Mr. White, our subject, as at that time he was 
united in the holy bonds of matrimony to Miss 
Emily Eliza Browne, who is faithfully co-operating 
with him in his work. Seven children have come 
to brighten their home, as follows: Henry W., 
Eliza F.. Mirriam R., Frederic J., Alice E., who 
was taken from the home circle Feb. 2, 1888; Jes- 
sie L., and Minnie E. 

Mrs. White is a native of Catlin Township, and 
was born Dec. 23, 1852, to William and Eliza 
(Jones) Browne, natives of England. The latter 
was born Feb. 3, 182!), and became the wife of 
William Browne May 16, 1850. and with him set- 
tled in Catlin Township. On the 24th day of 
March, 1854. he was suddenly removed by an ac- 
cidental death, from the sphere of his usefulness 
while yet in life's prime. On that day he was un- 
loading hay from a wagon near the residence of 
the late Henry Jones, on the road between Catlin 
and Danville. He was on the ground at the rear 
of the load unloosening the pole that bound the 
hay, and the horses becoming frightened started to 
run away, and while he was trying to catch them 
he was struck by the hay ladder of the rack, across 
the heart, and in less than a half-hour was dead. 
He was the father of two children — Eliza and Em- 
ily E., (Mrs. White). Eliza died when about fif- 
teen months old. The widow of William Browne, 
and mother of Mrs. White was afterward again mar- 
ried, this time being united with Frederic Tarrant, 
a native of England. Mr. Tarrant was born at 
Stanford in the Vale, County of Berks, old Eng- 
land, his birth occurring May 15, 1824. He left 
his native land in June. 1853, coming almost im- 
mediately to the great and growing West. 

Mr. and Mrs. Tarrant became the parents of a 
large family of children, whose names arc i>iven 
below: Sarah Louisa, born Feb. 6, 1857, married 
Charles P. Williams, Sept. 1. 1875: Frederic Rich- 
ard, born Jan. 1, 1859, and died May 17. 1859; 
Miriam Whitfield, born Feb. 10. I860, and mar- 
ried Nov. 1. L882, to Robert White; Ellen Eliz- 
abeth, born Dec. 18, 18(11, and died May 7, 1862; 
Arthur Henry, born May 20, 1863. anil married 
June 6, 1888, to Annie Estella Ludy; Jessie Bent- 
ley, born Dec 20, 1865, and married March 31. 
1887, to Thomas J. Dale; Thomas Alfred, born 



38-1 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Feb. 11, 18G8; Alice Bertha, June 21 , 1870, and 
Elsie Kate, born Feb. 10, 1873, and died Dec. 14, 
187 1. 

Mr. White is an honest, sober, hardworking man, 
and is regarded as a useful member in the commu- 
nity. He has served his township faithfully as 
School Director. He and his wife are people of 
religious views and habits, and belong to the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church. Mr. White is identified 
with the A. F. & A. M. as a member of the Catlin 
Lodge, No. 285. In politics, he is a follower of the 
Democratic party. 






« MLLIAM W. CURRENT occupies a prom- 
\fij// inent position among the progressive, en- 
Ww terprising citizens of Newell Township, 
his native place, of which he is Supervisor, and 
with whose agricultural interests he is closely iden- 
tified. He is a veteran of the late war. in which 
he won an honorable record as a brave, faithful 
soldier, ready to do or die for his country. 

The father of our subject, Henry B. Current, is 
a native of Virginia, while his mother, Martha 
Srout, was born in Ohio. [For parental history 
see sketch of Henry B. Current]. They had eight 
children, three sons and five daughters, and William 
of whom we write, was the eldest of the family. 
He was born in this township Nov. 27, 1842. He 
was reared to manhood in his native county, re- 
ceiving common educational advantages in the 
public schools. When he was sixteen years old, 
an independent, self-reliant youth, he left the 
shelter of the parental roof to learn the trade of 
harness and saddlery making, serving an appren- 
ticeship of two years. But after that he did not 
follow the trade, but engaged as a clerk in a dry 
goods and clothing house in Danville, and was 
there for three years. During that time he had 
been watching the progress of the great civil war 
that was then raging so fiercely, and he then deter- 
mined to east in his lot with the noble defenders of 
the stars and stripes and fight with them his coun- 
try's battles. Accordingly in the prime and vigor 
of young manhood he enlisted in the spring of 



1864 in Company K, 37th Illinois Infantry, under 
the command of Capt. J. C. Black, afterward Gen. 
Black. He did good service on Southern battle- 
fields for about a year, but the hardships and pri- 
vations of a soldier's life told on his naturally 
strong constitution, and after the war ended he 
was discharged on account of disability. 

After his experience of military warfare Mr. 
Current returned to his native county and engaged 
as switchman in the Danville yards for the Wabash 
Railway. He acted in that capacity about a year 
and was then transferred to the freight office where 
he was employed some six or seven years. When 
the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railway was com- 
pleted he was appointed conductor of a freight 
train running from Chicago to Danville. A year 
and a half afterwards he gave that up to accept a 
position in the Chicago office. After working 
there one winter he returned to Danville and in 
June took charge of the yard. A year and a half 
later he abandoned railroading, and then engaged 
in the grocery business in Danville about three 
years and then in farming. In the month of 
August, 1886 Mr. Current returned to Newell 
Township where his early life had been passed, and 
has since been engaged in farming here at the old 
homestead of his father, farming on shares. 

Mr. Current has been twice married. He was 
first wedded in this county, in Catlin Township, to 
Miss Margaret Ellsworth, a native of the county-. 
She bore him three children — Oscar E., Hairy S. 
Ida M. July 10, 1878, the devoted wife and 
mother was called to a higher life, leaving many 
friends to sympathise with her afflicted household. 
Mr. Current was married to his present estimable 
wife in Newell Township, Feb. 15, 1880. She is, 
like himself, a native of this place, born June 8, 
1858, her maiden name Mary A. Makemson. Her 
parents, Hiram and Prudence (Campbell) Makem- 
son, are residents of this township. 

Mr. Current is an ambitious, wide-awake man, 
skilled in his calling, and his ability and well- 
known integrity have been duly recognized by his 
fellow-citizens, who have twice called him to the 
responsible office that he now holds as Supervisor 
of Newell Township, electing him first in the 
spring of 1888, and re-electing him in the spring 




cTY^COVTI^ M4s*A/l*ru,c^, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



387 



of 1889. While living in Danville he was City 
Clerk for one year. He is a member of the A. F. 
& A. M., Olive Branch Lodge, No. 38, Vermilion 
Chapter at Danville and Athelstan Commandery, 
No. 45, at Danville. He is a man of sincere reli- 
gions principles, and an active worker in the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he lias Inch 
an officer, and he heartily cooperates with his 
fellow members in whatever will promote the best 
interests of the church and of society at large. 
Politically, he is a Democrat. 

,., ,«3 , v -^^-^. e ,, — 



hM AJOR WILSON BURROUGHS. Among 
the self-made men of Vermilion County 
none deserve greater credit than the sub- 
ject of this notice who is in possession of a 
comfortable amount of this world's goods, obtained 
by downright hard labor and wise management. At 
the beginning, when he started out in life for him- 
self, he made it a rule to live within his income, 
and this resolve closely followed has given him 
that independence than which, there is no mine 
comfortable feeling in the world. In possession of 
a fine home and a splendid family, together with 
the respect of his fellow men, he surely has much 
to make life desirable. His occupation through 
life has been principally agriculture, but he is now 
retired from active labor ami has wisely determined 
to spend his remaining years in the comfort and 
quiet which he so justly deserves. 

The ancestors of the Major were Southern peo- 
ple mostly, and. his father, Jesse Burroughs, a na- 
tive of Kentucky, was born in 1803. Early in life he 
was married May 8, 1823, to Miss Mary C. Wilson 
who was born in 1804 in Pennsylvania, the wedding 
taking place in Deaborn County. Ind., to which place 
the young people had emigrated with their parents. 
They resided in that county for sixteen years, then 
coming to Illinois, in 1839, settled on a farm near 
Catlin, this county, where they lived a number of 
years, then changed their residence to Fairmount. 
The father died on the 5th of March, 1880, aged 
seventy-six years, ten months and sixteen days. 
The mother survived her partner less than a year. 



passing away Feb. 25, 1881, aged seventy-six years, 
three months and twenty-four days. 

To the parents of our subject were born nine 
children, six sons and three daughters, five of whom 
are living, and of whom Wilson was the second 
child. He was born Nov. 21,1825, in Dearborn 
County. Ind. His early education was conducted 
in a log school-house with greased paper for win- 
dow panes and the other finishings and furnishings 
common to the. buildings of that place and time. 
It was never his privilege to attend a higher school. 
He had the ordinary experience of a farmer's boy 
in a new country, assisting in the development of 
the farm, plowing, sowing and reaping, becoming in- 
ured to hard work at an early age. There were 
very few settlers in this region at the time of the 
arrival of the Burroughs family, there being a few- 
Indians and French on the Sault fork of the Ver- 
milion River. 

Four days before attaining the nineteenth year of 
his age young Burroughs was married Nov. 17, 
1844, to Miss Martha Ann Thompson, daughter of 
John and Esther (Paine) Thompson, who came to 
Illinois from Dearborn County, Ind., in 1830, and 
settled on a farm in Vance Township, this county. 
Their family included eight children, four of whom 
are living and of whom Mrs. Burroughs the 
second child, was born May 11, 1827, in Dearborn 
County, Ind. Her early education was conducted 
in a similar manner to that of her husband, and her 
father officiated as a pedagogue for several years. 
After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Burroughs set- 
tled on a rented farm near Catlin, and like their 
neighbors frequently had difficulty to make both 
ends meet. There was an abundance of labor and 
with but very little return. They raised their own 
flax and wool, and Mrs. Burroughs spun and wove 
and fashioned the garments for her family. Mr. 
Burroughs often thinks of the time when be went 
to church dressed in home-made linen shirt and 
pants and a straw hat. He maintains, however, 
that those were happy days, during which mutual 
affection and mutual purposes enabled them to bear 
with courage the burdens of life and sustain their 
hopes for the future. 

Our subject operated five years upon rented land 
to such good advantage that at the expiration of 



:;s,s 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



this time lie was enabled to purchase 100 acres — 
eighty acres of prairie at $5 per acre and twenty 
acres of timber at $4 per acre. lie paid cash down 
for the timber but was obliged logo in debt for the 
other. He put up a frame house and hauled the fin- 
ishing lumber for it from a point east of Eugene, 
Ind., the trip occupying three days. He lived at 
this place seven years then traded it for a tract of 
raw land, three and one-half miles southwest of 
Fairmount. Removing to this he went through 
the same process as before, bringing the new soil to 
a state of cultivation, putting up another house and 
hauling the lumber as before from the same place. 
This continued the home of our subject and his 
little family until after the outbreak of the late 
Civil War. 

Although there was much to engross the time and 
thoughts of Mr. Burroughs in connection with his 
personal interests he. nevertheless, responded to the 
call of his country and in August, 1862, entered the 
army as Captain of Company E, 73d Illinois Infan- 
try. He participated with one exception, in all the 
battles of his regiment, being prevented by illness 
from taking part in the fight at Murfreesboro, Tenn. 
On the 18th of December, 1861, he was promoted to 
the rank of Major. Although in many of the im- 
portant engagements which followed he was never 
wounded except, as he expressed it, " in the hat." 
He has a vivid recollection of the battles of Perry- 
ville. Chiekamauga, Mission Ridge, Rocky Face, 
Burnt Hickory, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree 
Creek, Atlanta, Jonesboro, Lovejoy's .Station, 
Franklin, the two days at Nashville and the light at 
Dalton and Resaca. After Lee's surrender he was 
mustered out in June, 1865, at Camp Butler. 111. 

Upon retiring from the army Major Burroughs 
returned to his farm which he occupied until 1867. 
Then, removing to Fairmount, he purchased a home 
and has since lived retired from active labor. Af- 
ter giving to his two children each a farm he still 
has 324 acres left. There were born to him and his 
excellent wife four children, of whom Melissa, the 
eldest daughter, became the wife of I. N. Wilcox, 
who died Sept. 19, 1887, leaving his widow with 
one child. Harry B; Elsworth Thompson Burroughs, 
the eldest son of our subject, married Miss Laura 
Custer, and is the father of two children — Fred and 



Frank — living near Westville; Esther M., is the 
wife of William P. Witherspoon and the mother of 
three children — Stella, Wilson W. and Myrtle; they 
live in a home adjoining that of Mr. Burroughs. 
The youngest child Newton AV., remains at home 
with his parents. 

Mr. Burroughs usually votes the straight Repub- 
lican ticket but further than this takes no active 
part in politics and has avoided the responsibilities 
of office, although serving as Director and Trustee 
in his district. He has been a member of the 
Town Council and as an ex-soldier, belonged to 
George N. Neville, Post, G. A. R. until its discon- 
tinuance. Major and Mrs. Burroughs together 
with all their children, are members of the Cum- 
berland Presbyterian Church at Fairmount. This 
was organized in 1869 and the Major has been one 
of its Elders since that time. He has always enter- 
tained an active interest in the Sunday-school in 
which he has held the office of Superintendent many 
years. He ranks among the foremost temperance 
men of this community and in all his dealings has 
preserved that honest and upright course in life 
which as been the surest guarantee of a substantial 
success and paved the way to a position in the 
front ranks among the responsible men of this 
community. He knows by what toil and struggle 
his posessions were accumulated, and has a faculty 
of investing his capital to the best advantage. 

A portrait of Major Burroughs, which appears 
in this volume will be valued by his many friends 
in the county, and especially by his comrades in the 
G. A. R. 

||C LBERT VOORHES, a prominent and 
ife^A-Jll well-to-do farmer and stock-raiser of Cat- 
lin Township, numbered among its most 
benevolent and public-spirited citizens, is 
a fine type of our self-made men, who while work- 
ing hard to establish themselves in the world have 
materially added to the wealth of this county. 
When he and his wife began life together, they 
had to commence in the humblest way, having no 
means, but by their united labors, with wise econ- 




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



:;s'.i 



omy and prudent management, they have secured a 
competence, and have built up one of the most at- 
tractive homes in the township. 

Mr. Voorhes is a native of the good okl State 
of Pennsylvania, born in Washington County Dec. 
26, 1833, the fourth child in the family of twelve 
children, five sons and seven daughters, belonging 
to Andrew W. and Mary (Croekard) Voorhes. 
His father was born in New Jersey and his mother 
in Pennsylvania, and after marriage, they made 
their home in Washington County, Pa., and there 
their entire wedded life was passed, and there death 
found them well-prepared for its summons. The 
father was a farmer and stock-raiser. 

Their son Albert, the subject of this biograph- 
ical review, was reared to manhood in the home of 
his birth, remaining an inmate of the parental 
household till he married and established domestie 
ties of his own. That important event in his life took 
place in his native county Sept. 12. 1857, on which 
date he was united in the hoi}' bonds of matrimony 
to Miss Sarah J. Baker. Mrs. Voorhes is a daugh- 
ter of Enoch and Margaret (Speers) Baker, who 
were natives of Washington Count}-, Pa., the fa- 
ther spending his entire life there. The mother is 
still living at an advanced age. Mrs. Voorhes is 
the eldest of the eight children, three daughters 
and five sons, born to her parents, and she first 
saw the light of day amid the pretty scenes sur- 
rounding her earl}- home Dec. 19, 1839. She was 
reared to womanhood in Washington County, and 
carefully trained in all the duties of caring for a 
household, and was thus admirably fitted for the 
part of wife and mother that she has performed so 
well. To her and our subject ten children have 
been born, of whom the following is recorded: 
Emery A., died when he was six months old ; Sam- 
uel \V.. died when he was twenty-one, his death 
having been caused by a horse kicking him; 
Charles L., married Miss Cora A. McDonald; Lin- 
nia 1.. married Wallace Acree; Albert N.. died 
when four months old; Delia J. married Albert 
Fisher; Henry II.. Florence 1!., Kimbro E., and 
Earl E., are at home. 

In the fall of 1857, .Mr. and Mrs. Voorhes, then 
recently married, left their old Pennsylvania home, 
and coming to Illinois, settled in Edgar County 



about eight miles west of Paris. After living 
there two years, they came to Vermilion County 
where they have ever since made their home. Mr. 
Voorhes has a farm of 243 acres on section 1, 
Catlin Township, and eighty acres in Vance Town- 
ship two miles south of Fairmount, on which he 
has erected a fine set of buildings, and has made 
other valuable improvements, besides putting the 
land under good cultivation, and has a place of 
which he may well be proud. At one time Mr. 
Voorhes moved to Fairmount with his family, 
and lived in retirement there for two years. 

Mr. Voorhes possesses in a large degree the 
rugged honest}-, truthfulness and steadfast char- 
acter that mark the man of all men in whom to place 
implicit confidence. He has good natural abilities, 
and knows well how to work to the best advantage, 
hence his prosperity. He and his wife are people 
of warm hearts and genial, social dispositions, so 
that they r\re much loved in this community with 
whose people they have dwelt in amity and peace 
these many years. They are devoted members of 
the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, of which he 
has been an Elder for more than twenty years. 
In politics, Mr. Voorhes is a sturdy Democrat of 
the Jacksonian style. He takes a lively interest in 
public affairs, and has done his township good ser- 
vice as Road Commissioner, which office he has 
held for the last six years; and as School Direc- 
tor, he having acted in that capacity a long term 
of years. 

•£§&£*■ 



w 



ILLIAM P. VAN ALLEN. The subject 
f of this notice deserves more than a passing 
mention in noting the events in the lives 
of the prominent men of Vermilion County, to 
whom it owes in a large measure its uniform 
prosperity and steadily increasing growth, both 
morally, socially and financially. We find this 
representative agriculturist pleasantly situated on 
a line farm occupying a part of section .'111 in Oak- 
wood Township, in the enjoyment of a homestead 
which he has built up by his own industry and perse- 
verance. He came to this county like many of his 
compeers, with limited means, but was possessed of 



390 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



those invaluable qualities of persistence and energy 
which are usually attended by success. He was 
soon recognized as a valued addition to the com- 
munity, and from time to time was placed in vari- 
ous positions of trust and responsibility, the duties 
of which he has uniformly discharged with honesty 
and fidelity. 

In the biography of John II. Van Allen, on 
another page in this Album, will be found the pa- 
rental history of our subject, who is a child of the 
same family. He was born Dec. 20, 1840. in Lick- 
ing Count} - , Ohio, and there spent his boyhood and 
youth, receiving a practical education in the com- 
mon school. He served an apprenticeship at the 
carpenter trade with his father and worked at this 
until reaching his majority. After the outbreak 
of the Civil War he entered the Union Army, Aug. 
1 I, 18G2, as a member of Company G, 07th Ohio 
Infantry, with which he served three years and un- 
til the close of the conflict. He, like his brother, 
met the enemy first in battle at Perryville. and 
later was at Wild Cat Mountain, Crab Orchard 
and Nashville, where his regiment was placed un- 
der the command of General Roseerans and subse- 
quently fought at Stone River. They spent the 
winter at this point, in the meantime engaging in 
several skirmishes and then proceeded to Talla- 
homa, Tenn., and to Chattanooga, following up the 
rebel general, Bragg. The 97th Regiment, was, 
with others of the brigade, ordered in company 
with Gen. Wilder's Mounted Infantry to march 
ten miles, pulling the artillery by hand up the 
mountain, and opened fire on Chattanooga on 
Waldon Ridge for ten days. This was in order to 
allow Gen. Roseerans with « his army to cross at 
Stevenson, forty miles below. 

Our subject with his comrades was now con- 
stantly under tire, and the 97th was the first regi- 
ment to enter Chattanooga. They did provost 
duty there during the battle of Chiekamauga, and 
later participated in the fight at Mission Ridge, 
where the regiment lost over 140 killed and 
wounded. Soon afterward they were ordered upon 
a forced march to relieve Gen. Burnside, at Knox- 
ville, Tenn., and later our subject with his com- 
rades was assigned to the command of Gen. O. O. 
Howard. After this he fought at the battle of I 



Dandridge. The regiment then retreated back to 
Knoxville. They guarded the railroad in that 
vicinity during the winter. On the 3d of May, 
18G4, they concentrated at Cleveland, Tenn., pre- 
paring for the memorable march to the sea. 

At the battle of Kenesaw Mountain, on the 22d 
of June, Mr. Van Allen was severely wounded in 
the rio lit thigh by a minie ball. He was sent first 
to the hospital at Nashville and subsequently trans- 
ferred to Louisville, from which point his father 
took him home. When sufficiently recovered he 
reported at Columbus, Ohio, and was sent to Camp 
Dennison, where he received his honorable dis- 
charge in 1865. He had his full share of the hard- 
ships and privations of army life, and has never 
fully recovered from the effects of his wounds and 
the drain upon his constitution caused by hard 
fare, the forced marches and the sojourn among 
the malarial districts of the South. 

Upon returning home Mr. Van Allen served an 
apprenticeship at the potter's trade and followed 
it about three years. In the meantime he was 
married, Nov. 21. 1866, to Miss Caroline V. Kiger, 
who was the only child of her parents, and was 
born in Virginia, in 1847. The young people so- 
journed in the Buckeye State until 1869, then 
came to Illinois, and a year later Mr. Van Allen 
purchased land and began the construction of a 
farm. He put up a fine residence in 1879 and is 
the owner of 112 acres under a thorough state of 
cultivation. Stock-raising forms a leading feature 
in his operations, and he makes a specialt}' of 
Poland-China swine, while he has nearly twenty 
head of draft horses and a few equines not quite 
so valuable. 

Mr. Van Allen takes a pardonable pride in the 
fact that his first presidential vote was cast for 
Abraham Lincoln, and he voted for Benjamin 
Harrison with equal enthusiasm early upon election 
day in 1888. He is a sound Republican with clear 
and decided ideas as to the reason of the faith 
within him. He at an early date became identi- 
fied with the G. A. R., and has been Commander 
of George Morrison Post, No. 635, at Glenburn, 
since its organization. He is likewise connected 
with Newtown Lodge, in which he has been Treas- 
urer for years. He represented Oakwood Town- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



391 



ship in the County Board of Supervisors two years, 
was Justice of the Peace four years and has been 
School Director nine years. Probably no man in 
the township has contributed in a more effectual 
manner to its steady growth and uniform pros- 
perity. 

Mr. and Mrs. Van Allen are the parents of nine 
children, four sons and five daughters, all living: 
Walter. Frank, Stats, Bertie, John, Mary, Etta, 
Nellie and Vida. They are being carefully reared 
and educated in a manner fitting them for their 
future station in life as the offspring of one of the 
representative families of Central Illinois. 




&HOMAS C. McCAUGHEY, ,M. D. The med- 
ical profession of Vermilion County num- 
bers among its members some very able and 
conscientious men, and among them may be classed 
tlic subject of this notice. He has distinguished 
himself as a conscientious practioner, both of med- 
icine and surgery and has been located in Hoopes- 
toii since 1871. He is well known as the junior 
partner of the firm of Peirce & McCaughey, the 
druggists of Main street. 

Dr. McCaughey is a gentleman in the prime of 
life, in the forty-ninth year of his age, having been 
born Jan. 20, 1841, in Sharon Center, Medina Co., 
Ohio. He spent his youthful days there and at 
Fredericksburg, Wayne County. His father. Rob- 
ert McCaughey, conducted an hotel and engaged 
in mercantile pursuits. Thomas C. completed his 
education at Fredericksburg and soon afterward, 
the Civil War being in progress, he enlisted as a 
Union soldier in Company H, I02d Ohio Infantry. 
This was assigned to the Army of the Cumberland 
and our subject participated in all the engagements 
of his regiment, serving three years without wound 
or capture while half of his comrades were killed 
or wounded. He was frequently in the thickest of 
the light and upon several occasions his escape 
seemed nothing less than a miracle. At the close 
of the war he was mustered out at Columbus, Ohio, 
ami received his honorable discharge July 8, 1865. 

Upon retiring from the army our subject visited 



his home for a brief time, then came directly to 
Paxton, this State, where he commenced the study 
of medicine under Drs. Kelso and Randolph, with 
whom he remained two years. Next he entered the 
medical department of Michigan University at Ann 
Arbor, being a member of the class of 1867. This 
was followed by another course in Rush Medical 
College, Chicago, after which he received his di- 
ploma and established himself in Ford County, near 
the present town of Rankin, where his rides ex- 
tended over a large section of country. 

In 1871, soon after the laying out of Hoopeston, 
Dr. McCaughey came to this place, being the first 
physician to establish himself here. In 1881 he 
associated himself in partnership witli Dr. Peirce. 
For over twelve years he has been surgeon for the 
Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroad Company. He 
makes a specialty of surgery and in his office may 
be seen the latest instruments and appliances in 
keeping with the progress of this science. He has 
been a close student and avails himself of every 
opportunity for information in connection witli 
this most important calling. He is a member of" 
the Board of Pension Examiners and of the Board 
of Health in Hoopeston. He has for some years 
been connected with the United Presbyterian 
Church of which he is an Elder and has officiated 
as Superintendent of the Sunday-school for seven- 
teen years. He has always maintained a warm in- 
terest in its prosperity and given to it a liberal sup- 
port. He has no political aspirations, but thor- 
oughly believes in the principles of the Republican 
party. 

Miss Mary E. Johnson, of Rankin, became the 
wife of our subject Jan. .'4. 1871, and to them 
have been born three children. — Cora Etta. Mary 
Isie and Robert S. Of these Cora Etta is dead and 
the last two are living and are aged fifteen and 
thirteen respectively. Cora Etta was the first child 
Lorn in Hoopeston. It is the intention of their 
parents to bestow upon them all the social and 
educational advantages, befitting their station in 
life. Mrs. McCaughey was born near Bellefon- 
taine, Ohio, Sept., 1845 and is the daughter of 
Stanton and Jane (Stevenson) Johnson, who settled 
in the vicinity of Rankin, where the father pur- 
chased land from which he built up a good farm 



392 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



and there his daughter, Mary E., lived until her 
marriage. The father is deceased. The mother is 
still living and is now quite aged. 

Robert McCaughey, the father of our subject, in 
early manhood engaged in general merchandising, 
being located on the road between Medina and 
Akron, ( )hio, where also was situated his hotel and 
where he lived until Thomas C, our subject, was a 
lad of ten years. He then removed to Doyleston 
where his death took place in 1853. Politically, 
he was an old line Whig. 

S? EVIN VINSON. In the life of the subject 
I (fSi of this notice there are illustrated the rc- 
jIL-sSy su lts of a strong will under adverse circum- 
stances, and that which may be accomplished by 
steady perseverance in an honest purpose and fol- 
lowing the impulses of a worthy nature stirred to 
continuous action, together with the promptings 
which All a man with a desire to be able not only 
to respect himself, but to secure a like sentiment 
from his fellow-citizens. There are few men who 
have warmer or truer friends than Mr. Vinson, 
who, without making any great stir in the world, 
has fully established himself in the confidence of 
those who know him, and who is designated as 
having a tender heart under a rough exterior. The 
place which he holds in this community has not 
been secured by the amount of his wealth, but by 
the possession of those qualities which are better 
than silver and gold. 

The Vinson family were first represented in this 
country in Maryland, whence they emigrated to 
Kentucky, where Ilenson Vinson, the father of our 
subject, was born and engaged in farming pursuits. 
Upon reaching manhood he was married to Miss 
Abigail McDowell, likewise a native of the Blue 
Grass State, whence they removed to Park County, 
hid. They sojourned there until 1841, then com- 
ino- to Illinois, settled in this county, and the father 
died seven years later, in 1818. His widow is still 
living in this county, and has now arrived at the 
advanced age of ninety years. They are the 
parents of niue children, six of whom are living. 



The subject of this notice was the fourth child 
of his parents, and was born in Park County, Ind., 
Feb. 20, 1829. He received a very limited educa- 
cation, which was mostly obtained before he reached 
the age of twelve years. He remained at the farm 
working for his father until twenty years old, then 
purchased 320 acres of wild land through a sol- 
dier's land warrant, which proved to have been a 
forgery, and which resulted in the loss of 160 acres. 
When approaching the twenty-iirst year of his age, 
he was married, Nov. 12, 1849, to Miss Naomi Lig- 
get, daughter of Jesse Ligget, who is represented 
elsewhere in this volume. 

The young people commenced their wedded life 
under favorable auspices, and though their little 
farm was undeveloped, they were blest with good 
health, cheerful hearts and willing hands, and 
united in a mutual purpose to built up a home for 
themselves. They still live in the house which 
was built thirty-live years ago, and Mr. Vinson is 
now the owner of 200 acres of thorougly cultivated 
land. 

Mr. and Mrs. Vinson have never had children of 
their own, but have raised two others. The eldest, 
whom the3' named Edwin Vinson, is now a man of 
thirty -three 3'ears. He married Miss Annie Rogers, 
lives on a part of the farm, and is the father of 
five children. The other boy was sent to Illinois 
from a New York juvenile asylum when seven 
years of age, was then taken by Mr. Vinson, and 
is now a promising youth of seventeen, a good, in- 
dustrious boy. who has been susceptible to good 
training, and bids fair to make a worthy citizen 
and a first-class farmer. 

In 1802. during the progress of the Civil War, our 
subject, in company with his brother John, raised a 
company of men, which was made a part of the 125th 
Illinois Infantry. Of this Mr. Vinson was elected 
Captain, and served as such for nearly two years, 
commanding his company at the battle of Perry - 
ville and during the campaign about Nashville. 
During the last five months of the service he was 
quite ill and finally obliged to resign his position 
and return home. He votes the straight Republi- 
can ticket, and has served as School Director and 
Road Commissioner. Socially he belongs to New- 
town Lodge, No. 714, A. F. & A. M., in which he has 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



393 



been Treasurer for several years. He is likewise 
identified with the G. A.R..as a member of George 
Morrison Post, No. 635, at Glenburn in which he 
has been Quartermaster since its organization. Mrs. 
Vinson has been connected with the Methodist 
Episcopal Church for the last thirty-five years, and 
when a younger lady was greatly interested in 
.Sunday-school work, officiating as a teacher and 
otherwise looking after the religious interests of 
the young. 

The paternal grandmother of our subject lived 
to be one hundred and seven years old, and was 
twice married, her second husband being Mr. Gib- 
bons, of Maryland. At the age of one hundred 
she went out and held a prairie plow to which eight 
yoke of oxen were attached, and followed it for a 
quarter of a mile. During the last five years of 
her life she made her home with Mr. and Mrs. 
Vinson. 



ENRY V. DAVIS owns and operates a 
splendid farm in Vance Township. As 
early as the year 1835 he located in Illinois, 
((©) coming from Ohio. He and his brother 
Abram came with their father to put in a crop. 
They remained here while the father returned to 
Ohio to close up his business. When he returned 
he made the largest entry of land that is on record 
at the Danville land-office in one man's name — 
over 3,000 acres. 

Mr. Davis, of whom this sketch is written, re- 
ceived his education in the primitive schools in the 
pioneer days of Illinois. When he was nineteen 
years of age he left the schoolroom and gave his 
attention to work on his father's farm, continuing 
to labor in this way until after he was married. 
On Feb. 18, 1842, he was united in marriage with 
Miss Mary Ann Copeland, a daughter of Samuel 
Copeland, a farmer, who lived seven miles north- 
west of Danville. Mr. and Mrs. Davis were the 
parents of six children, who lived beyond infancy. 
Samuel II., the eldest son, was born Sept. 5, 1844, 
and when the war broke out he enlisted, Aug. 22, 
1861. in Company F, 26th Illinois Infantry. He 
remained with his regiment until June, 1862, when 



he was taken sick and died, his death occurring at 
Darlington, Tenn., June '.», 1862. He was interred 
at the above named place. William E. a farmer 
who lives in Nebraska, married Mrs. Lilly M.Lucas, 
daughter of Samuel King, and widow of Rob- 
ert Lucas. Sarah Elizabeth married George R. 
Gamble, a photographer of Champaign, 111.; they 
have two children. The mother of these children 
died Sept. 6, 1858. Mr. Davis continued house- 
keeping after the death of his wife, and May 25, 
t859, he remarried, taking for his second wife 
Catherine, a daughter of Cornelius and .Mary Calla- 
han, of Canada. .Mr. Callahan was a farmer and 
had seven children, of whom Mrs. Davis was the 
eldest, having been born March 11, 1833. She re- 
ceived her early education in Canada, and com- 
pleted it in Union Seminary, located at Danville, 
111. She was a very successful school teacher, and 
is a lady of culture and refinement. Mr. and Mrs. 
Davis are the parents of three children: Oscar 
Harmon married Clara II. Brown; he is a farmer 
living in Minnesota. They are the parents of three 
children: Ira Grant, the second son, married Mary 
Elizabeth Palmer. They are residing on the old 
homestead and are the parents of one child — Mallie 
Leona, who was bom on Christmas Day. 1888; 
George W. is unmarried and lives at home. 

Mr. Davis owns 426 acres of land in this county, 
and 514 in Champaign County; a half-section in 
Minnesota, and a house and four lots in Cham- 
paign, where he lived thirteen years for the purpose 
of educating his family. As a farmer Mr. Davis 
has been eminently successful, and to his children 
he has given much land and other property. All 
of the home farm is under excellent cultivation ex- 
cepting about fifty acres. This place lie rented in 
1854 and removed to his Champaign County farm, 
where he remained a year, returning to the old 
homestead. In 1852 lie sold a lot of mules with 
the intention of reinvesting the money in the same 
kind of property, but instead, lie entered 982 acres 
of land, and he never has regretted it. His father 
gave him 400 acres to begin life with, and he has 
added to that until he now owns nearly 2,000 acres 
of land. 

Mr. and Mrs. Davis worship at the Baptist 
Church, of which he has been Trustee and Deacon 



394 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



for a long time. He gave $1,000 to aid in the 
erection of the Baptist University at Chicago, the 
site for which was given by Stephen A. Douglas. 
While Mr. Davis does not take an active part in 
politics, he always attends elections, and the last 
Democratic ballot cast by him was for Franklin 
Pierce. The troubles in Kansas and Nebraska 
made him a Republican, and he has since voted for 
the nominees of that party. Mr. Davis' ability for 
accumulating land and other property, is an evi- 
dence of his cleverness as a sound 'business man 
and a progressive farmer. 



©(kS.OT'T* ~ -\nsv, 



— ^\Z^«vli££/t<)*$g-. 



"S/OIIN BRADY, a veteran of the late war, is 
a representative of one of the early settlers 

I ] of Vermilion County who bore an honora- 
(6§]/' ble part in the development of its immense 
agricultural resources. He is a native of Danville 
Township, born Feb. 1, 1837, and the old home- 
stead which was his birthplace is still in his posses- 
sion, and he derives a good income from its rental. 
He is now living in retirement in the village of 
Tilton, having accumulated a handsome compe- 
tence by shrewd management and judicious in- 
vestments. 

His father, also named John, was one of the 
pioneers of .this county, a native of Virginia, 
whence he was taken when he was very young to 
Ohio, his parents then becoming early settlers of 
Brown County. There he grew to manhood and 
married, but instead of settling there he decided to 
come further west, making the journey hither at 
first on horseback to prospect. He was so pleased 
with the country that he went back to Ohio for his 
family, and they returned here with team. This 
section of the country was very sparsely settled at 
that time, and the most of the land was owned by 
the Government, and was for sale to whomso- 
ever cared to buy it, at $1.25 an acre. Mr. 
Brady very soon made a claim to a tract of land 
three miles southwest of the city of Danville, 
or of its present site, and entered it from the 
Government at the land office at Palestine. He 
first built a round log house on the place for a 



temporary residence, but soon afterward put up a 
more substantial hewed log house, in which dwell- 
ing the subject of this sketch was born. A short 
time after he erected a frame house, which is still 
standing, and is one of the oldest frame houses in 
existence in the county. The frame of this house 
was first put up in South Town by a man who in- 
tended it for a hotel. He failed, however, before 
it was completed, and the father of our subject 
bought the frame and ertcted it on his homestead. 
The sideboard, casings, window frames, in fact, all 
the finishing, was made of black walnut. Mr. 
Brady, Sr. improved a good farm, and was a resi- 
dent thereon till death closed his useful career. 
The maiden name of his wife, mother of our subject, 
was Rosanna Kratzer, and she was a native of 
Ohio. Her father, Henry Kratzer. removed from 
Ohio to Indiana, and was a pioneer of Marion 
County. He developed a farm from the wilderness 
about one mile from Indianapolis, and resided 
there the remainder of his life. The mother of our 
subject died on the old homestead. She and her 
husband were people of sterling worth and were 
influential in their neighborhood, all regarding 
them with esteem and respect. 

He of whom we write remembers well the inci- 
dents of pioneer life here and the primitive style 
of living necessitated \>y the distance from the 
centres of civilization. He grew to be a stalwart, 
manly lad, fond of the chase, and as soon as large 
enough to shoulder a rifle he often went hunting 
and killed many a deer, wild turkeys and other 
game that were a welcome addition to the home 
larder, lie gleaned his education in the pioneer 
school which was held in the old log school house, 
with rude home-made benches for seats. He re- 
sided with his parents till after the breaking out of 
the war, and in Jul}', 1862 he answered his coun- 
try's call for her brave and patriotic citizens to aid 
in suppressing the rebellion, and enlisted in Com- 
pany A, 125th Illinois Infantry. The first impor- 
tant engagement in which he took an active part 
was the battle of Perrysville. He afterward 
fought in the battle of Chickamauga, and was with 
Sherman in his campaign from Chattanooga to At- 
lanta, engaging in all the important battles on the 
inarch. After the siege and capture of Atlanta he 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



397 



followed Ii is gallant leader to Savannah, and thence 

by the way of Richmond to Washington, and was 
present at the grand review. He was honorably 
discharged with li is regiment at Chicago, having 
proved a brave and efficient soldier, willing to face 
all danger, and never shirking his duty, and ar- 
rived here on the 3d of July, 1865. 

After leaving the army Mr. Brady resumed 
farming on the old homestead which he now owns. 
In 1 88;?, having accumulated a fine property by 
years of steady industry, he retired from farming 
aiid removed to Tilton, where lie purchased his 
present residence and has since made his home 
here. 

Mr. Brady was married in February. 1859, to 
Miss Mary Conlin. a native of the State of New 
York, and they have four children living — Mar- 
garet, John. Charlie, Edith. Margaret married 
William Martin, a resident of Tilton, and they 
have two children, Mary and William. 

Mr. and Mrs. Brad} - are very estimable people 
and are held in the highest regard by all who know 
them. He is a man of sound discretion and sober 
judgment, a safe counsellor, and one who kindly 
and unostentatiously extends a helping hand to the 
needy and suffering with whom he comes in con- 
tact, He is a member in good standing of the 
Congregational Church. 



JOHN N. ENGLEMANN is entitled to rep- 
resentation in this Biographical Album as 
an intelligent, practical member of the 
farming community of Vermilion County. 
He is classed among our self-made men. as he be- 
gan life with no capital but a sturdy, self-reliant, 
capable manhood, and has become independent 
and prosperous, and, as old age approaches, finds 
himself in possession of a comfortable competence 
and well fortified against want and poverty. 
His farm on section 22, Catlin Township, is pro- 
vided with an excellent class of buildings, and its 
soil is admirably tilled, yielding abundant harvests 
in repayment for the labor and money bestowed 
on it. 

Our subject was born in Prussia, July 29, 1828, 



and is the son of John Nicholas and .Margaret 
(Kimmel) Englemann. The wife died in Ger- 
many. The father subsequently emigrated to this 
country, and after a time removed to Du Quoin, 
111., where he died. The boyhood and youth 
of our subject were passed in his native coun- 
try, but in the early years of his manhood he 
determined to cross the Atlantic and seek in 
the United States of America the prosperity de- 
nied him at home. In March, 1854, he left the 
beloved Fatherland on an American-bound vessel, 
and twenty-eight days later the ocean was between 
him and the familiar scenes amid which he had 
been reared. He disembarked at New York and 
made his way from that city to Summit County, 
Ohio, where he engaged in digging coal, which 
employment he had followed in the old country. 
He lived in different places in Oiiio till 1857, when 
he came to Vermilion County to avail himself of 
the many advantages it offered a poor man to 
make his way to comparative affluence. Liking 
the country here, he decided to remove his family 
to this county and settle here permanently. At 
first they lived in Danville Township, but a year 
later Mr. Englemann came to Catlin Township with 
his wife and children, and rented a farm Ave 
years; and at the same time he worked in the coal 
mines in the winter, carrying on his farming opera- 
tions during the other seasons of the year. In 
1864 he had been so prudent and industrious that 
he had managed to save up quite a little sum of 
money, and was enabled to purchase eighty acres 
of land, which is included in his present farm. 
In the busy years that followed he made many val- 
uable improvements, erecting a substantial, well- 
built dwelling, a good barn and other necessary 
outbuildings, and placed his land under a high 
state of cultivation, devoting himself entirely to 
agricultural pursuits. He bought more land, and 
his farm now comprises 12(1 acres of fine fanning 
land that compares in fertility and productiveness 
with the best in the township. 

During these years of toil Mr. Englemann hns 
not been without the assistance .if a good wife, 
who has been to him all that a faithful helpmate 
could be. They were united in marriage in their 
native Prussia, in September. 1853. Her maiden 



:;:is 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



name was Maria Schuetz, and she was born Dec. 
IK, 1834. She is the daughter of Michael and 
Maria (Graser) Schuetz. who emigrated to this 
country and were buried in this township. Their 
happy wedded life has been blessed to Mr. and 
Mrs. Englemann by the birth of eight children, as 
follows: Nicholas, Jacob, Mary F., Margaretta S., 
John W., Sophia, Charles and Elizabeth; all are 
living. 

In our subject his fellow-townsmen find those 
desirable qualities and manly traits of character 
that make him a useful citizen and a good neigh- 
bor, one in whom they may place their trust with 
a surety that it will not be abused. In politics he 
is a Republican, and faithfully supports his party 
at the polls. Religiously, he and his wife are ex- 
emplary members of the Lutheran Church, and 
carry their Christian faith into their everyday 
lives. 

A fine lithographic view of the handsome resi- 
dence, farm and outbuildings on the place of Mr. 
Englemann is shown elsewhere in this work. 



/p^EORGE M 
<|[ <—- ■ , known resi 
\^S) owner of a 



jEORGE M. VILLARS, one of the best 
esidents of this county and the 
a fine property, was born in Dan- 
ville Township, Oct. 16, 1832, and is consequently 
but little past the prime of life. He is the off- 
spring of a good family, being the son of the Rev. 
John Villars, who was born in Jefferson County, 
Pa., Feb. 14, 1797. 

The paternal grandfather of our subject was 
James Villars, who it is believed was also a native 
of Jefferson County, Pa., and who was born July 
28. 1774. His father was a native of England, 
and it is supposed spent his last years in the Key- 
stone State. Grandfather .lames Villars was there 
reared to man's estate and married Miss Rebecca 
Davison, April 19, 1796. In April, 1806, they 
removed to Ohio by means of a flat-boat, which 
landed them at Cincinnati, then but a hamlet. 
They settled in what is now Clinton County, where 
grandfather Villars purchased quite a large tract 
of land and improved the farm, upon which he 



resided until his death. In 1812 he put up a sub- 
stantial double hewed-log house with a large stone 
chimney in the center of the building and a huge 
fireplace on each side. This structure stood for a 
great many years and was a fitting monument to 
the character and enterprise of its builder. 

The father of our subject was piously inclined 
from his youth and when a young man united with 
the Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1823 he was 
given a license to exhort, and from that time 
labored as a local preacher. In the fall of 1830 he 
came to this county with his family, making the 
journey overland with teams, camping and cook- 
ing by the wayside and sleeping in the wagons at 
night. He had, however, visited the country prior 
to his removal here and had entered a tract of land 
upon which he had a log house built ready for the 
family upon their arrival. From that time on, in 
addition to his ministerial labors, he carried on 
the improvement and cultivation of his land, living- 
there until 1857. 

In the year above mentioned the father of out- 
subject decided to seek another home beyond the 
Mississippi, and emigrated to Nemeha County, 
Neb., where he was one of the pioneers and to 
which he made the journey overland as before. 
He lived, however, only until the following year, 
his death taking place in March, 1858. He had 
been twice married, the first time, March 14, 1816, 
to Miss Elizabeth McGee. This lady was born 
Sept. 25, 1797, and died in Vermilion County, 
April 22, 1848. His second wife was Elizabeth 
Campbell, and they were married Oct. 10, 1849. 
She was a native of Harrison County, Va., and 
born Sept. 2, 1816. Of the first marriage there 
were born ten children and of the second marriage 
three. The father left the Methodist Episcopal 
Church after a time and identified himself with the 
United Brethren and was a preacher in the latter 
Church at the time of his death. He was a life 
member of the American Bible Society and be- 
queathed to it the sum of $6,000. 

Our subject still retains a vivid recollection of 
many of the incidents of pioneer life in Illinois, 
when deer, wolves and other wild animals abounded, 
together with Indians who were often to be seen 
in roving bands going across the prairie. He ac- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



399 



quired his education in the primitive schools, the 
first of which was taught in a log house. The 
seats and floor were made of puncheon, and writing 
desks were manufactured from planks with wooden 
pegs for legs. As soon as old enough, young Vil- 
lars began to assist his father in the various labors 
of the farm and remained under the parental roof 
until the time of his marriage. lie then settled on 
a tract of land which his father had given him and 
upon which were two log cabins. In one of these 
our subject and his bride commenced their wedded 
life. Their home consisted of one room sixteen 
feet square, and in this they lived a number of 
years and until they were able to put up their 
present residence. The furnishing of this humble 
dwelling was in keeping with the fashion of that 
day, but thty probably experienced as much hap- 
piness and content as the young people who now 
commence life upon a grander scale. 

Mr. Villars has been a life-long farmer and still 
owns the land upon which he settled at the time of 
his marriage. He has now 186 acres, located five 
miles east of Danville, on sections 7 and 12 of Dan- 
ville Township. It has all been brought to a good 
state of cultivation, is well stocked, and upon it 
Mr. Villars has erected a good set of frame build- 
ings. His marriage with Miss Amanda Srouf was 
celebrated at the bride's home in this township, 
Oct. 20, 1853, and there have been born to them 
eleven children, of whom the record is as follows: 
John \Y. married Martha Marble, and is a resident 
of Warren County, hid.; George Henry married 
Martha Brewer, and lives at Fort Belknap, Mont.; 
Martha ,1. is the wife of William 1'. Lynch, of 
this county; Rachel, Mrs. Presley Martin, lives 
in Vermillion County, Ind.; William married Ida 
.Shaffer, and is a resident of this county; Ruth, Mrs. 
Charles Elder resides in State Line City, Ind.; 
Mary Frances is the wife of John Elder, of Terre 
Haute, Ind.; Augusta is the wife of William 
Gnaden, and they live in Danville Township; Ella 
married William F. Shaffer, and resides in Warren 
County, Ind.; Sophia and Janet remain with their 
parents. 

Mrs. Villars was born near Hanover. Hancock 
Co., Ind., Feb. 7, 1832, and is the daughter of Se- 
bastian Srouf, who was born in Kentucky, July 25, 



179(1. Her paternal grandfather, John Srouf. it is 
believed, was a native of either North or South 
Carolina, and his father, the great -grand father of 
Mrs. Villars, was a native of Germany. John 
Srouf removed from one of the Carolinas to Ken- 
tucky, where he was an early pioneer, then moved 
on into Ohio, locating in Brown County during 
its early settlement. He served in the war of 1812 
and spent his last years in the Buckeye State. 

Sebastian Srouf, father of Mrs. Villars. was born 
July 25, 1796, and was a young child when his 
parents settled in Ohio, where he was reared to 
manhood, and was married Sept. 11. 1817, to Vall- 
yrier Parker. She was born in Ohio, and the dale 
of her birth was June 25, 1796. In 1830 thev re- 
moved to Indiana, settling in Hancock County, 
where they lived until 1834. That year they came 
to this county, making the journey overland with 
teams, locating in what is now Newell Township. 
The parents remained residents of this township 
until their decease, the mother passing away Oct. 
29, 1874. and the father less than a year later, 
Feb. 12, 1875. 

There were born to the parents of Mrs. Villars 
eleven children, viz.: Nancy, Martha. George, 
Mary. Wilson, Sarah, Jane, Amanda, Arie, John 
and Christiana. Four of these, Mary. John. Arie 
and Christiana, died young. Our subject and his 
estimable wife are members in good standing of 
the United Brethren Church, of Pleasant Grove, 
in which Mr. Villars has served as Class- Leader and 
labored in the Sunday-school. In politics at large 
he is a sound Democrat, but in local affairs votes 
independently, aiming to support the men whom he 
considers best qualified for office. We invite the 
attention of our numerous readers to a fine engrav- 
ing of the handsome home and surroundings of 
Mr. Villars, on another page of this volume. 



— ^^t^>^ 



•*^T-S^ 



/j^ FORGE M. SPRY, prominent among the 
|l| <==i boys in blue, whose name deserves to be 

^^ii recorded in history is the name of the per- 
son at the head of this sketch. He was born in 
Vermillion County, Ind., three-fourths of a mile 



1(1(1 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



from the Illinois line, on Jan. 5, 1816. His father, 
David Spry, was a native of North Carolina and 
was reared in Tennessee and Kentucky, principally 
the latter. The Spry family was prominently iden- 
tified with Colonial history and were very active in 
the struggle for independence. 

Early in life David Spry was thrown upon his 
own resources, but by his great force of character 
he made a success in life. lie was married to Miss 
Patsey Cummings in Clark County, Ivy. She was 
born in that State as were also her parents. The 
elder Mr. and Mrs. Spry, removed to Perrysville, 
Ind., two years after their marriage, which was in 
the fall of 1829. They settled on their farm in 
[830, where they resided until 1857, when Mr. 
Spry retired from active life and moved to Perrys- 
ville, where he has since lived. His wife died on 
the farm at the age of fort3 r -five years, her death 
occurring in 1854. She became the mother of 
twelve children, nine of whom grew to manhood 
and womanhood. Their record is herewith given: 
( 'atherine married Talt Parish, who is a farmer; she 
died in 1855. Joseph W. is a carpenter and is 
living at Turner, Ind.; he enlisted in the 125th 
Illinois Infantry, serving three years; he married 
Debora Paggett. Hester married William Hughes, 
a wealthy fanner, who is living near (Jessie, Ind.; 
they have six children: Ella, Anna, David, Charles, 
Albert and Ora. Nancy A. married Henry Caru- 
thers; she died in 186:5, leaving three children — 
William, Albert and Marintha. Judia married 
Elijah Lowe; she died in 1863. Caroline is the 
wife of Almond Hunt, a prosperous farmer who 
lives near Gessie, Ind.; they have one child, 
Albert. 

George M. Spry passed his early childhood on 
his father's farm at first attending the common 
schools, afterwards studying at the High School at 
Perrysville, Ind., where he was at the time of his 
enlistment in the army. He joined Company D, of 
the 57th Indiana infantry and served until the 
close of the war. Among other engagements in 
which he took part are: Pulaski, Columbia, Spring 
Hill, Franklin and Nashville. From the latter 
place he assisted in driving Hood over the Tennes- 
see River, after which his regiment proceeded to 
Huntsville, Ala., where it remained from Jan. 5, 



to March 26, 1865. From here it was transported 
via Chattanooga and Knoxville through Bulls Cap 
to Blue Springs and Greenville, Tenn., where it 
was expected to aid in the opposition of Lee's ad- 
vance westward. But at this place the} - received 
the news of the collapse of the Southern Confed- 
eracy. Mr. Spry was slightly wounded by a ball 
which struck his breast-plate at the battle of Nash- 
ville, and Nov. 30, 1864, received two slight 
wounds at Franklin, Tenn. He was seriously 
injured at Pulaski, Tenn., by a wagon running over 
his right instep, but this did not prevent him from 
missing more than two or three roll calls. He was 
at Blue Springs when the sad news of Lincoln's 
assassination was received. Returning to Nash- 
ville his regiment was ordered to the Southwest via 
New Orleans and the Gulf of Mexico. They went 
to Victoria, Tex., to correct some disorders which 
were prevalent there at the time. Here on Oct. 
20, 1865, after fourteen months of hard service, 
Mr. Spry was mustered out of the service. He 
arrived home on the 18th of the following month 
and immediately took up his studies. In the spring 
of 1866 he engaged in the general merchandise 
business at Perrysville, Ind., doing a very large 
business, but on account of the depression in the 
value of goods he closed out, paying 100 cents on 
the dollar. When he wound up his affairs he found 
that his capital amounted to just ten cents. He 
next directed his attention to the hedge planting 
industry, starting a nursery on the " Shady Nook" 
farm, and continued in that business for two sea- 
sons, in the meantime carrying on a farm. From 
1876 to 1878 he devoted all his time to teaching, 
when about this time he made the acquaintance of 
Chapman Bros., publishers of Chicago, in whose 
employ he entered and where he has worked with 
a large degree of success since. The publishers 
wish to take this opportunity in expressing their 
satisfaction of the services rendered by Mr. Spry. 
He has proven a most valuable, reliable and effi- 
cient agent in the discharge of whatever duties 
imposed upon him. During these years he has 
been placed in many responsible positions and 
always acquitted himself manfully. 

In 1868 Mr. Spry was married to Miss Martha 
A. Gray, daughter of Harvey M. and Susan Gray. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



401 



Mrs. Spry was born in Clinton County, Ind., com- 
ing to Illinois with her parents when she was ten 
years of age. Her father, Mr. II. Gray, was one 
of the leading men of Sidell Township. Mr. and 
Mrs. Spry have become the parents of six children: 
Edith died when she was three months old. Amy 
is also deceased, dying at the age of four. Zua is 
a successful teacher of Vermilion County. Daisy, 
Raymond M. and Mabel are at home attending 
school. Mr. and Mrs. Spry are living happily in 
their unpretentious home, where they are always 
read} - to dispense hospitality. In choosing their 
home they have exhibited good judgment in locat- 
ing in the charming and enterprising village of 
Sidell. Mrs. Spry is a member of the Christian 
Church and the two oldest daughters are mem- 
bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church and 
also of the Ladies Aid Society. Mr. Spry is a 
member of the I. 0. O. F., No. 252 at Homer, 111., 
and belongs to the encampment. He is identified 
with the Modern AVoodmen and with Post No. 
536, ( >. A. R. In his political views he is a stanch 
Republican. 



#-# 




— V 



■TIORNTON K. HAG LEY. On section 24, 
Newell Township, lies a line farm whose fair 
fields yield abundant harvests to careful and 
skillful cultivation. The gentleman whose name is 
at the head of this biographical sketch is the pro- 
prietor of this desirable estate comprising 153 acres, 
and here he and his family are enjoying all the 
comforts of life in the cosiest of homes. 

Our subject is a native of Ohio, the place of his 
birth in Pickaway County, and the date thereof 
Nov. 7, 1833. His father. John J. Ilagley. was a 
native of Germany, and after his migration to this 
country he married Rebecca Kendrick, a native of 
Virginia. After marriage they set I led in Pickaway 
( utility, Ohio, among its pioneers. From there they 
subsequently removed to Covington, Fountain Co., 
Ind., and were early settlers there. Their remain- 
ing years were passed in Fountain County in peace 
and contentment till death closed their eyes to the 
scenes of earth. To those worth}' people were born 



five children, of whom our subject was the young- 
est. He was five years old when his parents estab- 
lished a home in the wilds of Southern Indiana, 
and his boyhood and youth after that were passed 
in Fountain Count}- till he was nineteen years of 
age. Then, ambitious to make his own way in the 
world, he resolved to seek the wonderful gold fields 
in California, whose discovery a few years before 
had caused such intense excitement throughout the 
world. He tried life in the mines of the Golden 
State four years, meeting with fair success, and 
then tiring of the rough, wild life of the frontier 
he retraced his steps to the more civilized regions 
of this part of the country, and resided in Foun- 
tain County, Ind., till the spring of 1864. In that 
season he removed to Warren County, Ind., close 
to the Illinois State line, where he lived the ensu- 
ing seven years. At the expiration of that time he 
came to Vermilion County and invested some of 
his capital in the farm where he now makes his 
home, and has ever since that time. He owns 153 
acres of land that is not surpassed by any in the 
locality in point of fertility and cultivation. There 
is a substantial set of buildings and everything 
about the place wears an air of thrift and order- 
liness. 

Jan. 13, 1859, Mr. Ilagley took an important 
step in his life by marriage with Miss Melinda J. 
Diffenderfer, whereby he secured a good wife who 
looks well to the ways of her household and cares 
tenderly for the comfort of its inmates. Her par- 
ents, Gotleib and Mary Ann (Rogers) Diffenderfer, 
were born respectively in Pennsylvania and Ohio. 
After their marriage they settled' in Pickaway 
County. Ohio, and from there removed to Foun- 
tain County, Ind., where he died. She still sur- 
vives at an advanced age. They had ten children, 
of whom Mrs. Ilagley was the fourth in order of 
birth. She was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, 
Dec. 28. 1813. Her wedded life with our subject 
lias been blessed to them by the birth of four chil- 
dren, as follows: Clara A., who died when seven 
years old; William W., who married Minnie Ry- 
ers; they live in this township: Ida M., who died 
when twenty-one months old; Albert <!.. ■■> young 
man aijed eighteen. Sorrow has come to our sub- 
ject and wife in the death of their little girls, but 



402 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



they are not without comfort in the thought of 
what those innocent children may have been 
spared by being so early removed from the cares 
and stains of this weary work-a-day world. 

"The sun comes up, and the sun goes down 

On sorrow, and sin, and aching, 
And to all the evil that's in the world, 

Their darlings will know no waking; 
They are wrapped in that dream of sweetness and 
calm 

That will know no cruel waking." 

Mr. and Mrs. Hagley stand well in this commu- 
nity as people of kind hearts and sound heads, who 
do what in them lies to promote the moral and ma- 
terial advancement of their township. Mr. Hagley 
has taken quite an interest in school affairs, and 
while holding some of the offices has done much to 
forward the advance of education in this locality. 
In politics he is a Democrat, stanchly supporting 
his part}' at all times. 



#>^ 



VI/SAAC V. GOINGS, an ex -soldier of the Union 
Army, and who was obliged to accept his hon- 
|H orable discharge for disability Feb. 14, 18G3, 
has been since that time able to do but little 
manual labor and has his farm operated by other 
parties. Th'rs, however, yields him a comfortable 
income and he receives a pension from the govern- 
ment. He is thus comfortably situated and is of 
that sanguine disposition which enables him to ex- 
tract considerable happiness and content from life. 
He takes a lively interest in politics, votes the 
straight Republican ticket, and has been Constable 
in Catlin for two years and an Elder in the Cumber- 
land Presbyterian Church for the long period of 
twenty years. He thus presents a very fair record 
and is generally respected among the people of his 
community. 

A native of Hardy County, now West Virginia, 
our subject was born Nov. 7, 1 822, and was the 
fourth in a famity of twelve children, only three 
of whom are living. His parents. Slindrack and 
Hester (Sears) Goings, were natives respectively of 
Virginia and Monongahela County, Pa. The pater- 



nal grandfather of our subject was born in Eng- 
land, and upon coming to America settled in the 
Old Dominion where he spent the remainder of his 
life. The father of our subject was a blacksmith 
by trade and died in 18112. The mother preceded 
her husband to the silent land a number of years. 
her decease taking place in 1847. 

The early education of Isaac V. Goings was con- 
ducted in the subscription schools of his native 
State and he made his home with his parents, work- 
ing for his father until he was twenty-three years 
old, and in the meantime learning the trade of 
a blacksmith. After leaving home he became 
overseer of negroes for a man by the name of 
Gabriel Fox, by whom he was employed four years. 
The two years after that were spent in the employ 
of a Mr. Cunningham at the same business. At the 
expiration of that time Mr. Goings emigrated to 
Ohio where he first worked on a farm and then be- 
gan feeding stock, prosecuting this business two 
years. He was married in the Buckeye State, Sept. 
15, 1854, to Miss Frances, daughter of John Price, 
of Madison County, Ohio, and who was born in 
that State in June, 1838. 

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Goings came 
directly to this county. Mr. Goings rented a farm, 
purchased a team on credit and thus began life in 
Illinois on a limited scale. He carried on agricul- 
ture for a number of years on different farms until 
the outbreak of the Rebellion. On the 3d of July, 
1861, he entered the ranks of the Union Army as a 
member of Compaq' I, 35th Illinois Infantry, en- 
listing as a private, and was soon promoted to Cor- 
poral. The regiment was first sent to the Marine 
Hospital at St. Louis, after which they repaired to 
Wilson's Creek, at Springfield. Mo., where they had 
a skirmish with the rebels, the Color Bearer of the 
regiment was shot down and Mr. Goings was or- 
dered to rescue the colors and take them to the 
top of the court-house, pulldown the rebel flag and 
put in its place the Union ensign. He picked 
up the banner and commenced the ascent and after 
considerable difficulty, hauled down the rebel flag 
just as the enemy began to drive back the Union 
troops. Our hero soon saw the position in which 
he was placed and waved the stars and stripes back 
and forth from the top of the court-house to en- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



403 



courage the boys. It had the desired effect and 
the Union troops rallied and soon drove the rebels 
from the town. It must be remembered that this 
feat was performed in the face of a murderous fire 
from the enemy, who aimed their guns at the in- 
trepid Unionist and sought to dislodge him from 
lu's retreat. 

The next engagement of the 35th was at Pea 
Ridge, and after this they went to Booneville, 
where Mr. Goings was knocked down by the butt 
of a rebel musket but sustained no serious injury. 
They left Cape Girardeau by steamer and reaching 
Hamburg Landing took part in the battle of 
Corinth, Miss., after which followed the battle of 
Stone River. At this point Mr. Goings was taken 
ill and sent to .1 hospital where he languished two 
weeks and was then transferred to a hospital at 
Quincy, 111., from which he was finally discharged. 

At Booneville Mr. Goings and a part of his reg- 
iment, including the Colonel, were taken prisoners 
by the rebels and marched about one mile when 
the latter were obliged to take off their picket 
guard and place them over the prisoners. Mr. 
(Joings saw an opportunity to escape and breaking 
away ran for his life while the whole force of rebels 
opened fire upon him. He pursued a zigzag course 
as much as possible, but one buckshot passed en- 
tirely through his right forearm and he received a 
scalp wound. The only part of his gun left in his 
hand when he reached the Union camp was the 
metal barrel. 

Upon another occasion, while assisting in guard- 
ing a bridge across a river in Missouri, Mr. Goings 
and his comrades were attacked by the rebels and 
driven off. They finally rallied and compelled the 
rebels to run, and during the skirmish Mr. Goings 
received a gunshot wound in the left side just lie- 
low his heart. He was given up for dead and left 
upon the ground but later rallied and partially re- 
covered, but he still suffers from acute heart dis- 
ease or valvular affection of the heart. 

Upon one occasion Mr. Goings fought a duel 
with a Texas Ranger. He and his foe were sta- 
tioned on opposite sides of a large tree and each 
endeavored to use his gun upon the other. Finally 
by accident Mr. Goings remembered that he had a 
navy revolver in his belt and drawing it he sprang 



out and shot the Texan through the body, the ball 
breaking his watch chain. Mr. Goings secured the 
watch from his dead foe. but it was afterward taken 
from him by the Commissary Sergeant. He was 
certainly not lacking in courage during those 
troublous times and he takes a pardonable pride 
in recalling the scenes of other days which often 
" tried men's souls." 

Mr. and Mrs. Goings have no children of their 
own but several years ago took into their hearts 
and home a little girl (Lizzie Doss) who is now the 
wife of Edwin Burroughs, (the license was issued 
in the name of Lizzie 1 ). Goings) but who still lives 
with her foster parents. Mr. Goings is a member 
of Homer Post G. A. R. and enjoys a wide acquain- 
tance with the people of this section. His estima- 
ble wife is a very intelligent, capable lady highly 
esteemed in her community. 



-«»~3s*$-i-- 



-# 



/p^EORGE W. MILLER has been a resident 
if <^¥? of ^ rer,nil ' on County for forty-four years. 
'^^M He was born in Vermillion County, Ind., 
Nov. 26, 1841, his parents being Andrew J. and 
Catherine (Moyer) Miller. The father was a na- 
tive of Kentucky and the mother of Ohio. The 
Millers had been residents of Kentucky for several 
generations, and Andrew Miller had been brought 
to Indiana by his parents when twelve years old. 
There he lived until a few years after his marriage 
when he removed to this county, living the first 
year near Alvan. and then coming to where his 
son now lives. His first house was a log structure 
in which he lived for several years before he built 
the fine roomy residence on the opposite side of the 
road located on section !), which is now owned by 
his widow. There he died on Aug. 23, 1873. 

When he first came to this county, Andrew Mil- 
ler was a poor man, having the means to buy only 
forty acres of land, a yoke of oxen and a horse. 
He worked faithfully and soon began to accumu- 
late property, gradually adding to bis possessions 
until, before his death, he was the owner of sev- 
eral farms in this county, and atone time having 



104 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



1.500 acres and when he died he left over 1,000 
acres, as he bought and sold whenever he could 
with advantage. His first start in life was ob- 
tained liy hauling produce to Chicago with his ox- 
team. In this slow and laborious way he began, 
and his success well illustrates the capacity and 
energy of the man. When he first settled in Vermil- 
ion County in 1845, this was an entirely new coun- 
try and he witnessed its rapid growth and prosper- 
ity, in which he was no small factor, and which was 
brought about by just such men as he. At this 
time there was only one house in sight of his cabin, 
that being another log house about three miles 
north 'of his, and where the thriving village of 
Rossville now stands was another cabin. Hard 
work and plenty of it was the lot of the pioneer 
and his family, and they literally earned their 
bread by the sweat of Jtheir brows. Breaking 
prairie was the first thing in order, and to the 
struggling, poor pioneer was no easy task. Grad- 
ually it was accomplished and he soon had his 
forty acres under cultivation. Fencing it was a 
necessity, but it had to be delayed for some time. 
George W. being the eldest of the children, at an 
early age learned what hard labor was, which contri- 
buted largely to his own success. Not only was 
hard work npcessary in reclaiming the land but it 
was imperative that the pioneer guard against dan- 
ger from wild animals, the wolves, especially 
being very numerous and daring, compelling him 
to shelter his live stock and poultry every night. 
Andrew J. Miller and Catherine Moyer were 
married in Vermillion County, Ind., and became 
the parents of twelve children. The first two 
died in infancy before being named; the next was 
George W.; then Cornelius, who was a farmer of 
Ross Township, this county; Tabitha, deceased, 
was the wife of Jesse Tomlinson, after whose death 
she married Jonathan Prather; Nancy also deceased, 
was the wife of James U. Prather; Mary Isabelle, 
John T. and Knoch died when young; Joseph S. 
is a farmer in Ross Township, this county; Cather- 
ine is the wife of Maxwell Beckett, also a farmer 
in Ross Township; and Mildred is married to Mor- 
ton Langsdon a farmer of the same place. Mr. 
and Mrs. Miller were well known to the old settlers 
of this county and greatly respected. He was a 



temperate and moral man, noted for his destnsta- 
tions of obscenity and profanity, which he never 
failed to check if uttered in his presence. He 
refused to accept office of any kind though often 
pressed to do so, preferring to devote all his time 
and attention to his own affairs. His widow, now 
in her sixty-fourth year is in good health and 
strength, and makes her home with her youngest 
daughter, Mildred. 

George W. Miller in his youth endured the 
hardships and privations inseparable from the life 
of a pioneer. His first reccollections are of the log 
cabin which sheltered him when he was a boy. 
There his initiation into the rudiments of an edu- 
cation was received, the first school in this locality 
being held in his father's house, when the settlers 
became numerous enough to hire a teacher for their 
children. It was a good many years before a dis- 
trict school was established, and that was on the 
subscription plan. In this way the children of the 
first settlers grew up but although their ai tual 
'schooling" was little, they learned how to become 
good men and women and useful members of soci- 
ety. They early imbibed from their parents those 
lessons of industry and frugality, which were the 
general characteristics of the pioneer. George 
assisted his father on the farm until he was thirty 
years old when he married and settled on a part of 
the same tract, on which he now has his home, and 
which he subsequently bought from his father's 
estate. In the spring of 1873 he went to Nebraska 
with the intention of making that State his home, 
but the last illness of his father caused his return. 
In less than three months after he came back his 
father died, and he settled the estate and built for 
himself the house in which he now lives. His pres- 
ent property was partly bequeathed to him and 
partly purchased from the other heirs. When he 
got it there was only one building of any kind on 
the place, the present buildings have been erected 
by him. lie has since added more land by pur- 
chase of adjoining property and has now 410 acres 
in all. A creek runs through a part of the farm 
making that portion especially desirable for stock- 
raising purposes to which it is devoted. Mr. Mil- 
ler having, on an average, about fifty head of cat- 
tle and generally raising about 100 hogs each year. 




Ji&waJ*) ^SststytsoA 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



407 



His principal crops are corn and oats, a greater 
portion of which is consumed on the farm. 

On Feb. 15, 1872, Mr. Miller was united in mar- 
riage with Miss Vienna Catherine Hawes, daughter 
of Daniel and Louisa (Miller) Hawes, both of whom 
came from Pennsylvania to this county, locating 
first in Danville and afterward removingto a farm 
near Rossville. Mrs. Miller is a native of Penn- 
sylvania, her birth occurringon Nov. 7. 1852. Mr. 
and Mrs. Miller are the parents of eight children, 
one died in infancy and the rest are at home and 
are named as follows: Louisa Catherine, Andrew 
I).. Samuel J., Mary E., George H.. Elsie May, and 
Annie Maud. Mr. Miller belongs to the young 
enterprising and progressive class of farmers and 
is deservedly achieving success. Almost his en- 
tire life has been spent on the place which he now 
lives and he is known by every one in this section 
of the country, being as widely respected as he is 
known. He has held several township offices and 
is at present Highway Commissioner. 



■«*o..£qJ^533-o*o- 



-rftfA. 



|yjH l!S. NANCY AMIS. It can hardly be 
questioned that women, although called, 
with reason or without, the weaker half of 
humanity, have always done a full share 
of the world's work. In the opening up of the 
Greal West, especially worthy of note is the part 
that has been taken by the wives and daughters of 
the pioneers who have cleared the timber and 
plowed the prairie. Here as elsewhere the co- oper- 
ation of husband and wife has produced some of 
the liest results of modern civilization, homes 
which are the seat of intelligence and refinement, 
a society where good morals are the rule, not the 
exception. One of these true helpmates is the 
subject of the sketch now before us, the widow of 
Mr. .lames T. Amis — late resident of Danville 
Township, a man of character and integrity — and 
the daughter of Abraham Hessey, of Virginia, li 
is said that the father of Mr. Hessej came to Amer- 
ica from Ireland when a young man. the vessel in 
which he sailed being wrecked and he being one of 
the few passengers saved. Settling in Cooke 



County, Va., he there spent the remainder of his 
days. His son Abraham lived in Virginia till the 
death of his parents, and then moved to Nelson 
County, Ky. and bought a tract: of wooded land, a 
part of which was in a state of cultivation, and a 
comfortable log-cabin, bis home as long as he lived. 
Here our subject was born. Her mother, whose 
maiden name was Sarah MeCormick, was a native 
of Nelson County, Ky., daughter of Andrew Me- 
Cormick, a pioneer of that county from Ohio. 

Nancy Hessey was six years old when her mother 
died and fifteen when her father's death occurred. 
Mr. Hessey having contracted a second marriage, 
she was brought up by a step-mother, and became 
accomplished in the housewifely arts of the period, 
learning to spin both wool and flax. Her cards and 
spinning wheel are still preserved as precious 
mementos of early days. In 1853 her brother, 
Andrew Hessej', being out of health and a change 
of climate being considered desirable, she came 
with him to Illinois, accompanying a familj-, who, 
in the absence of railways, were making the jour- 
ney with a team. Her first home in this State was 
with her cousin, William Hessey, in Pilot Town- 
ship. Being a prairie, this region had not been 
settled as early as some other parts, and was still 
but partially reclaimed from the wilderness ; deer yet 
roamed at will. The marriage of Nancy Hessey 
and James T. Amis took place Sept. 16, 1855. 

Mr. Amis was born in Hardin County, Ky., June 
18, 1831. His parents, William and Fanny (Davis) 
Amis, natives of Tennessee, were early settlers of 
Hardin County, and later of Vermillion County, 
Ind. Mr. Amis was a young man when his par- 
ents removed to Indiana, and he there grew to 
maturity and was educated in the pioneer schools. 
He came to this county in 1853, and settling in 
Pilot Township, lived there till lKCs. when he 
bought the present family home in Danville. 
When he came here the estate was but little im- 
proved. He labored diligently and successfully in 
reclaiming and cultivating the land, and in 1883 
built a line brick house in a modern style of arch- 
itecture. The place is now one of the best im- 
proved in the township and a monument to his 
wise forethought and untiring industry. lie con- 
tinued a resilient there till his death June 8, 1884. 



408 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Mr. Amis was a man of exemplary habits and of 
sound judgment, a kind husband and father, an 
obliging neighbor, a good citizen, and respected 
by all who knew him. He was a member of the 
United Brethren Church in Pilot Township, as 
was also his wife, a woman, lie it said, in every 
way worthy of such noble companionship. The 
homestead is now occupied by Mrs. Amis and her 
four children — Hania Edward, William 1)., .lames 
A., and Lizzie Hessey. 

A portrait of the late husband of Mrs. Amis ap- 
pears on another page of this work and will be 
highly valued 1>3' those with whom he was wont to 
associate, but from among whom he has now gone 
forever. 



"****. * ■ , 



THOMAS WILLIAMS. The fact of a man 
vl being well spoken of by those with whom 
he has spent the greater part of his life is 
a sufficient indication of his character, and thus Mr. 
Williams may be mentioned as a representative 
of the best element of his community — a man of 
the strictest integrity and one who, by a life of 
industry, and the exercise of economy and a wise 
judgment has obtained for himself a competence. 
He is now living retired from active labor, in a 
pleasant home at Iloopeston. He settled in this 
town dining its infancy and has been one of those 
who assisted the most largely in giving to it its pres- 
ent importance. 

The first nineteen years of the life of our subject 
were spent in Harrison County, Ohio, where he 
was born Nov. 29, 1828. He acquired his educa- 
tion in the common school and lived with his wid- 
owed mother until the age mentioned, when with 
the natural desire of youth for change, he left 
home and went to work for his uncle, Thomas 
Hoopes, in Marion County. Ohio. (A sketch of 
Mr. Hoopes appears elsewhere in this Album). He 
winked by the month for his uncle Thomas seven 
years, and then taking 400 sheep on the shares, he 
started on foot and drove them through from Marion 
County, Ohio, to Iloopeston, this county, n distance 
of 400 miles, being thirty days on the road. He 
reached his destination Oct. 20, 1853, and made 



his home that first winter with old "Uncle" Samuel 
Gilbert. He spent the time looking after his sheep, 
feeding them down in the timber, and in the spring 
went on to a farm owned by Mr. Hoopes, on sec- 
tion 11, northwest of the present site of the town. 
At that time the nearest house was two and one- 
half miles south, on the farm which our subject now 
owns, and the next one was eight miles north; so 
there was no one but himself and a hand to keep 
the wolves away from the sheep, although his dogs 
would chase the wolves for a short distance; then 
the latter would run the dogs back to the house, so 
Mr. Williams had to be on his guard all through 
the day and at night sleep with one eye open, al- 
though he had a wolf-proof pound for his sheep at 
night. 

Mr. Williams thus operated for two years and the 
second winter his flock was increased by the addition 
of 400 more. The bad weather and the rattle snakes, 
however, made sad havoc with his live-stock 
and he was obliged to turn his attention in another 
direction. He purchased five yoke of oxen, together 
with a breaking plow, and followed breaking for 
three years, being usually able to make $1(10 per 
month in the summer time. When the weather was 
suitable he could turn an eighteen or twenty-inch 
furrow. In the meantime he preempted ln'O acres 
of land in Iroquois County. This he lived upon a 
short time, effecting considerable improvement 
prior to his marriage. 

The above interesting event in the life of our 
subject took place on the 9th of June, 1859, the 
bride being Miss Lavina McFarland of Iroquuis 
County, 111. Mr. Williams about this time put up 
a small frame house and added to it a house stand- 
ing near, thus forming quite a comfortable abode 
for those times and which the newly wedded pair 
occupied until Christmas. About that time they 
removed to a farm in the vicinity of Hoopeston, 
the same on which Mr. Williams had first herded 
his sheep. He rented this until 18G3 and later pur- 
chasing seventy-five head of cattle, established 
himself southeast of what is now the town, where 
he lived on the creek about six years. Then he 
purchased the Churchill Boardman farm, consisting 
of 500 acres, and which was partially improved. 
Our subject now began stock- raising in earnest, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



409 



and prosecuted this industry until the construction 
of the railroad through this section, after which 
he engaged more generally in farming. In 1870 
he met with an accident which resulted in the 
breaking of his leg and accordingly leaving the 
farm, he took up his abode in Hoopeston, where he 
commenced buying grain and operated the elevat- 
ors in partnership with A. T. Catherwood. lie was 
thus occupied for a period of seven years, the last 
two years operating with twelve different elevators, 
then retired from active business. During these 
years, he became the half owner of 1,525 acres of 
land, near Ambia. in Benton County, Ind., which 
is now largely devoted to the raising of grain, 1,000 
acres alone being planted in corn and 250 acres in 
oats. Mr. Williams visits this farm every week in 
summer, while Mr. Catherwood attends to it during 
the winter season. See sketch. 

Mr. Williams keeps himself well posted upon 
current events and gives his political support to 
the Republican party. Socially, he is a Knight Tem- 
plar and in religious matters a member of theUni- 
versalist Church. Upon first coming to Hoopeston 
he purchased ground on Second street, where he 
lived four years and later purchased property at 
the corner of Penn and Fifth streets, where lie has 
resided for the past six years. He was the first 
man in company with others to experiment with 
the sugar cane here and later became interested in 
the canning factory, putting up the corn produced 
from '.KM) acres the first year, but only prosecuted 
this two seasons. 

Miss Lavina McFarland of Marion County, Ohio, 
became the wife of our subject, June 9, 185!). She 
was the daughter of Andrew and Sarah McFarland, 
who in 1857 removed to Illinois and settled in Iro- 
quois County where Mrs. Williams lived under 
the parental roof until her marriage. Of her union 
with our subject there were born six children, of 
whom only three are living — Charles O. Walter 
W. and Frank. The first mentioned is occupied as 
a bookkeeper at Omaha, Neb.; the others remain 
at home and will be given the educational advan- 
tages suitable to their position in life. 

Nathan Williams, the father of our subject. Has 
born in Bedford County. Fa., and when a young 
man emigrated to Harrison County, < )hio, where !"■ 



taught school two years. He had prior to this 
learned the tailor's trade. In Ohio he purchased a 
tract of land near Georgetown from which he con- 
structed a good farm. He married Miss Sarah, 
daughter of Nathan Iloopes. Ten children came 
to bless this union, of whom Thomas, our subject, 
was the fifth in order of birth. The father died 
when a comparatively young man, in 1841. The 
mother kept her home in Ohio until the children 
were grown to mature years, then, although retain- 
ing her property there, she came to the home of her 
son in this county, where her death took place in 
1881, when she was seventy-nine years old, having 
been born in 1802. She, like her husband, was a 
member of the Society of Friends. 



\f AMFS M. STINE, Postmaster of Fairmount, 
is without question the most popular mau 
in this community. The fact that his ap- 
pointment as Postmaster was endorsed by 
two of the Democratic papers in 1889, he being a 
Republican, is sufficient indication of the estima- 
tion in which he is held by his fellow-citizens. His 
early educational advantages were limited, but 
good sense and energy have proved his valuable 
stock in trade. Under favorable circumstances 
he might have made for himself a reputation in 
the literary field, as he has been a frequent con- 
tributor both of prose and poetry to the local 
press. He took a conspicuous part in the late 
Civil War. and among other duties commanded 
the flat boat which carried the rock to build the 
dam constructed by Col. Bailey in the Red River, 
lo float down the gunboats at the time of Banks' 
expedition up that river. His career has been es- 
sentially that of a self-made man, who in early life 
was thrown upon his own resources and whose ex- 
perience served to develop within him a most 
admirable character. 

Our subject comes of excellent stock, being the 
son of John and Mary (Winn) Stine, who were 
natives respectively of Pennsylvania ami Virginia. 
They became residents of Ohio in their youth, and 
were married in Muskingum County, that State. 



410 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



where they lived until 1865. Thence they came 
to this county and settled in the vicinity of Dan- 
ville, where the father prosecuted farming and 
died in 1871. The mother preceded her husband 
to the silent grave, dying in 1870. Their house- 
hold included ten children, five of whom are still 
living and making their homes mostly in Illinois. 

The subject of this sketch was the seventh child 
of his parents, and was born April 26, 1843, in 
Muskingum County, Ohio. He learned what he 
could in the common schools prior to the outbreak 
of the Civil War, and made a visit to Illinois in 
I860, working in this county on a farm for about 
one year. Then, returning to Ohio, he, in Sep- 
tember, 1861, enlisted as a Union soldier in Com- 
pany I), Kith Ohio Infantry, which was organized 
in Wboster and soon afterward proceeded to the 
South. Young Stine was then but eighteen years 
old, but he performed all the soldierly duties of a 
full-grown man, and engaged in all the battles in 
which his regiment participated, being at Cumber- 
land Gap, Tazewell, Tenn., Chicasaw Bayou, Port 
Gibson, Raymond, Champion Hills, Black River, 
the siege of Yieksburg; was at Jackson, Miss., and 
in the Red River expedition. At the expiration 
of his term of enlistment he was mustered out 
with his comrades at Morganza Bend, in October, 
1864. Although experiencing many hairbreadth 
escapes, he came out without a scratch, and re- 
mained at home that winter. In the spring of 
ISC),"), being unable to content himself at home 
while many of his comrades were still fighting in 
the field, he enlisted a second time, in Company B, 
19 6th Ohio Infantry, and went with his regiment 
to the Shenandoah Valley, remaining there until 
the surrender of Lee at Appomattox. Soon after- 
ward they repaired to Baltimore, ami thence to 
Camp Chase, Columbus, Ohio, where the regiment 
was mustered out in October, 1865. 

Upon leaving the army the second time, Mr. 
Stine joined his parents in this county, and on the 
12th of August, 1866, was married to Miss Eliza 
Bates, a daughter of Joel Bates, one of the pioneer 
settlers of Danville Township. Mis. Stine has an 
uncle, .lames O'Neal, who was the firsl male white 
child born in this county, and who now resides six 
miles south of Danville. Mr. Stine worked on a 



farm for two years after his marriage; then, in 
1870, removing tp Kentucky, was a resident of the 
Blue Grass State for the following six years. We 
next find him in St. Louis. Mo., where he was en- 
gineer in a rolling-mill for one year. His next 
removal was to this county, of which he has since 
remained a resident. For the last four years he 
has been a butter-maker in the creamery at Fair- 
mount. 

To our subject and his estimable wife there were 
born five children, only one of whom is living, a 
daughter, Mary Belle, who was born Oct. 5, 1876. 
Miss Mary is an apt scholar in the High School at 
Fail-mount, and possesses more than ordinary musi- 
cal talent, being a fine performer on the violin. 
They have a very pleasant and comfortable home, 
situated in the west part, of the town, and enjoy the 
friendship of a large circle of acquaintances. Mr. 
Stine has taken an active part in political matters, 
and is familiarly known as "Old Baldy No. 2." 
He was a member of the Republican Central Com- 
mittee during the late campaign, has been Village 
Trustee two years, and the second year was Presi- 
dent of the Board. As an ex-soldier he was a 
member of the G. A. R. Post, which was disbanded 
in 1888, and of which he was Post Commander one 
year. Both he and Mrs. Stine are members in 
good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church 
and the daughter is prominently connected with 
the Sunday-school. The family is well known 
throughout Vance Township, and are amply worthy 
of representatation in a work of this kind. 






^USTAVUS C. PEARSON was born in Ra- 
■ —, venna, Portage Co., Ohio, July 17, 1827. His 
M^ftl father, the Hon John Pearson, was born in 
Avon. N. V.. -Ian. 23, 1802. The Pearsons arc de- 
scendants of the Rev. Abraham Pearson of York- 
shire, England and came to America in 1639, and 
whose son, also Abraham Pearson, was the first 
President of Yale College. 

The grandfather of Gustavus went from Elling- 
ton, Conn., to New York State, when a young man 
and was married in Schenectady, Jan. 4, 1789, to 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



411 



Rebecca (Waterous) Hull. He located in Duanes- 
burg, where he lived on patent land until 1796. 
lie then concluded to build a home which he could 
call his own, where the fee of the land could be 
obtained and free of all incumbrance, and therefore 
went to the wilds of Western New York and loca- 
ted at Hartford (now Avon), in company with his 
mother-in-law, Canada, purchasing 400 acres of 
land there. He first erected a log cabin but later 
built the first frame house in the neighborhood, 
which was called "•John's Industry and Rebecca's 
Economy." He brought a grindstone with him 
in to the country which the Indians soon found 
would sharpen their tomahawks. Knowing the 
fear of the family, they would strike the hatchets 
into the logs and give an Indian whoop. They 
however became civil and docile afterwards. He 
also built a store and engaged extensively in mer- 
cantile pursuits. This was long before there were 
either railroads or canals, and his goods which were 
bought in the city of New York and Philadelphia, 
were transported by pack horses. He used to take 
cattle, horses and sheep in exchange forgOOds,and 
those he drove to market at Philadelphia or New 
York, the journey occupying from four to six 
weeks. His death occurred in Avon, Dee. 23, 
1812, while his wife survived him many years, dy- 
ing in Vernon Township, Pa., Dec. 10, 1861, lack- 
ing but three years of rounding out a full century. 
The father of Gustavus, the Hon. John Pearson, 
was graduated from Princeton College in Septem- 
ber, 1821. when he began the study of law with 
the Hon. George Hosmer, at West Avon. He was 
admitted to the bar at Ravenna, Ohio, in the spring 
of 1832, from which place he went to Detroit, 
Mich., and took passage mi a sailing vessel bound 
for Chicago. Maj. Whistler then commandant of 
Ft. Dearborn was a friend of the Pearsons, and in- 
vited them into the fort where the family remained 
while the father started out to seek a location, 
as Chicago was then considered unsafe on account 
of the Indians. In the month of July of that 
year, the first steamer that ever floated on Lake 
Michigan, landed at Chicago, bringing Gen. Scott's 
troops and an unwelcome visitor, the cholera. Mr. 
Pearson soon removed Ms family to Danville mi 
account of there being a company of rangers sta- 



tioned there which seemed to insure safety for the 
settlers. In 1836, he was elected Presidential elec- 
tor on the Van Buren ticket and was selected as 
messenger to return the vote of Illinois to Wash- 
ington City. During the same year he was elected 
Circuit Judge and removed his residence to Joliet. 
His circuit included all of Cook. Will, DuPage, 
Kane, DeKalb. and other contiguous counties. He 
held the office of Judge until he was elected State 
Senator. -In 1849, he went to California, making 
the journey across the plains. He. however, did 
not make a lengthy stop there, but returned East 
locating in New York City, where he practiced 
law for a time. He shortly returned to Chicago 
and thence to Danville, where he had large real 
estate interests, and here resided until his death, 
which occurred in June, 1875. 

Judge Pearson, the father of the subject of this 
sketch, in his day did more for the upbuilding of 
Danville than any other man. To people who would 
agree to build on lots, he gave them away, a policy 
which showed great wisdom. Judge Pearson will 
remain in the memories of many people as an up- 
right and able man. His kindness to the poor was 
proverbial. 

Judge Pearson was twice married. The maiden 
name of his first wife, and the mother of Gustavus, 
was Catherine Tiffanj', daughter of Judge George 
S. Tiffany. She was a native of New York and 
her death took place June 1. 1842. She was the 
mother of three children, Oustavus being the eld- 
est, and Elizabeth who is the wife of Col. William 
C. McReynolds. George is deceased. The second 
wife of Judge Pearson was Catherine Passage, of 
Princeton. N. J. She became the mother of two 
children: Fannie, wife of Dr. Morehouse of Dan- 
ville, and Hattie, wife of Mr. Knox, of St. Paul, 
Minn. 

Gustavus C. Pearson, of whom this sketch is 
written, is in every sense of the word an old set- 
tler. He came to Illinois with his parents when 
not five years old, and he recalls the incidents oc- 
curring during the residence of the family at Ft. 
Dearborn, the Indian dances and the cholera scare, 
which caused a temporary depopulation of the fort. 
He attended the pioneer schools of Danville and 
later the Jubilee College in Peoria County. He 



412 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



also attended at Allegheny College in Meadville, 
Pa., from which place he went to New York and 
clerked in a store for a short time, afterwaid re- 
turning to Danville, where he began the study of 
law with Judge McRoberts. This occupied one 
year, when lie went to Joliet and engaged with 
Gov. Matteson as clerk, and by hard work be- 
came, in course of time, general manager of his bus- 
iness, and so valuable were young Pearson's ser- 
vices, that Gov. Matteson offered him tbe profits 
of a one-half interest in the business, without capi- 
tal, if young Pearson would remain in his position 
and not go to California. Here lie remained until 
1849, when he started for California, having fitted 
out one team with three yoke of oxen, with others. 
In their journey across the plains they encountered 
vast herds of buffalo and especially in the vicinity 
of where Lincoln, Neb., is now situated. Guards 
were mounted every night after crossing the Mis- 
souri River. Along this dreary and lonely mute 
every variety of personal property was scattered, 
from St. Joseph to California, by emigrants going 
to the Eldorado. At Salt Lake City, where the 
Mormons had settled, the party was induced by 
Brigham Young and others to stop, it being 
represented by the great apostle that the surround- 
ing country was fully as rich in minerals as Cali- 
fornia. They accordingly staid there about three 
months, when Brigham declared that those Gentiles 
who would not unite with the Mormon Church 
should leave at once for California, and that in go- 
ing they should make themselves useful to the 
the Mormons by opening a new trail. Young 
knew that it was too late for them to go by the 
Northern or Humboldt route, and thought to make 
them useful to his own people. Thus the party 
was obliged to start and make their way COO 
miles across a country without any trail. Mr. 
Pearson's wagon was the first one that ever went 
through Cahon Pass on wheels, but prior to reach- 
ing this Pass, his party, composed of ten young 
men who bad left their teams at Armagosa or Bit- 
ter Waters, traversed a desert of 113 miles, arriv- 
ing at Prudom's Ranch in an almost famished 
condition. Capt. Hunt had the previous year gone 
through the Pass eastward, but had taken his wagon 
to pieces, and packed it on the backs of mules. 



The party stopped at Prudom's Ranch for a few 
weeks and from there went to Los Angeles, thence 
to San Pedro, where they embarked in a sailing 
vessel, and arriving at San Francisco pitched their 
tent on the beach. A number of the company 
had perished en route. At this period San Fran- 
cisco was composed of a few adobe houses and a 
great many tents. The party remained there a 
few weeks, when Mr. Pearson went to the mining 
regions and engaged in digging for gold until 
1852, and the money thus accumulated was, in 
1850, sent to Pennsylvania and loaned at six per 
cent. He then returned home by the Nicaraugua 
route. In 1853 he again visited California, and es- 
tablished the first grape ranch on the red lands. 
southeast of Sacramento; this land is since celebrated 
as the best vineyard land in the State, and among the 
finest in the United States. The land was then de- 
clared worthless by the Spanish and Gen. Sutter. 
During the summer of 1855, the weather was so dry 
that mining was neither pleasant nor profitable, so 
Mr. Pearson in company with nine others, formed 
a party and started on a hunting expedition. It 
was this company that first explored and laid claim 
to the Yoseiuite Valley and made its wondrous 
beauties known to the world. Mr. Pearson re- 
turned East, and in 1859, commenced operating on 
the Board of Trade in Chicago, which he contin- 
ued until 1869, when he went again to California, 
and in Yallejo erected the first elevator ever 
built on the Chicago plan in that State. He was 
also associated with A. D. Starr, as Pearson & Starr, 
in building flouring-mills at South Yallejo, which 
are at the present time the largest in the world, 
having a capacity of 9,000 barrels a day. lie 
remained a resident of California, and aided in 
establishing the San Francisco Board of Trade, but 
in the year 1880 returned to Danville, where he 
has since lived, retired from active life. He erected 
a beautiful residence on the land which his father 
purchased in 1831. 

Mr. Pearson was married Sept. 13. 1864. to Hat- 
tie P. Brown, daughter of the Hon. AVilliam and 
Mary J. (Pearson) Brown, natives of New York 
State. Her father was a resident of Ogdensburg, 
where he was for many years County Judge, and 
was always prominently identified with the up- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



413 



building of that city, where lie spent his last years. 
Mr. and Mrs. Pearson have three children: John A., 
Frances X., and Nomen X. 

Mr. and Mrs. Pearson are members of the Holy 
Trinity (Episcopal) Church. Mr. Pearson has 
always been greatly interested in public affairs and 
in politics lias ever been arrayed against the mo- 
nopolists, lie was largely instrumental in organ- 
izing the Grange Revolution in California, of 
which he was a prominent member for many years. 
He drafted the California Warehouse law, and suc- 
ceeded in having it passed after ten years of per- 
sistent effort, which regulated warehouses, and 
makes their receipts available for business purposes. 
The entire grain trade of the Pacific Coast had 
been controlled until then by an individual operator. 
He has been a contributor to the Journal of Com 
merce, in Chicago, and also the Pacific Rural Press, 
and other newspapers. Mr. Pearson has attained 
high success as a business man, and this can be 
attributed to his strict probity and bis sagacity. In 
1880, he returned to Danville for the purpose of 
educating his children. Our subject is a member 
of the Old Settler's Society of Chicago, and is also 
numbered among the pioneers of California, being 
one of the settlers of '49. 



*8s 



<J¥|OlIX W. BREWER, a prominent citizen of 
Vermilion County, was born in the city of 
Danville July 7, 1837. His father, William 
Brewer, was one of the pioneers of this 
county, and was born in Virginia or Ohio. The 
grandfather of John \\\, whose name was John 
Brewer, was a native of Pennsylvania, and of 
Dutch ancestry, the name being formerly spelled 
Brower. The latter moved from Pennsylvania to 
Virginia, and thence to Ohio, where he spent his 
last years in Miami County. William Brewer, the 
father of the subject of this sketch, was reared in 
Ohio, and when a young man started for the West, 
going to Lafayette, Ind., and there married. In 
about 1832 he came to Vermilion County, locating 
in Dcnville. Soon after coming here he entered 
Government land, which was situated in Danville 



and Xewell Townships; part of this land is now in- 
cluded in the city of Danville. Early in manhood 
he had learned the cabinet-maker's trade, and after 
coming to Danville, he labored as a carpenter, and 
has the honor of being the builder of the first 
frame house erected in the city. The timbers were 
hewn, and the weather boards rived or split, by 
hand. He resided here until 1840, when he re- 
moved to Clay County, where he lived eight years, 
then returned to this county. His death occurred 
in 1 H;37 in Newell township. The maiden name of 
his second wife, and the mother of John W.. was 
Sarah Switzer, a native of Ohio and daughter of 
Peter and Mary Switzer, natives of Pennsylvania. 
She was married a second time to II. B. Current. 

John W. Brewer had five brothers and one sister 
who lived to maturity: Mary A. married W. H. 
Rodrick; she is now deceased. Abraham lives in 
Danville; Richard is a resident of Oakwood Town- 
ship, while Peter and Isaac are deceased. John W. 
attended the pioneer schools of this county in the 
old-fashioned log school-houses, furnished with 
primitive seats and desks. The benches were con- 
structed by splitting small logs, hewing one side, 
and inserting wooden pins for legs. The method 
of securing an education in those early days, com- 
pared to that of these times, is a practical illustra- 
tion of the march of civilization in the nineteenth 
century. He resided with his parents until his 
father's death, when he learned the carpenter's 
trade, in which business he had received previous 
instructions from his father. Immediately after 
his marriage he located on the farm that he now 
owns and occupies. This contains 180 acres of 
well-improved land, the greater part being located 
in Danville Township, about five miles from the 
city. He was first married in 1858, to Harriet Kester. 
She was bom in Ohio, and died in L862, leaving 
one child, George. His second marriage, which 
occurred in 1867, was to Sarah Oliver, a native of 
Vermilion County, and a daughter of John and 
Elizabeth Oliver. Of this union there are seven 
children: Albert Frank, Edmund, Perry, Ben, 
Ftlie, Clara and Ettie. 

Mr. Brewer is a member of the Pleasant Grove 
United Brethren Church, of which he has been 
Steward one year. He has always taken an interest 



114 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



in educational affairs, and lias served as Clerk of 
the .School Board. Mr. Brevier is one of the sub- 
stantial and reliable citizens of his neighborhood. 
In politics, he is a stanch Democrat. 



U ill, LI AM KELLY, a talented business man 
and able financier, is classed among the fore- 
WVJ most citizens of this part of Vermilion 
County. He is a coal operator, and is also extensively 
engaged in farming and stock raising, owning and 
personally superintending a large farm on section 
2, Danville Township. Here he has one of the 
finest country seats in Illinois, comprising a hand- 
some and commodious brick residence of a modern 
and pleasing style of architecture, tastefully fur- 
nished and replete with all the comforts and luxur- 
ies that make life worth living, with grounds 
around it beautifully and artistically laid out. The 
representation of such a beautiful home as this is 
certainly a pleasing and attractive addition to a 
book of this character and will be appreciated by 
all readers. 

Mr. Kelly was born in County Meatli, Ireland, 
Nov. 1, 1842. Ilis father Michael and his grand- 
father, Bernard Kelly, the latter a farmer, were 
life-long residents of the same county, the father 
dying in Dec. 23, 1888. The maiden name of 
the grandmother, a native of the same county, was 
Shaw. The maiden name of the mother of our 
subject was Kate Glennan, also a native of County 
Meatli, and there she died in 1859. There were 
eleven children in the family of the parents of our 
subject, nine of whom grew to maturity, and five 
of them came to the United States, as follows: 
Michael; Kate, who married Morace Mitchell; 
Margaret, who married Thomas Gerahty; Ann. 
who married Edward Oaks; all are residents of 
Danville. 

The subject of this biography was reared in his 
native land, and when eighteen years of age the 
intelligent, ambitious youth determined to see what 
life held for him in the United States of America, 
the goal of so many of his countrymen, and going 
to Liverpool he embarked in a vessel bound for 



these shores, and landed in New York City after 
an uneventful voyage. He had about $30 in 
cash at that time, his only capital with which to 
begin life in a new country. He went to West- 
chester County, N. V.. and there did his first work 
on American soil, finding employment on a farm 
at #12 a month. Six months after that he made 
his way to Vermilion County, and the ensu- 
ing nine months worked in Danville, and then, 
with characteristic enterprise embarked in business 
on his own account as a coal operator by leasing a 
bank. The first few months he did all the work 
himself, but was so successful in his venture from 
a pecuniary standpoint that he was soon enabled 
to employ men. and is still carrying on the I nisi - 
ness, often having as many as thirty men at work. 
In 1873 Mi-. Kelly turned his attention in another 
direction, desiring to expend some of his super- 
fluous energies in agricultural pursuits, and he 
purchased in that year the farm which is still in 
his possession and under his management. It con- 
tains 400 acres of choice land, under splendid cul- 
tivation and yielding large harvests, and amply 
supplied with roomy, conveniently arranged build- 
ings, including his handsome residence which he 
erected in 1888, and has all the modern machinery 
and appliances for facilitating farm labors. Mr. 
Kelly raises stock quite extensively, and has line 
herds of blooded cattle, horses and hogs. 

The marriage of our subject with Miss Elizabeth 
Tyiall was solemnized in 1864. She is a native of 
County Meatli, Ireland, and a daughter of Garrett 
Tyrall. She is a woman of fine character and 
warm heart, and unites with her husband in making 
their beautiful home attractive to their many 
friends or to the stranger within their gates, by a 
genial, gracious hospitality. Their pleasant, house- 
hold circle is completed by the seven children born 
unto them, namely: Kate, Margaret. Lizzie. Annie. 
Emma, Lulu, Bertie. 

Mr. Kelly is a distinguished representative of 
our self-made men whose industrious, methodical, 
business-like habits, combined with a steadfasl 
purpose and great executive talent, have led them 
on to fortune. It is to such men of large enter- 
prise and liberal spirit that Vermilion County is 
indebted for her high standing as a prosperous. 




ftes-is/we/: of F. Wl .OLEftX Sre. 70. ?&amille Township, Vermilion Gnmtiy? 




Residence of W.V. R I CKA RT. Sea S. ftoss Township, Vcrynilion County. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



117 



wealthy community, with nourishing- agricultural, 
mining, manufacturing, and commercial interests. 
Our subject possesses greal weight and influence in 

this locality, where he is looked up to as a wise, far 
sighted, noble minded citizen, and his hand is felt 
in all schemes that are in any way calculated to 
benefit the township or county. 



--sr~=»-^ 



•ei^-- 



<fl &ILSON Y. RICK ART. There are few 
\idll ' l<,lll, ' sl,,; "'- s i" tills county more attractive 
Wvl or more valuable than that owned by the 
subject of this sketch. Without ostentation or any 
great amount of display, it is the synonym of com- 
fort and plenty, with all the evidences of cultivated 
tastes and the refinements of modern life. The large 
and well cultivated farm has been brought to its 
present condition only by the exercise of the most 
unflagging industry, together with wise judgment 
and economy, which has enabled the proprietor to 
invest his capital where it would yield the best re- 
turns. He is widely and favorably known as a 
skillful and progressive farmer, prompt in his busi- 
ness transactions and in all respects a valued mem- 
ber of his community. 

Next in importance to a man's own person- 
ality is the record of those from whom he drew 
his origin. The father of our subject was John 
Rickart and his paternal grandfather was Leon- 
ard Rickart, the latter probably a native of 
North Carolina. It is known that John Kick- 
art was born in that, State and was one of five 
brothers, all of whom signalized themselves as 
efficient soldiers in the War of 1812. They, how- 
ever, became separated during the vicissitudes of 
that war and never met again. John emigrated to 
Ohio when a young man and was married in Butler 
Count}' to Miss Nancy Clem, a native of Ken- 
tucky. His parents also removed to Ohio, where 
they spent their last days. 

Twelve children completed the household circle 
of John Rickart and his excellent wife, eight of 
whom were born in Ohio : Susan married William 
Allen and came with her husband to this county at 
an early day. where her death took place about 



I860; Mary J. became the wife of George Cope- 
land and also died in this county; Lucinda married 
Resa M. Davis, and resides in this county; Julia 
A. is the wife of T. B. Bleevens, of this county ; 
Leonard is deceased; Nancy is the wife of Charles 
Howard, and they live in Labette County, Kan.; 
Maria is the wife of Robert 1). Kinman, of Poto- 
mac, this county. These, with Wilson V.. our sub- 
ject, were natives of the Bueke3'e State. The 
younger children, Jacob. Frances M., Samuel C. 
and Elmira, were born in this county. The latter 
died at the age of sixteen years. 

The parents of our subject came to Illinois in 
the fall of 1838, making the trip overland by team 
and located in Blount Township about nine miles 
northwest of Danville. The father purchased of a 
.Mr. Skinner a tract of land upon which some im- 
provements had been made and built up a good 
home, where he ami his estimable wife spent their 
last days. He was very successful as a tiller of the 
soil and the old home farm was considered one of the 
best in that region. The mother departed this life 
in November, 1871, when about sixty-six years old. 
Mr. Rickart survived his wife less than a year, dy- 
ing in June, 1872. at the age of seventy-two. They 
were people honest and upright and enjoyed the 
highest respect of all who knew them. 

The subject of our sketch distinctly remembers 
thai at the time of coming to this county deer, 
wolves and other wild animals were plentiful, so 
that whatever else the family larder lacked they al- 
ways had an abundance of wild meats. During his 
boyhood days tin- nearest market was at Chicago, 
which was then an unimportant village. On his 
first trip to the place in company with a party of 
neighbors, thc\ encamped the first night near the 
present site of Hoopeston, and the wolves came and 
howled within thirty steps of their camp, keeping 
them awake by their noise, but doing no further 

damage than to frighten them < sidcrably. When 

a family needed a fresh supply of provisions they 
would kill a hog of about 200 pounds weight, sell- 
ing it for whatever they could get. sometimes 8 10 
and sometimes $5, and calculated that this must 
furnish them with groceries for the year. On his 
first trip to Chicago young Rickart took a load of 
wheat, and when within forty miles of the place 



IIS 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



met a party of men returning who reported wheat 
worth $1 per bushel. The day following it was 
quoted at fifty cents. Upon his arrival there the 
price had risen a little again and he obtained 
lift y- five cents. There were then three elevators 
in operation, but others were in process of con- 
struction. There was only one street south of the 
river and none of the streets were paved. A wagon 
would sink in the sand and mud to the depth of 
about eight inches. 

About eight years later Mr. Rickart hauled grain 
to Chicago, when there was about seven miles of 
town south of the river. A hotel had been built 
several miles south on the open prairie, where dro- 
vers stopped over night and their cattle grazed 
upon the prairie grass. Upon his second trip Mr. 
Rickart found the city had extended to a point 
near the hotel. After the building of the railroad 
to Danville there was a good market at that place, 
and farm produce was accordingly shipped there. 

One of the most important events in the life of 
our subject was his marriage, which occurred Dec. 
29, 1859, in Blount Township, this county, with 
Miss Hester A., daughter of .losiah and Hannah 
(Walkins) Crawford. Mrs. Rickart was born in 
Hocking County, Ohio, November, 1S36. Her pa- 
rents were natives respectively of Virginia and 
Maryland, whence they removed to Ohio prior to 
their marriage. Thence in 1838 they came to this 
county, locating not far from the home of the Rick- 
art family. They likewise opened up a farm from 
the wilderness, and there the mother died, March 
24. 1860. at the age of forty-seven years. Mr. 
Crawford is still living at the old homestead. Five 
of their ten children are also living: Sarah J. mar- 
ried Vinton Lane, of this county; William, Hester 
A. and Benjamin are the next in order of birth; 
Mary L. married William Blankenship, of this 
county; Minerva died at the age of fourteen years; 
Samuel, James, Elmira and Lucinda died prior to 
the decease of the mother. The latter was a lady 
of many estimable qualities and a member in good 
standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. 
and Mrs. Rickart belong to the United Brethren 
Church. 

The Rickart homestead comprises 560 acres of 
land, which was chiefly wild and uncultivated when 



coming into the possession of our subject. Under 
his careful management it has become exceedingly 
fertile, yielding him a handsome income. He set- 
tled upon it in the spring of 1860, and for many 
years has made a specialty of stock-raising, chiefly 
cattle. He uniformly votes the Democrat ticket 
and has held the various township offices, includ- 
ing that of Constable and Commissioner of High- 
ways. The first school attended by our subject was 
taught in a little frame house by Miss Emma 
Palmer, of Danville, and conducted on the sub- 
scription plan. The next teacher was Samuel Hum- 
phrey, who subsequently studied medicine and con- 
ducted a drug store in Danville, where he practiced 
and died several years later. Another teacher 
whom Mr. Rickart remembers was a Mr. Robison, 
an old sailor. Later Elder William Webster, who 
now lives in Danville, officiated as the first peda- 
gogue under the free school law. The prairie grass 
in those days grew to a height of five or six feet, 
and the yellow blossoms of the weeds would fre- 
quently hide a team and wagon completely out of 
sight. Mr. and Mrs. Rickart have only two chil- 
dren living, Hattie .1. and Ella V. The first men- 
tioned is the wife of John V. Lane, and they live at 
the homestead. The second child, Emma O, died 
at the age of six years. The paternal grandfather 
of Mrs. Rickart, William Crawford, was a soldier 
in the War of 1812. Grandfather William Watkins 
hired a substitute for the same war. 

We take pleasure in inviting the attention of 
readers to a fine view of the country residence of 
Mr. and Mrs. Rickart on another page of the 
volume. 



OCX) 



oi5o~ 



P>> M. OLEHY. On section 10. Danville 
\ Township, about a mile outside of the cor- 
porate limits of the city, lies one of the 
finest farms in this part of the county, owned by the 
gentleman whose name stands at the head of this 
sketch. He is a native of Vermilion County, born 
in this township May 3, 1837, and a son of one of 
its early pioneers. 

His father, Dennis Olehy, was of Irish des- 
cent and bori. near Portsmouth, Ohio. He was 



PORTRAIT AM) IU0ORAPI-II0AL ALBUM. 



419 



quite young when his parents died SO that nothing 
is known of their history. He was reared in his 
native State to a sturdy, self-reliant manhood, mar- 
ried, and resided there until 1830. lie then started 
for the far West, journeying with a team to Ver- 
milion County, and here made a claim to a tract 
of land in what is now Danville Township. The 
greater part of the land in this State was then in 
the hands of the Government. Indians still lingered 
around their old haunts, deer and other wild game 
were plentiful in the then sparsely settled country 
which showed hut few signs of the coming civil- 
ization. Mr. Olehy erected a pole shanty as atem- 
jiorary shelter for his family, and they lived in it 
till he could put up a round log house, the same in 
which the subject of this sketch was horn. The 
father continued to live on his homestead till his 
demise, which occurred March 2, 1877. lie occu- 
pied an honorable place among the brave, self-sac- 
rificing pioneers of the county, and left to his chil- 
dren the precious legacy of a life well-spent. The 
maiden name of his wife, mother of our subject, 
was Elizabeth Glaze, she was of German descent, 
and is supposed to have been born in Ohio, a 
daughter of John Glaze, a pioneer of Vermilion 
County. Her death took place on the old home- 
stead in 1845. 

Dennis Olehy, the father of our subject, was 
twice married; his first wife was Elizabeth Glaze, 
by whom he had seven children, viz: Nancy be- 
came the wife of Joseph Martin, she is now de- 
ceased; Rachel, wife of John Q. Yillars; Mary A., 
wife of Martin Current; F. M., our subject; Isaac 
Newton, (deceased), married Sarah Emily; .lames 
died when a boy; Perry died in the arm}' while 
serving as a Union soldier of the late war. 

After the death of his first wife Dennis Olehy 
married Sarah Ann Jones, by whom he had ten 
children. Those who lived to maturity are — lane 
married Henry Olehy; Adeline married Marion 
Fagins; Elizabeth married Herbert Hall; Martha 
married Job Marble; Ruth A., deceased, married 
Thomas Hathaway; Joshua married Rosa Belle 
Jones Ellen married John Marble, and is deceased: 
Alice married Sherman Waits; Martin and William 
died when they were small boys. 

The subject of this sketch was educated in 



the primitive pioneer schools of the early days of 
the settlements of Illinois, which with their rude 
slab benches, dirt and stick chimneys with open 
fireplaces for heating purposes, were not much like 
the fine educational institutions where the youth of 
to-day are trained. As soon as he was able to 
shoulder a gun he took pleasure in hunting and he 
shot several deer in the course of his boyhood. 
He assisted on the farm, living at home till his 
marriage, and occasionally accompanied his father 
to the nearest markets at Perrysville, Compton or 
Lafayette, on the Wabash River, quite a distance 
from home, with produce, and once in a while he 
made a trip to Chicago, 12o miles distant. He 
continued to live in Danville Township for a time 
a^ter marriage, then went to Warren County, Ind., 
where he rented land, and also leased some land 
near Burr Oak (hove. In 1868, he returned to 
this place with his family and located on the farm 
that he now owns. This homestead comprises 190 
a<ires of choice land, whose finely tilled fields yield 
a handsome return in repayment of the labor and 
care spent upon it. It is furnished with a good 
set of frame buildings which he has erected and he 
has otherwise greatly increased the value of his 
property since it came into his possession. 

Mr. Olehy and Miss Minerva J. Martin were 
united in marriage Sept. it, L858, and they have 
four children living, namely: Mary the wife of 
John Villars. of Champaign County, III.; William 
D.; Albert and Minnie are at home with their par- 
ents; George M.. died at the age of about four 
months. Mrs. Olehy's father, George Martin, was 
born in Beaver County. Ohio, near Georgetown, 
Oct. 18. 1809. His father, Hudson Martin, was a 
native of Virginia, and his father, George Martin, 
Mrs. Olehy's great-grandfather, spent his entire 
life in that State. Hudson Martin moved to Ohio 
when a young man. and was married there to Mar- 
tha Laycock, a native of Virginia, and a daughter 
of William Laycock, who moved from his native 
Virginia to Ohio among the first settlers of Brown 
County. He took up a tract of land there, im- 
proved a farm, and erected good buildings, only 
to find that he had labored for nothing as he lost 
(lis land by some one else having a prior claim. 
The maiden name of his wife was Harper, and she 



420 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



came of an old Virginia family that owned Har- 
per's Ferry and gave it its name. Mrs. Olehy's 
grandfather Hudson resided in Ohio many years, 
but subsequently moved to Ripley County. Ind.. 
whence he came to Vermilion County in 1827, the 
removal being made with teams to bring the fam- 
ily and household goods, while the stock was driven 
along at the same time. He was one of the early 
settlers of the county, locating in what is now 
Newell Township, making a claim and entering 
land from the Government. Mr. Martin at once 
commenced the improvement of a farm, on which 
he resided many years. He finally sold it and 
moved to Washington, where his last years were 
spent. Mrs. Olehy's grandmother died at the home 
of her daughter in Newell Township. 

Mrs. Olehy's father was in his eighteenth year 
when he came to this county with his parents, and 
can remember well the incidents of their early life 
here. Two years after coming here he returned 
to Indiana and engaged in boating on the Ohio and 
Mississippi rivers about four j'ears. He then re- 
turned to Vermilion County and established him- 
self as a farmer. He worked by the month or day 
for awhile, and at the time of marriage rented land, 
and later bought some, and was a resident here till 
1875. In that year he went to California on ac- 
count of ill health and was gone two years. He 
then came_ back to the old homestead, which is lo- 
cated in Danville Township, two miles from the 
court house. Feb. 23, 1 8:57, was the date of his 
marriage with Miss Mary McKee. She was born 
in Fleming County, Ky., June 2, 1812. Her father 
William McKee, was born in Pennsylvania Jan. 18, 
1783, and was a son of Guian McKee, who is sup- 
posed to have been a native of Scotland, whence 
he came to America in colonial times and served 
in the Revolutionary War. lie located in Penn- 
sylvania, and from there a few years after the Rev- 
olution he went to Kentucky and was a pioneer of 
Fleming County. He bought a tract of land, 
cleared a farm, ami was a resident there till his 
death. Mrs. Martin's father was young when his 
parents removed to Kentucky, and there he was 
reared. He learned and followed the trade of a 
wheelwright some years, and then bought a tract 
of timber land and built a log house in which Mrs. 



Martin was born. In 1832, he sold out his prop- 
erty in his Kentucky home, and coming to Ver- 
milion County, located on the place where Mr. and 
Mrs. Martin now reside. It consisted at that time 
of ICO acres of wild land, and he improved it into 
a good farm before his death, which occurred Feb. 
21. 1872. The maiden name of his wife was Hes- 
ter Adams. She was born either in Kentucky or 
Ohio Aug. 12, 1785, and died on the home farm 
here Dec. 1, 1866. 

Mr. Oleby is a man of good habits and sterling 
principles, and is a credit to his native county. 
He is a hard worker and uses good judgment in the 
management of his affairs, so that he has acquired 
considerable property, and is numbered among' the 
well-to-do citizens of the township. Politically, 
he associates with the Democratic party, and is an 
earnest supporter of its policy. A fine lithographic 
view of the handsome farm, residence and out- 
buildings of Mr. Olehy is shown on another page 
of this work, and we invite the reader's attention to 
the same. 



bENRV J. OAK WOOD. It is said of this 
> jovial, practical, genial and companionable 
gentleman that, "he is the 3 r oungest looking 
old man you will find in six States,", and 
that "he has not a single enem}' on earth." It is 
evident by this that, notwithstanding partial friends 
may look upon him through rose-colored glasses, 
he is a man of no ordinary stamp, and has ex- 
ericised in a marked degree the rare qualities of 
discretion, good judgment and temperance of 
speech and action, which have gathered around him 
many warm personal friends. His business quali- 
fications are fully equal to the other distinguishing 
traits of iiis character, he having been uniformly 
successful and accumulating a competence. 

A native of the Luekeye State, Mr. Oakwood 
was born in Brown County, Ohio, March 7, 181 'J, 
and came with his parents to Illinois when a youth 
of fourteen years. His education was completed in 
Oakwood Township, in an old log school-house on 
the land which he now occupies, and later he taught 
school for three years in succession. In due time 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



421 



he built a log cabin upon his own land, and com- 
menced farming for himself. In 1850 he took 
unto himself a wife and helpmate, Miss Abigail 
Smith, but the young wife only survived until the 
following year, dying in 1851, leaving one child. 
This child, a son, James, came to his deatli by 
drowning in the Middle Fork when four veins old. 
In 1852 Mr. Oakwood contracted a second mar- 
riage with Miss Priscilla Sailor, and continued to 
reside at the same place, which by degrees he added 
to, and is now the owner of 7.50 acres of land, all 
in Oakwood Township, which was organized after 
he came to this county, and was mimed in his 
honor. He was largely instrumental in founding 
the village of Oakwood. unci contributed no small 
amount of money as an inducement- to have it lo- 
cated upon its present site. He at one time owned 
the ground occupied by the south half of the town. 
He put up his present residence in 1 <s 7 7 . :m<l 
through his careful supervision and good manage- 
ment, he has one of the best regulated farms in this 
part of the county. Adjoining it on the east is 
the largest coal field in the State, belonging to the 
Consolidated Coal Company of St. Louis. The 
farm is largely devoted to stock-raising, .Mr. Oak- 
wood keeping about thirty head of cattle, forty 
head of horses and 100 head of swine, of excellent 
grades. Adjacent to the residence are the barns 
and various outbuildings, conveniently arranged 
for the shelter of stock and the storage of grain. 
The latest and most improved machinery is utilized 
i:i the cultivation of the land, and everything 
about the premises indicates the supervision of the 
thorough and progressive agriculturist. To our 
subject and his present, wife there have been horn 
nine children, one of whom died when about one 
month old. William, the eldest child living, mar- 
ried Miss Annie Longstreth, is the father of three 
children, and lives on a farm adjoining Oakwood 
on the northeast : Morgan married Miss Julia 
Trimmell, lives south of Oakwood. and has two 
children; Emma is the wife of Charles Smith, and 
the mother of one child; the}' live three miles 
northwest of Fithian. Thomas married Miss Etta 
Longstreth, is the father of two children, and lives 
a half mile westof the homestead ; Mattie, Harvej . 
Charles and Stella remain at home with their par- 



ents. All the children of Mr. Oakwood have ob- 
tained a good education in the district school, 
being more than ordinarily bright and intelligent, 
and taking kindly to their books. 

Both our subject ami his estimable wife are 
church members, the former belonging to the Pres- 
byterian and the latter to the Methodist, and their 
children attend Sunday-school regularly. Mr. 
Oakwood, politically, has been a stanch Republican 
since reaching his majority, and has officiated as 
Director in his school district for the long period of 
twenty-one years. He was Road Overseer six 
years, Commissioner of Highways seven years, and 
represented Oakwood Township in the County 
Hoard of Supervisors eight years. At peace with 
all mankind, enjoying good health, and in possess- 
ion of a happy home and an intelligent family, it 
would seem that he has little more to ask for to 
make him contented with life. 

The father of our subject was Henry Oakwood. 
a native of Last Tennessee and a fanner by occu- 
pation. In early manhood he married Miss Mar- 
garet Remlev, a native of Kentucky, and a daughter 
of Henry Remiey, of Pennsylvania, who emigrated 
to the Blue Grass regions at an early period, and 
sojourned there the remainder of his life. Henry 
Oakwood took an active part in the War of is 12, 
was with Hull's army at the surrender of Detroit, 
as a member of the Kentucky Mounted Troops, 
under the command of Col. R. M Johnson. Tlie 
parents were married in Kentucky, where they 
lived for a time afterward, then, removing to Ohio, 
purchased the farm and remained thereuntil the 
fall of 1833. Then coming lo this county, thc\ 
settled on section 2 1, in whai is now Oakwood 
Township, where they spent the remainder of their 
lives engaged in the peaceful occupation of farm- 
ing. Indians encamped on the place now occupied 
by the subject of this sketch, for a year after tin' 
family came here. 

The Oakwood family experienced all the priva- 
tions and hardships of pioneer life upon coming to 
this county, being the first settlers in their neigh- 
borhood, before the time of railroads or even a 

well defined wagon track. Mr. Oakw 1 became 

the prominent man of his community, holding 
many of the offices, serving as Justice of the I ' 



122 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



for a period of twelve years, and Township Treas- 
urer for nearly the same length of time. After a 
life well spent he was gathered to his fathers, in 
1854, at the age of sixty-six years. The mother 
survived her husband until 1881, dying at the ad- 
vanced age of eighty-seven. They were the par- 
ents of five sons and four daughters, only four of 
whom are living, and of whom Henry J., our sub- 
ject, was the third in order of birth. 



•xsm — 



-~y- 




LVIN STEARNS. Among the men of this 
county who have risen from a small be- 
ginning to an eminent position in the esti- 
mation of their neighbors, is the gentle- 
man whose name initiates this biography. To be a 
a self-made man means something. It indicates 
that the man who has earned the honor of being 
so called, lias passed through many hardships, and 
had seen the dark clouds of adversity when per- 
haps despair was but a step ahead, but by persever- 
ance and intelligence has emerged in the sunlight 
of prosperity. 

Harvey Stearns, the father of Alvin, was born 
in Vermont, but afterward removed to New York, 
and was there married to Fanny Lockwood, a na- 
tive of New York. Thence he removed to Ohio, 
in 181 1, where he bought a small farm, and re- 
mained there until 1832. He then located on the 
site of Alvin Stearns' present home, building a log 
house and becoming a full-fledged citizen of Illi- 
nois. At that time there were scarcely half-a- 
dozen houses between his farm and Danville, where 
the Government had stationed some troops to keep 
the Indians in subjection. Harvey Stearns and 
his wife were respected by all their acquaintances 
for their sterling qualities. They were the parents 
of eight children, five of whom are living. He died 
Nov. 30, 1847, aged fifty-six years, while the 
mother survived until Aug. 1, 1877, passing away 
at the advanced age o f eighty-seven years. 

Alvin Stearns was the eldest of the family, and 
was born Nov. 28, 1815, in Ohio. He was sixteen 
years of age when his father located in Illinois. 
He and his brother Calvin walked the entire dis- 



tance from Ohio to Illinois, driving cows, sheep 
and hogs. Mr. Stearns obtained his education 
partly in his native State, but finished it in Illi- 
nois. He attended subscription schools, and his 
learning was secured in the usual manner of the 
early pioneer days. He was very studious, and al- 
ways aimed to be at the head of his class — a posi- 
tion he generally secured. Being the oldest son, 
and his father being in poor health most of the 
time, he was obliged to take the lead in the work 
of the farm. Man}' times he has gone thirty or 
forty miles to mill, and often was obliged to go 
to Danville in the night, sixteen miles distant, to 
call a physician for his father. In those days the 
farmers in this section transported their wheat by 
team to Chicago, bringing back supplies. Mr. 
Stearns remained at home until he was past twenty- 
two years of age, aiding his father. 

.Mr. Stearns married Miss Elizabeth Lee, April 
12,1837. She was a daughter of William II. and 
Rebecca Lee, who came from Ohio to Illinois in 
1829, and located a mile and a half west of Mr. 
Steam's present home. Mr. Lee was a prominent 
and prosperous citizen of the early days, and the 
father of eight children, all of whom, except one, 
are now dead, and the father and mother have 
long since passed to their reward. Mrs. Stearns 
was the eldest child, born in 1819, and at the time 
of her marriage was nineteen years of age. .Mr. 
Stearns located on a part of his father's place im- 
mediately after his marriage, where he built a log 
house and commenced seriously the battle of life. 
When his father died he purchased the interesl of 
the other heirs, except that belonging to his 
mother. The old farm consists of GOO acres, and 
he has given each of his children a quarter section 
of good land, and to one of them a house and lot, 
which cost $6,000. At the time of his marriage 
Mr. Stearns did not possess $50, but, aided by his 
most estimable wife, he has long since passed the 
mark that divides poverty from wealth. He has 
now a handsome and costly residence, which is 
represented elsewhere in this volume. 

Mr. and Mrs. Stearns are the parents of three 
children, all of whom are living: Lawson married 
Amanda Izard, and they are residing in Homer. 
111., with their three children; Ersom is unmarried. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



42:5 



and resides in Homer; Rocella .1. is the wife of T. 
B. Craig. They are living on the next farm east 
of the old homestead, and have five children. Mrs. 
Stearns, the mother of these children, died Jan. 23, 
1887, aged sixty-seven years, nine months and 
four days. Mr. Stearns has been an administrator 
for many estates, among which may be mentioned 
those of his father and the Lee estate, also Aaron 
Hardin's, William Clutter's. Alfred Ilarden's and 
the immense estate that belonged to Mr. Vount. He 
has successfully administered all these large trusts, 
and with satisfaction to each of the heirs, all of 
which constitutes a most remarkable record in this 
line. For twelve years Mr. Stearns has been As- 
sessor and Collector, and for six years has held the 
office of Road Commissioner. He has also been 
School Director for twenty years. 

Politically, Mr. Stearns is a stalwart Republican, 
and always votes for the candidates of that party. 
His first ballot was cast for William Henry Harri- 
son, and he heard that distinguished gentleman de- 
liver two speeches — one at Wilmington, and the 
other at Lebanon, Ohio. It is unnecessary to state 
that his last vote was cast for the other Harrison. 
Mr. Stearns has been a member of the Baptist 
Church for the last thirty years, and the fact that 
he has been chosen to adjust so many estates is 
evidence that he stands high in the estimation of 
his fellows. 



/p^EORGE N.NEVILLE. The preservation of 
ml <_. choice blood in the human species has as 
v \^/| much to do with the characteristics of an in- 
dividual, asdoes careful breeding in the animal king- 
dom in determining the fine points of that portion 
of creation ; and he, who can look back upon his 
ancestry, tracing its lines through generations of 
high-minded and honorable people, has something 
of which to be truly proud. The ancestry of Mr. 
Neville is traced back to the Land of the Thistle, 
his paternal grandparents emigrating from Scotland 
to Virginia, in time for his grand lather. Joseph 
Neville, to take part as a brigadier-general on the 



side of the colonists in their great struggle for lib- 
erty. Unlike many of those who crossed the 
Atlantic at that time, he came fortified with ample 
means which he invested largely in land, comprising 
a valuable plantation, worked by slaves whom 
he liberated at his death. 

Among the sons of grandfather Neville was 
George, the father of our subject, who was born in 
Moorefield, W. Va., and was the youngest of a 
family of twelve children. He studied law at 
Winchester. Va., under Abram Lock and was 
duly admitted to the bar. His first and last case 
in court was one in which his client, an old man, 
in a fit of insanity killed his wife, after they had 
lived a long and apparently happy life together and 
raised a large family of children, who had married 
and settled in homes of their own in the neighbor- 
hood. The old man was arrested and tried on the 
charge of murder. George Neville undertook to 
defend him and made a vow to clear him or never 
practice again. The prisoner was found guilty and 
sentenced to be hung which sentence was carried 
out to the letter of the law. Mr. Neville kept his 
vow, immediately took up the study of medicine 
and practiced that as long as he lived, his decease 
taking place in 1822. 

Mrs. Elizabeth (Wolfe) Neville, the mother of 
our subject, was the daughter of Lew-is and Cathe- 
rine Wolfe, natives of Germany, who emigrated to 
America and settled in Winchester, Va., where the 
father became a very prominent man anil was en- 
gaged in mercantile pursuits the remainder of his 
life. They reared a large family of children and 
gave them an exceptionally tine education. One 
son, Thomas, was a pupil in one of the German 
Universities, and another son, Lewis, developed 
into a promising lawyer, becoming a leading poli- 
tician and representing his district in the State 
Legislature. One daughter married a brother of 
of Wade Hampton. Sr. 

The parents of our subject were married in Win- 
chester, Va.. in 1798 and removed thence to Moore- 
field, where the father spent- the remainder of his 
life. The mother in 1837 removed to Indiana and 
died there in L848. Their seven children included 
two daughters and live sons and bul two of the 
family survive — our subject and his brother, Joseph 



424 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



B.. a resident of Sumner County, Kan. George N. 
was the youngest child of his parents and was born 
Feb. 2, 1820 at Moorefield, Hardy Co., W. Va. 
He received a very good education in the common 
schools, attending until a youth of sixteen. 
About that time the family came north and George 
N. remained a member of his father's household 
until his marriage. 

The above mentioned interesting event in the 
life of our subject took place Sept. 24, 1840, the 
bride being Miss Mary S., a daughter of Warner 
Throckmorton, a leading lawyer of Romney, 
Hampshire Co., Va. The great-grandfather of Mrs. 
Neville, William Throckmorton by name, emigrated 
before the War of the Revolution from the old 
county of Gloucester, Va., to Jefferson County, Va. 
The Throckmorton family had been often and hon- 
orably named in the pages of history, before they 
became residents of the United States. Very few 
of their descendants now reside in the old home; 
indeed all of that name have removed therefrom, 
and collateral descendants alone remain of a former 
influential family. Grandfather Throckmorton was 
born and reared to man's estate in Jefferon County, 
Va. He studied law with his uncle, John Dixon, 
one of the ablest lawyers and most talented man 
in the State. Under his friendly counsel Mr. 
Throckmorton acquired legal ability, and rapidly 
rose in the profession until he occupied a very 
prominent position among members of the bar in 
his own State and country. lie died in the prime 
of life, being forty-two years of age. 

Mr. and Mrs. Neville began their wedded life 
on a farm eight miles south of La Fayette, Ind., 
where they lived until 1854. That year they came 
to this county, settling on the north half of section 
10 in Vance Township, when there were but a few 
people located outside of the towns and prior to 
the laving out of Fairmount. Mr. Neville evolved 
a good farm from the virgin soil, the land becom- 
ing highly productive, and upon which he made 
excellent improvements. Here with his excellent 
wife he lived and labored until advancing years 
admonished him it would be wise to lay aside some 
of the sterner duties of life, and accordingly in 
1884 he left the farm and established himself in 
Fainnount, where, surrounded by all the comforts of 



a pleasant and attractive home, he is spending his 
later days in peace and quiet. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Neville there were born ten 
children, seven of whom are living. The eldest 
son , George Warner, during the Civil War en- 
listed in the 25th Illinois Tnfantry. At the battle 
of Kenesaw Mountain he was severely wounded 
and was removed to the hospital at Chattanooga 
where he died on the 11th of July, 1864, at the 
age of twenty-one years, six months and twenty- 
one days. The (4. A. R. Post, organized at Fair- 
mount subsequently adopted the name of this gallant 
boy. who was a general favorite among his young 
associates. Miss Anna C. Neville became the wife 
of Alvin A. Taylor, of Fairmount, and they have 
one child; Norbourn married Miss Lizzie Price, 
and they live on the home farm; they have no 
children. Mary E. is the wife of Rev. Henry Col- 
lins, a member of the Illinois Conference of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church and they have one 
child; Frank married Miss Margaret Cannon, is 
the father of three children and lives five rniles 
south of Fainnount; Sally Virginia remains at 
home with her parents; Ada is the wife of Rev. 
D. W. Calfee. a member of the California Confer- 
ence of the Methodist Episcopal Church and they 
have three children; Nellie is the wife of Walter 
G. Owen, living at Fort Smith, Ark., and they have 
two children. 

Mr. Neville has held the office of Inspector of 
Elections and School Treasurer in Indiana, and in 
Illinois held the latter office for seven years, unti 
resigning. He has been Road Commissioner for 
fifteen years, also School Director. Although not 
an active politician, he takes a lively interest in 
the success of the Republican party, of which he 
has been a member .since its organization, and al- 
though born and reared in the Old Dominion, was 
strongly opposed to the institution of slavery, his 
views upon this question assuming definite form at 
the early age of fifteen years and experiencing no 
change thereafter. 

Mi-, and Mrs. Neville are devout members of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church with which Mr. Ne- 
ville has been identified since a youth of nineteen 
years, and for many years he has officiated as Stew- 
ard and Trustee. He has always maintained a warm 




Q/fcvr^M iOmaaXT 












I 



***. ; ' 




$J.I^^ 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



429 



interest in Sunday-school, mission and temperance 
work, to which behas given largely of liis time .and 
means and labored as he had opportunity, to ad- 
vance the moral and social status of the people 
around him. His life has been one of large experi- 
ence during which he has learned well from men and 
things, and he possesses a fine fund of information 
which makes him a gentleman with whom it is 
most pleasurable and profitable to converse. 



V tF^ ZRA J ' BA -NTZ. Tne preservation of fam- 
ily history is beginning to assume due im- 
portance in the minds of the intelligent 
people of the present day, as the biographer finds 
here and there one who, like the subject of this 
notice, has carefully preserved whatever informa- 
tion he could obtain concerning the lives of his 
ancestry. He has given to this matter considerable 
thought and attention, and next to bis personal his- 
tory and that of the Bantz family, esteems in im- 
portance everything connected with the history of 
his native land, lie is one of those patriotic spir- 
its who appreciate the advantages of living in an 
enlightened country, and who realize what efforts 
have been put forth to bring it to its present posi- 
tion among the nations of the earth. The fact that 
patriotism is beginning to be taught in the public 
schools speaks well for the civilization of the pres- 
ent clay, and none are in more earnest sympathy 
with this movement than he with whose name we 
introduce this biographical record. 

We find Mr. Bantz pleasantly located on a well- 
regulated farm, occupying a part of section 17 in 
Oakwood Township. He made his first purchase 
here In 1864, and the year following took up his 
permanent residence in this county. He has now 
230 acres of fine farming land, located one mile 
south of Muncie, partly prairie and partly timber, 
and nearly all in productive condition. Mr. Bantz 
proposed the name of Muncie for the above-men- 
tioned town, and out of respect for him it was duly 
adopted. 

Our subjeel was born Jan. 12, 1827, in Preble 
County, Ohio, and was the eldest of ten children, 



the offspring of Joshua and Elizabeth (Brenner) 
Bantz, the former a native of Frederickstown, Md., 
born in 1805. and the latter a native of Ohio, born 
in 1807. Joshua Bantz was a farmer by occupa- 
tion, and lived to the good old age of seventy 
years, departing hence in 1875. The mother had 
preceded her husband to the silent land in 1863. 
The paternal grandfather. John Bantz, a native of 
Germany, died in Ohio at the age of seventy years. 
His father and brothers, Solomon and Felty, emi- 
grated to America from Prussia at an early day. 
and settled in Maryland. Grandfather Bantz took 
an active part in the defence of Baltimore during 
the War of 1812. He married Miss Byerly ,of 
Maryland, who was. like himself, of German de- 
scent. He was a weaver by trade, but after his 
marriage removed to Preble County, Ohio, where 
he purchased 120 acres of land, and thereafter oc- 
cupied himself as a tiller of the soil. He spent 
his last days upon the farm which he opened up 
from the wilderness. Grandmother Bantz sur- 
vived her husband a few years, dying at the age 
of about seventy-five. 

The maternal grandfather of our subject was 
John Brenner, a native of Kentucky, and whose 
father emigrated from Germany during the first 
settlement of the Blue Grass State. He built a log 
cabin in the wilderness among the Indians, and had 
a little square window in the rear, which also 
served as a port hole, through which he thrust his 
gun in time of danger and defended himself against 
his enemies. He owned a negro slave named Ned. 
One morning the master was aroused by the ap- 
parent cry of a wild turkey, and arising from bed 
took down his gun, and was on the point of leav- 
ing the house to shoot the game when Ned jumped 
up. crying out: "Hold on. Massa; let me shoot 
that turk." Tlie master gave him the gun, and 
Ned going out by the front door, made a wide 
circle around, and in a short time grandfather 
Brenner heard the report of a rifle in the rear of 
the cabin. Directly Ned came in with the head of 
an Indian stuck on a pole. "Here, Massa. here is 
your turkey." The negro understood the coming 
of the Indian that, time better than his master. 

After a time grandfather Brenner emigrated to 
Ohio, and died there at the advanced age of ninety- 



430 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



five years. His wife was in her girlhood Miss 
Sarah Warren, of Massachusetts, and died before 
reaching her three-score years. Her father, John 
W. Warren, served in the Revolutionary War from 
the beginning to the close, on the side of the col- 
onists. He was a native of England and a cousin 
of the lamented Gen. Joseph Warren, who fell at 
Bunker Hill. John Warren also participated in 
that battle, and was at Brandywine when so many 
British were killed and fell into the creek that the 
Americans could cross dry-shod over their dead 
bodies. He died about 1830 at the age of eighty- 
five years. 

The parents of our subject were married in Ohio 
about 1825. Six of their ten children are still liv- 
ing, being residents mostly of Indiana. The family 
removed to Indiana in 1835, where Ezra J. received 
a practical education in the common schools, and 
grew up an admirable young man of excellent 
habits, sound principles, and a well-informed mind. 
When twenty-one years of age, he walked from 
eastern Indiana through the woods to Logansport, 
and at that point, on the 10th of March. 1848, en- 
listed in the 15th Regiment of Regulars for the 
War with Mexico. They started for the field, but 
the war was over by the time the company of our 
subject had reached Newport, Ky. He there re- 
ceived his discharge, and returning to Indiana, 
resumed work on the farm of his father until his 
marriage. 

The above mentioned event in the life of our 
subject took place Nov. i), 1848, the bride being 
Miss Nancy, daughter of Eli and Elizabeth (Forbes) 
Thornburg. After the marriage Mr. Bantz and 
his young wife settled in Delaware County, Ind. 
Mr. Bantz obtained, from the land warrant given 
him by the Government, land in the Indian Reserve 
in Indiana, but not long afterwards sold out and 
purchased land in Eastern Indiana, adjoining a 
farm already owned by his wife. This they occu- 
pied until 1865, and in that year, as already stated, 
came to Illinois, of which they have since been 
residents. 

Of the six children born to our subject and his 
estimable wife, four are living. Daniel J. married 
Miss Sarah Ross, is the father of six children, and 
lives on a farm in Champaign County; James mar 



ried Miss Addie Dalbey. is the father of four chil- 
dren, and occupies the farm north of the Bantz 
homestead; Louisa E. became the wife of Erastus 
Dow, and they live in Texas; Mary M., the wife 
of William Ellis, is the mother of four children, 
and they are also residents of the Lone Star State. 
Mr. Bantz cast his first Presidential vote for Gen. 
(ass. and has been a uniform supporter of Demo- 
cratic principles. He enjoys a pension on account 
of his proffered services during the Mexican War. 
Socially he belongs to the Masonic fraternity, and 
in religious matters is liberal. His estimable wife 
and their children are members in good standing 
of the Baptist Church. Our subject, while a resi- 
dent of Indiana, officiated as Township Trustee, 
and in his present district has been School Director 
and Road ( tverseer. He is one of the solid and 
reliable men of Oakwood Township — one who has 
contributed materially to her advancement and 
prosperity. 

As representatives of the worth of Vermilion 
County, we present elsewhere in this Album fine 
portraits of Mr. Bantz and his wife, which will be 
highly prized by all their friends. 



■«!«*- 



\T RA BABB was born in the house he now occu- 
I pies, Nov. 2, 1842. His father Levi Babb, 
/Ji was a native of Greene County, Tenn., and his 
birth occurred Oct. 26, 1788. The senior Babb 
came to Vermilion County in October, 182G, stop- 
ping near Yankee Point for a short time and then 
settling in December of the same year on section 
14. range 11, Elwood Township, about one mile 
northeast of Ira's present residence. He remained 
there about three years and a half, entering the 
west half of the southeast quarter of the section 
named, when he built the house in which his son 
Ira now lives, in 1830. 

During the time before specified, Levi Babb, 
entered the following tracts of land all situated in 
township 17, north of range 11, west of the second 
principal meridian, viz: the east half of northwest 
quarter and the west half of northeast quarter of 
section 24, entered March 20, 1827. Also the west 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



431 



half of the southeast quarter of section 13, on same 
date. The east half of the southeast quarter of 
section 23, Dec. 8, 1827! The east half of the 
southwest quarter of section 24. Dee. 1, 1830, and 
the west half of northeast; quarter of section 2d. 
June 6. 1831, also other smaller tracts amount- 
ing in all to about COO acres. The Indians hail 
their camping grounds where the old home- 
stead is now situated. The subject of this 
sketch has picked up many flint arrow heads on 
his land and he also has in his possession a 
stone axe discovered there also. His father, 
in the early days was obliged to go to Racoon 
and Sugar Creeks. Parke County. Ind.. to mill. 
He endured many hardships and privations, and 
when he emigrated to this county his means of 
transportation was a five horse wagon, in which he 
and his family rode a distance of 650 miles. He 
taught a sou of one of the Indian chiefs to plow and 
in many other ways did things which made the In- 
dians Ids friends forever, and he also spoke the In- 
dian language fluently. Levi Babb was a tireless 
worker and in everything that pertained to his 
farm he spared no pains to procure the best, lie 
used to haul his produce to Chicago and return 
with salt and groceries and was at that place when 
the first warehouse was being built. He was of- 
fered forty acres of land for a yoke of oxen, where 
Chicago now stands, but declined as he thought 
the land would never be worth any tiling. He 
owned at one time 600 acres of land and left nearly 
that amount at the time of his death. He was mar 
ried twice, his first wife being Susannah Dillon. 
and by her he had ten children, two of whom are 
living: Jonathan and Levi. She was born July 
10, 1788. in Greene County. Tenn. Levi Babb 
married for his second wife, Elizabeth Prevo. The 
ceremony occurred on Nov. 21, 1839. She was 
born in North Carolina Oct. 31, 1804, near Ash- 
lioro. and was the daughter of Alexander and Han- 
nah Prevo. who emigrated to Fountain County, 
Ind.. in an early day. She was the mother of three 
children: Ira, Hannah and Allie. the two latter be- 
ing deceased. Allie was the wife of William Hot- 
tel, of this township. She died Jan. 13, 1887. at 
the age of forty and was a member of the Cumber- 
land Presbyterian Church. Father Babb died at 



the advanced age of eighty-three years, four 
months and twent3 - -seven days, his death occur- 
ring March 23, 1872, while his wife passed away 
on Feb. 3. of the same year, aged sixty-seven years 
three months and two days. 

Ira Babb has always lived on the old homestead. 
He owns 409 acres of land here and twenty-two 
acres in Vermillion County. Ind. He is engaged 
in general farming, and in the manufacture of 
drain tile. His stock consists of Short-horn cattle 
and Poland-China hogs, all of a high grade, and 
general purpose horses. He erected his tile fac- 
tory in 1887. It is a fine frame structure 20x60, 
two stories high, with an L of the same dimensions. 
He is manufacturing tile from three to twelve 
inches in diameter, and also brick of a fine quality. 
The factory is driven by a twenty-five horse-power 
engine, which is supplied with steam by a Hadley 
& Wright boiler, which is forty-four inches in di- 
ameter and ten feet long. The tile made at this 
factory is of the very best quality and in great 
demand. 

On Sept. 28. 1882, our subject was married to 
Miss Minerva E., daughter of Elihu Canaday. 
Mrs. Babb was born in Clarke County Nov. 19, 
1845. Elihu Canaday, Mrs. Babb's father, was 
married to Elizabeth McCowan. They were the 
parents of seven children, viz: Adam. Sarah J., 
Henry D., Annie M., Mary Jemima, Minerva I-'.., 
ami Rebecca J. Elihu Canaday died Oct. 4, 1848. 
Elizabeth (McCowan) Canaday died in April, 1863. 
Annie M. Canaday who was born April 11, 1838. 
when two years old went blind. She was a sister 
of Mrs. Babb. This child died at the Blind Insti- 
tute at Jacksonville, at the age of twenty years. 
The grandparents of the subject of this sketch, 
Thomas ami Martha (Fwiug) Babb, emigrated 
from Winchester. Va.. to Greene County, Tenn.. in 
the early settlement of the latter State, locating in 
Babb's Valley. They had a family of twelve chil- 
dren who are scattered throughout the west and 
Northwest, while some remained in Tennessee. 
Their son, Levi, the father of Ira, was a soldier in 
the war of 1812. He also had two brothers. David 
and Caleb, who served in the army at the same 
time, all being under Gen. Jackson. Al one time 
they were in a party of soldiers that, chased the In- 



432 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



dians for six days and nights witli nothing to eat 
save a little spoiled Hour, some hickory nuts and 
sweet hickory roots, and this incident, so Mr. Ba"bb 
says, is what gave the name of "Old Hickory" to 
Gen. Jackson, as he too partook of the nuts and 
coots. 

Mr. Bahb has never sought official honors. He 
is a pronounced and enthusiastic Democrat, lie 
is proud of the record his father has made and is 
in all respects a praiseworthy citizen. Mr. Babb 
has in bis possession a portion of two almanacs, 
dated respectively 1828 and 1829, also implements 
and relics of "ye olden tymc," such as a sickle, 
and pitchfork over one hundrd years old and many 
other things. 

•£§*§* 

l^HDMAS A. TAYLOR, a prominent, resident 
ii of Catlin Township, is a man whose well 
'^y trained, vigorous mind and progressive 
views place him in the front ranks of the en- 
lightened, wideawake agriculturists of Vermilion 
County. He has a large farm of nearly 600 acres, 
whose broad, fertile fields, room}' substantial 
buildings and well ordered appearance generally, 
mark it as one of the best managed and choicest 
estates in this part of the county, and here on sec- 
tion 5 he. has erected a handsome residence that is 
replete with all the modern comforts. 

Our subject, was born in Tippecanoe County, 
Ind., April 25, 1847, a son of Thomas A., and Ivea 
(Allen) Taylor, natives respectively of Ohio 
County and Shelby County, Ky. After marriage 
his parents began their wedded life in Tippecanoe 
County, Ind., near Lafayette, where he followed 
his trade, that of a tanner, living there till 1852, 
where they came with their family to Vermilion 
County to settle among its pioneers, taking up 
their abode in Catlin Township. The father died 
here in .September, 187(5, and an upright and hon- 
ored citizen was thus lost to the community with 
whose highest interests his own had been identical 
from the first hour of his settlement here. He was 
a man of sincere piety and a worthy member of 
the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. His wife 
still survives and makes her home in Catlin Town- 



ship. She is a truly good woman and a devoted 
member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. 
They had eight children, of whom our subject was 
the seventh in order of birth. 

He was five years old when he accompanied his 
parents to Vermilion County, and the remainder of 
his life has since been passed here. He was given 
the advantages of a liberal education, obtaining 
the basis of it in the public schools, and he then 
became a student at Lincoln University' in Logan 
County and subsequently took an excellent course 
of study at Mt. Zion Academy, Macomb County, 111., 
his studies being of a practical character such as 
would be of benefit to him in his business relations 
and in his work. After leaving school he devoted 
himself to the teacher's profession for nine years, 
meeting with great success in that vocation and by 
his intelligent methods placing himself in the fore- 
front of the best educators in this part of the coun- 
try. He has resided in Catlin. and aside from 
teaching has given his attention wholly to agricul- 
tural pursuits, owning and managing one of the 
largest and finest farms in this region, as before 
mentioned. 

Mr. Taylor frankly acknowledges that he is 
greatly indebted for much that is good in his life 
to his amiable wife, to whom he was married in 
Catlin Township, March 11, 1869. She is in every 
respect a true Christian, possessing much intelli- 
gence and capacity, and a model housewife, and 
fills the perfect measure of wife, mother, friend, 
than which no higher eulogy can be pronounced. 
In her the Christian Church finds one of its most 
consistent members. Mrs. Taylor's maiden name 
was Mary C. Acree, and she is a daughter of the 
late Joel and Elvessa (Yount) Acree, known and 
honored as among the earliest settlers of Catlin 
Township, where he continued to reside till his 
death, Nov. 27, 1880. The father was born in 
Alabama, and the mother in Shelby County, Ky. 
They married and settled in Catlin Township in 
early pioneer times. He was a valued member of 
the Christian Church and a thoroughly upright 
man. The mother is still living in Catlin Town- 
ship, and she is also a respected member of the 
Christian Church. They had two children who 
lived to grow up, Mrs. Taylor being the eldest, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



433 



and she was born in C'atlin Township, Nov. 12, 
IS IS. Ten of the twelve children that have glad- 
dened the happy wedded life of our subject and 
his wife are still with them, two having died in in- 
fancy. The names of the survivors are Clemmer, 
Gailen II., Elvessa, Joel, Benjamin, Robert, Mag- 
gie. Lois, Whittier and Catherine. Our subject is 
prominently identified with the Republican party 
and its councils. lie is a member of the A. F. & 
A. M.. Catlin Lodge, No. 285, Vermilion Chapter 
and Athelstan Commandery at- Danville. 

Mr. Taylor is endowed with a keen, resolute 
nature, and by prompt, systematic methods and 
other excellent business habits, has accumulated a 
valuable property and is one of the moneyed men 
of Catlin Township. He is a man of earnest relig- 
ious feeling's, and in him the Cumberland Presby- 
terian Church has one of its most active workers 
and influential members, he having united with it 
early in life, and for twenty }'ears or more he has 
been one of its Elders. He interests himself greatly 
in the Sunday-school, and has been Superintendent 
for many years. 




R. J. R. LYTLE, physician and surgeon 
))) of Rankin, is enjoying an extensive and 
lucrative practice in this village and the 
surrounding country, and he has already 
won an enviable reputation as a skillful, well-read 
and finely educated member of the medical profes- 
sion of Vermilion County. He is active in public 
and political matters, and is a valued civic official 
of this village, in which he takes a deep interest, 
using his influence to advance its status, education- 
ally, religiously and socially. 

He comes of good old Pennsylvania stock, and 
is himself a native of the Keystone Slate, born in 
Armstrong County Dec. 2, 1850. His father, 
John Lytle, was born near Smicksburg, Indiana 
Co., Pa., Aug. 18, 1808. His early manhood was 
spent in clearing for himself a farm in what was 
then a forest near Dayton, Armstrong Co., Pa. He 
resided on this farm until 1860, when he removed 
with his family to the place he now occupies near 



Chambersville, Indiana County. lie is of English 
ancestry, is well endowed intellectually and phys- 
ically, and although he has attained the advanced 
age of eighty -one years, he still retains his mental 
faculties. The maiden name of his wife was La- 
vinia Reed. She was born Jan. 26. 1816, near 
Ligonier in Westmoreland County. Pa., and wasof 
Scotch-Irish lineage. Feb. 24. 1889, she passed 
away from the joys and cares of earth, leaving be- 
hind to those who loved her the precious memory 
of a good and virtuous life. Six children were 
born of her marriage — Catherine, Robert J., John 
P., James R., S. Jennie, and Mattie A. Robert J., 
residing in Altoona, Pa., is a carpenter for the 
Pennsylvania Railroad Company. During the 
war he served almost three years in Company K, 
14th Pennsylvania, Cavalry. He married Sarah 
Fleming of Indiana County, Pa., and they have 
had two children — Frank Elmer and Myrtle, the 
latter is deceased; John and Jennie live on the 
old homestead near Chambersville, Pa. He mar- 
ried Debbie Reeder, of Lock Haven, Pa., and they 
have a family of children; Catherine is the widow 
of Ferguson Speedy, of Indiana County, Pa., where 
she is still residing; Mattie A., married McCloud 
Brady, of Westmoreland County. Pa., and he is 
now engaged at his trade in a shoe factory in La- 
trobe, Pa. 

Dr. Lytle was reared in the home of his birth, 
and was given good educational advantages, pur- 
suing an excellent course of study at Dayton Acad- 
emy, and after leaving school he engaged awhile in 
teaching. He was desirous of becoming a physi- 
cian, and entered upon bis studies for that purpose 
with Dr. Thomas McMullen of Greenville. Indiana 
Co., Pa., and in 1879, attended medical lectures. 
He was graduated in the class of 1884, from Push 
Medical College, Chicago, 111., and at once opened 
an office in Paxton, this State, remaining there two 
years. At the expiration of that time he came to 
Vermilion County and established himself at Ran- 
kin, where he still practices. He has a large num- 
ber of patients and is very popular with all classes. 

The Doctor was married to Lauretta M. Burrell, 
of Marshall County, 111.. June 30, 1881. She is 
a daughter of the late Jacob and .Mary (Withrow) 
Burrell. of Westmoreland County. Pa. Her father 



434 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



died in 1883. Her mother now makes her home 
with her. She is the mother of six children— 
James W.. .Joseph II., J. G., Amos, (deceased), 
Nannie and Mrs. Lytle. James was a soldier for 

the Union, surviving the horrors of Southern pris- 
ons, and is now a carpenter, residing in La Prairie, 
Marshall Co.. III. lie married Mary Butler, of 
Johnstown, Pa., and they have six children; J. G., 
an architect and builder, married a Miss Johnson 
of Monmouth, III., and they have two children; 
Joseph married Miss Sarah Yont, and is living at 
Thayer, Iowa; Amos was a soldier who gave up 
his life in the late war, having received an injury, 
from which he died just after his return home on a 
furlough; Nannie married William Bitner, of "West- 
moreland County, Pa., now a resident of Kansas 
City, Mo., where he is engaged in a meat market,. 
Although Dr. Lytle has been a resident of this 
village only a very few years, he is already prom- 
inently identified with its highest public inter- 
ests, and is found to be a wise and safe counsel- 
lor. As Village Trustee, he is active in promoting 
all feasible schemes for the advancement of Rankin 
in every way posible. In politics, the Republican 
part}' has in him one of its truest and most intelli- 
gent upholders, who keeps himself well-posted on all 
political issues ami other matters of interest concern- 
ing the welfare of the Nation. Both he and his 
amiable wife are influential members of the United 
Presbyterian Church, of which he has been an Elder 
for some years. 



RS. EMMA C. McUOWELL, is an exten- 
sive land owner of Sidell Township, and 
one of its leading residents. She also owns 
land in Carroll Township, upon which is 
situated a tile factory. Her father, William Porter, 
was born fifteen miles from Lexington, Ky., while 
her mother is a native of Pickaway County, Ohio. 
Her grandfather, Samuel Porter, was a native of 
Maryland, as was also his wife. The} - removed to 
Kentucky and from there came to Vermilion 
County in 1836, where they remained until their 
death. Her maternal grandfather, Capt. William 




Swank, was a native also of Maryland, while her 

maternal grandmother was born in Virginia. Her 
great grandfather was killed by the Indians, and 
his wife was left with a large family of small chil- 
dren. The Porter family were closely identified 
with the early history of Virginia. Capt. William 
Swank was an officer in the War of 1812. He was 
married in Ohio and came to Vermilion County, in 
1820, bringing with him his wife and two children. 
He was one of the very first settlers of the county, 
and located close to Butler's Point, at a place then 
called Indianola. where the old salt works were lo- 
cated. 

Mrs. McDowell's mother was one of the two 
children referred to. She used to relate many in- 
cidents of the earl}' pioneer history which was 
thrilling in the extreme, and to the people of this 
day seemed almost incredible. The hardships that 
these old pioneers went through >s the basis upon 
which is founded this splendid State. Mrs. Mc- 
Dowell's grandfather went to mill in the early 
days to the Big Racoon River, a journey which oc- 
cupied tin entire week's time. Capt. Swank became 
well-to-do, owning GOO or 700 acres of land at the 
time of his death. He laid out one of the earliest 
town sites in Vermilion County, which was then 
called Dallas, later he also laid out the town of 
Indianola. He was associated in this last enter- 
prise with Mr. William Beard. The Captain died in 
1851 and was buried in the Weaver Cemetery east 
of Indianola. The Swanks also belonged to lead- 
ing families in Virginia, and were of English 
descent. 

Grandfather Porter came to Vermilion County 
in 1837, and settled about one and a half miles 
east of Indianola, where he died in 1848. Mrs. 
McDowell's father was born in 1813 and was of age 
when he came to Illinois. He resided upon the orig- 
inal homestead for some years. After selling this he 
removed to Indianola where his wife died, which 
occurred in 1886, since which time he has lived 
with his daughter, Mrs. McDowell. He was the 
father of seven children: Rosa. Mary, Emma C., 
William E., Cordelia, Minerva and Samuel. Rosa 
resides in Ellwood Township, this county, and is 
the wife of Mr. W. Hayworth. They have three 
I children; Mary married A. H. Mendeuhall, a 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBl'M. 



435 



farmer of Carroll Township. They are the parents 
of six children; William E. married Zetta Black; 
Cordelia died in 1874. She was the wife of Paul 
Merriam. She died in Missouri where they re- 
moved after their marriage; Minerva married Mar- 
shal Cummings, a contractor of Indianapolis. They 
have four children; Samuel is unmarried. 

Mrs. McDowell was born in Carroll Township. 
one and a half miles east of Indianola, on April 3, 
1849. At the time of her birth the town was 
called Chlllieothe. Here is where she spent her 
girlhood days and alt ended school in the little log 
structure that answered to the name of school- 
house, her first teacher being Miss Parks, who is 
remembered as a very genial and pleasant lady. 
She attended school for three or four years, when she 
was promoted to the first frame school house 
erected at Indianola, and in this edifice she pursued 
her studies so dilligently that she passed a success- 
ful examination to enter the profession of teacher. 
She began teaching at the age of seventeen years, 
and was very successful as an educator. She be- 
came acquainted with her husband. Mr. McDowell, 
when she was a young girl and in 180!) was married 
to him. 

John A. McDowell was born also in Carroll 
Township, not far from the present homestead. He 
was the son of John 1!. and Eleanor (Yarnell) Mc- 
Dowell, who were natives of Kentucky. They re- 
moved from their native State to Palestine, ami a 
few years later came to Vermilion County, where 
they became a prominent family. Mrs. McDowell's 
husband was born Nov. Hi. 1841, and was the 
fourth of a family of five children. He was born 
and educated i:i Vermilion County, and while yet 
a boy he exhibited strong inclinations for business 
and began to ileal in live stock, a business lie con- 
ducted all his days. His generosity was one of his 
salient characteristics, and when he was called away 
he was not only mourned sincere^- by his relatives 
and friends, but by the poor people of his commu- 
nity as well. No deserving poor man ever came 
to him and went away empty-handed. He was ac- 
tive in matters pertaining to education and for the 
general developement of the community. 

Mr. McDowell was emphatically a self-made man 
and when he died was well-to-do. lie was entirely 



domestic in his tastes, and his home was sweet to 
him. He was an honored member of the Masonic 
fraternity, and his obsequies were perhaps more 
largely attended than any Other similar event that 
ever occurred in Vermilion County. He left behind 
him a beautiful home and every thing to make life 
comfortable. His death occurred on Oct. 'J, 1886. 
He left seven children to mourn the loss of a truly 
noble father. Their names are: Gracie, Jennie. 
Carrie, Fred, Kay, Cullom, and Ned. But these 
children are under the guidance of a good mother 
who will rear them to be good men and women. 
Mrs. McDowell is a member of the Baptist Church 
of Indianola. 



^^^t5<^— 



< ^ ERRY O'NEAL is one of the oldest of the 

Jl) native born citizens of Vermilion County, 

^ ^ his birth occurring Jan. 16, 1825, on the 

] \ homestead once owned by his father, on 
section 27, Georgetown Township. He is a son of 
one of the earliest pioneers of the county, who was 
quite a prominent man in his time and did consid- 
erable to advance its interests. He is noted as hav- 
ing established the very first manufactory of any 
kind in the county, a tannery, which he operated 
successfully several years. 

Thomas O'Neal, the father of our subject, was 
born in Nelson County. Ky., a son of John ( t'Neal. 
whose early history is unknown, although he was a 
pioneer of Kentucky, and there spent his last years. 
The father of our subject was reared in his native 
Stale, and when a young man started out to seek 
his fortune in the young State of Indiana, and lo- 
oting in Madison lefferson County, he worked at 
his trade of tanner, married there, and in 1820 re- 
moved to Edgar County. But he did not remain 
there long, coming in the following year to what is 
now Vermilion County, and taking a claim in what 
is now Georgetown Township. He built a log house 
on the place for the shelter of his family, and the 
land, which was part timber and part prairie, he 
commenced to prepare for cultivation. The land 
was owned by the government and had not tin n 
come into the market. As soon as it was for Nile 



430 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



he sent a man to the land office to enter and pay 
for it. I nit. he failed to enter the land, and another 
man bought it. Mr. O'Neal then, in 1826, came to 
Danville Township and entered eighty acres, in- 
eluding the eastern half of the southwestern quar- 
ter of section 27. It was heavily timbered land at 
the time, and he felled trees and erected "a hewed 
log house. He soon established a tannery, the first 
manufacturing industry within the limits of the 
county, lie continued its management several 
years, and in the meantime cleared a part of his 
land and engaged in farming. In the comfortable 
home that he built up by his unremitting and well 
directed toil his eyes closed to the scenes of earth, 
and a long and busy life was brought to an honor- 
able end. His wife also died there, surviving him 
only two years, and they who had walked the path 
of life together more than forty years were not 
long divided in death. Her maiden name was Sarah 
Howard, and she was born in Nelson County, Ky., 
in 1794. Her father, Samuel Howard, was a pio- 
neer of that State, and moving from there to Mad- 
ison, Jefferson Co., Ind.. he spent his last years in 
that place. Four of the children born to the par- 
ents of our subject grew to maturity, as follows: 
James, living in Georgetown Township; Perry; 
Nancy, wife of Lewis Ballah, a resident of Dan- 
ville Township; Cynthia, wife of Joel Bates, of 
Batestown. The father of our subject was a man 
of more than ordinal'}' intelligence, was gifted with 
a just, well balanced mind, was wise in council, 
and held a prominent place among his fellow pio- 
neers. In 1840 he was elected Coroner of the 
county, and held that office many years to the en- 
tire satisfaction of all people and classes. In early 
life he was a Whig with liberal views, and he was 
always bitterly opposed to slavery, and was one of 
the first Republicans. He was well acquainted with 
Lincoln and with other men of note. 

The subject of this biographical review spent his 
entire life here in his native county, and has been 
a witness of the greater part of its development 
from the wilderness to its present advanced state 
of civilization. He remembers well when the abo- 
riginal settlers of the soil made their home here, 
and when deer, turkeys and other kinds of wild 
game were plenty. Lafayette and Perrysville were 



the early markets, but after Chicago was founded 
his lather made an annual trip to that city with a 
team, taking wheat which he exchanged for house- 
hold supplies. The mother of our subject used to 
card and spin wool and flax, and made all the cloth 
and clothes used in the family, even making the 
thread with which the clothes were put together. 
Perry assisted his father on the farm, and attended 
the early schools that were taught on the subscrip- 
tion plan in a log house, with rude benches made 
of slabs with wooden pins for legs. In 1852 he 
commenced to work a tract of land in Vance Town- 
ship, which he and his father had entered from the 
gOA'ernment. He built a good frame house and 
improved 100 acres of land, and during that time 
making his home on the old homestead, lie now 
lias 180 acres of land under admirable tillage and 
capable of producing large crops, and he has elected 
a substantial, roomy set of frame buildings, and 
has everything about the place in good order, de- 
noting that he has been prospered in his calling, 
and is now in comfortable circumstances. 

Mr. O'Neal is a man of thrifty, industrious hab- 
its, and these with other notable traits have en- 
abled lii in to lay up a competence, so that as old 
age draws on apace it finds him well fortified against 
material want. He is numbered among the most 
estimable and highly respected citizens of his na- 
tive county, in whose development he has had a 
hand, and he merits the regard in which he is held. 
In his early years he was a Whig and cast his first 
vote for Gen. Taylor. Since the formation of the 
Republican party he has been a firm advocate of 
its principles. 



— v 






IJUft ITCHELL B. GOSSETT, is a leading, pros- 
/// 1\\ l )erous ' all, l energetic farmer of Sidell 
Ij ia Township. His farm consists of 160 acres 
"' on section 34, and there is not one that is 

better tilled in Vermilion Countjr. He purchased 
this farm in 18*1, when but partially improved, 
and the condition that it is now in speaks well for 
the owner. 

1 1 is father and mother, G. B. and Julia Gossett, 




. GENERAL Y1e'W from Jtu''Wkf'hf„ 




cJZaJ. ofzfa^m 

in Sea 33 24. 25. (T.St RJ2.) 
ANDSEC.I9 (T23-R.il.) 
740.JCRES. 

Grant Tonwship. 
Vermilion Co. III. 



benedict, Dsl. 



"Meadow Brook- Farm!' Residence of Watts Finley,Sec 




3. 2M. 25.(123. R.I 2.) and 5ec.I9.(T.23. R.11.J Grant Tp.Vermilion Co. 



PORTRAIT AM) BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



•141 



are natives of Highland County, Ohio, whene Lltey 
were married. In 1859 they removed to Edgar 
County, 111., where they are still residing, enjoying 
good health at a hale and hearly old age. The 
maternal grandfather served with distinguished 
ability in the War of 1812, and the ancestry on 
both sides of the house is an honorable one. 

Mitchell Oossett was born in Highland County, 
Ohio. July 24, 1848. His early childhood was 
spent in his native county, and there he began at- 
tending school. His first work was on a farm in 
Edgar County, III., where he finished his education. 
He remained at home until the year before he was 
married, which ceremony occurred March 15, 1882, 
the bride being Miss Josephine Mark, a native of 
Edgar County. Her parents, Antony and Ellen 
(IIoppus) Mark, removed to Edgar County from 
Ohio, and were among the early settlers of Edgar 
Township, of that county. They are both living, 
and are looking back upon a record of which the}' 
can be proud. 

.Mr. Gossett is a member of the Masonic frater- 
nity, belonging to Broad lands Lodge, of which he 
is a charter member. He believes that the Demo- 
cratic party is one which embodies correct political 
principles, and consequently he is an ardent sup- 
porter of the candidates of that organization. In 
business affairs Mr. Gossett exhibits rare sense and 
good judgment, and the condition of his farm and 
its surroundings is an exhibition of the fact that 
in the race of life, he has won. His home is always 
filled with cheerfulness, and everything in it de- 
notes the intelligence of those who occupy it. Mr. 
and Mrs. Gossett are uniformly in the front rank 
in anything that will lead to the betterment of so- 
ciety, and are ever willing lo aid the unfortunate 
in any manner they can. 



yfsATTS FINLEY. A residence of over 
fifty-four years in one county is usually 
W^S considered long enough to establish a man's 
character and standing among his fellow-citizens, 
and he naturally becomes a part and parcel of the 
community, with which, if he is at all worthy, it 
can scarcely dispense. If, as in the case of Mr. 
Finley, he has, by his industry and energy, accu- 



mulated enough property to considerably swell 
the amount of internal revenue, he should be con- 
sidered of no small importance as a tax-payer, and 
a prominent and useful citizen. A farm of 740 
acres located on sections 23, 24, and 25, township 

23, ranges 11 and 12, indicates the manner in which 
Mr. Finley has improved his time and talents. His 
residence is on section 24. ami his land is largely 
devoted to stock-raising, including cattle, horses 
and swine. 

Our subject first opened his eyes to the light 
near Lawrenceburg, in Ripley County. Ind., Nov. 

24, 1833, and m the early part of the following 
year, when about six months old, was brought by 
his parents to this county, they settling on a tract 
of land south of Danville. He remained a member 
of the parental household until some time after the 
parents passed away, they dying not many weeks 
apart, in 1853. In the spring of 1855, in company 
with his brother, Miller T., and his sister, Mrs. 
Capt. Frazier, he came to the farm which the for- 
mer now occupies, and where he lived four years. 
In 1859, April 17th, he was married to Miss 
Margaret Davis, and with his young wife took up 
his abode at his present homestead, having then 
purchased 240 acres of wild land. Of this union 
there have been born three children, of whom but 
two are living — Mary and Charles. The former is 
the wife of Alva M. Honeywell, formerly of Iro- 
quois County. The son remains at home with his 
parents. 

It lias required no small amount of labor and 
money to living the valuable Finley homestead to 
to its present condition, and this has been effected 
solely by the present proprietor, who has aimed to 
excel, ami it cannot be denied, has very nearly at- 
tained to the realization of his ambition. He has 
carefully avoided the responsibilities of political 
office, although a stanch supporter of Republican 
principles. Among his neighbors and fellow- 
townsmen he is well spoken of, which fact is as 
much to his credit as anything which can be said 
by the biographer. Every peaceable and law-abid- 
ing citizen who has aided in the development of 
this county, deserves recognition and the perpetua- 
tion of his name in its history. 

Mrs. Margaret (Davis) Finley was born in Ohio, 



442 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



April 16, 1834, and is the daughter of Amaziah 
Davis, who came to Illinois and located in Vermil- 
ion County during the period of its early settle- 
ment. He made farming his life occupation, and 
departed this life at his homestead about the year 
1881. Mrs. Davis is still living and a resident of 
Rossville. 

David Finley, the father of our subject, was a 
native of Kentucky, and married Miss Nancy 
Miller, either in Ohio or Indiana. They lived for 
some years in the Miami bottoms, then, in 1834, 
came to this county and located near the present 
site of Catlin. He died in 1853 at the age of sev- 
enty-three years. The wife and mother passed 
away when sixty-six years old. A handsome 
lithographic engraving of Mr. Finley's residence 
appears elsewhere in this volume. 



ESSE LIGGET. This veteran of eighty- 
four years retired some time since from the 
active labors of farm life, and is situated in 
a comfortable home in Muncie, where he 
often reviews the scenes of the past and the ardu- 
ous labors of a long life, during which he has prob- 
ably performed more downright hard work than 
any man within the precincts of Oakwood Town- 
ship. He received no educational advantages 
during his youth, having to bend his energies 
toward making a living, but has, from first to last, 
maintained the principles of honest}' and integ- 
rity, able to stand up before the world like Long- 
fellow's Milage Blacksmith "for he owes not any 
man." 

A native of the Old Dominion, Mr. Ligget was 
born in 180.'), and the following year his parents 
removed to Ohio, which had only been converted 
from a Territory into a State four years before. 
The country was in its primitive condition, the 
settlers being few anil far between, and the fam- 
ily endured all the hardships and difficulties of 
life on the frontier. Our subject was orphaned 
when a lad of twelve years by the death of 
both parents, who died in the same year, and 
without a guardian or assistance of any kind. 



he was thrown upon his own resources, and after- 
ward made his own way unaided in the world. 

John Ligget, the father of our subject, was a na- 
tive of Virginia, and married a maiden of his own 
county, Miss Susannah Bennett. They became the 
parents of eight children, and Jesse, our subject, 
is the only survivor of the family. After their 
settlement in Ohio, they were greatly annoyed by 
the Indians. It was never their lot to accumulate 
property, and, although they worked hard, they 
possessed little of this world's goods. 

Mr. Ligget never went to school a day in his life, 
but he grew up very industrious and frugal, and 
when eighteen years old purchased an old farm on 
credit, and four years later had it all paid for. He 
was then married to Miss Polly Coddiugton, who 
was born in Maryland, and who at the time of 
her marriage was only fifteen years old. They be- 
gan housekeeping on their little farm, worked hard 
and lived happily together until her death. There 
were born to them twelve children, eight of whom 
are still living. 

Wilson Ligget, the eldest son of our subject, 
married Miss Amanda Dysert; they live three 
miles northeast of Muncie, and have four chil- 
dren; Benjamin married Miss Mary Hughes, lives 
seven miles northeast of Muncie, and has eight 
children; Samuel married Miss Mary Barriekman; 
they live two and one-half miles west of New- 
town, and have one child; Jesse, Jr., married 
Miss Sadie Warner, and lives on the Middle Fork; 
they have four children: Naomi is the wife of 
Levin Vinson, and they live in Pleasant Grove 
Hall; they have no children. Mary was first mar- 
ried to Hugh Louman, who died, leaving his 
widow with two children; she was then married to 
Johnson Gammel, and lives in Danville; of this 
union there have been born four children; Susan, 
the wife of John MeYicker. lives in Danville, and 
has three children; Anna, Mrs. Asbury Young, 
lives in Indiana, and has four children. 

The second wife of Mr. Ligget was Susan Dy- 
sert, who died about 1880 without children. In 
1881 he was married to Mrs. Mahala Bloom field. 

Our subject came to Illinois in 1836, and lo- 
cated on eighty acres of land one mile northeast of 
Newtown. In due time he purchased 160 acres, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



44.3 



then at two different times added forty acres to 
his farm, later purchased another quarter-section, 
and finally was the owner of 600 acres. He has 
given all of his boys and two of his girls forty acres 
each, besides other property, and is still the owner 
of 400 acres, all in Vermilion County. He raises 
cattle and swine in goodly numbers, and derives 
therefrom a handsome income. In his old age he 
is situated in a comfortable residence at Muncie, 
and takes great satisfaction in reviewing the scenes 
of other years. 

Mr. Ligget cast his first Presidential vote for 
Gen. Jackson, and continued a member of the 
Democratic party until Abraham Lincoln was 
made the candidate of the Republicans. Being 
personally acquainted with honest old Abe, and 
greatly admiring his character, he could not very 
well do otherwise than vote for him, and since 
thai time has been identified with tin' party which 
made Lincoln President. He has served as School 
Director in his district, and been a member of the 
Christian Church since 1830. Prior to this he had 
united with the Methodist Episcopal Church. He 
has met with some severe accidents during his 
battle with the world, having once had his feet 
badly mashed, his leg broken twice, and his left 
ankle broken twice. This has left him a cripple, 
but lias not impaired the activity of his mind, 
which is still callable of recalling many of the in- 
teresting events of other days. 



SHOMAS GUTHRIK. The early pioneers of 




it}' will be held in grateful reinein- 
lg after they have been gathered 
to their fathers. The hardships and privations 
which they endured during the first settlement of 
this county, and the result of their labors, are at 
the present day receiving greater recognition than 
ever before, as the fact is becoming evident that 
they are passing away, and what we learn of them 
must be gathered at once, and put in a shape which 
may be preserved for future generations. The 
sturdy old veteran with whose name we introduce 
this sketch, is a man of sixty-seven years, and one 



of the earliest settlers of Illinois, living in Edgar 
County before locating in Sidell Township, this 
county, of which In; is now a resident. The story 
of his life is one of remarkable interest, and the 
scenes which he has witnessed during his sojourn in 
the West, could they be told by himself, would 
make a most readable volume. 

A man's antecedents are always of interest, espe- 
cially in the case of him who has distinguished 
himself as a citizen of more than ordinary merit. 
The parents of our subject were George and Mar- 
garet Guthrie, natives of the town of Inniskillen, 
County Fermanagh, Ireland. The}' emigrated 
to America when quite young, settling in Penn- 
sylvania, where they were married and after- 
ward made their home, thirty miles south of Pitts- 
burg, in Washington County. There they became 
the parents of eleven children, viz: William, John, 
Christine, Thomas, Mary, Andrew, Eliza; Cather- 
ine, who died at the age of twenty-eight years; 
James, who died when thirty years old; Sarah J. 
and George. The last mentioned son went to New 
Mexico, where he lived five years, and became a 
leading merchant at Richmond, in Grant County. 
The station of Guthrie, on the the Lawrenceburg 
& Clifton Railroad, was named after him. He was 
elected Justice of the Peace, and in the course of 
his duties rendered judgment against a desperado 
who afterward murdered him in his store. There 
was a requisition for the assassin from Arizona, to 
which place he was la ken and hung for a murder com- 
mitted in that territory. George Guthrie was mar- 
ried, and left his widow with one child, a daughter, 
Ettie. 

Miss Eli/.a Guthrie became the wife of Robert 
Black, and died at the age of forty years, in this 
county, leaving .six children — Maggie. Clara, John, 
William, Samuel and George. A sketch of An- 
drew Guthrie, the next child, will be found else- 
where in this volume; Mary became the wife of 
Thomas Metcalf, and died when about twenty -seven 
years old, in Mohican County, Ohio, leaving one 
child, James; Christine married Samuel Marshall, 
and died at Palermo, at the age of fifty-eight years, 
leaving two children. Aimer J. and Maggie: John 
died in Sidell Township in LS.S4. leaving six chil- 
dren — Maggie, Mary, Renna, Charles, Irving and 



444 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Emma, by his second wife, and one child, Samuel, 
by his first wife; William died in Effingham 
County, this .State, at the age of sixty-two years, 
leaving three children — Thomas, William and Mar- 
garetta; Sarah J. is the wife of George Powell, 
and they have four children — Irving, Mary, Ilattie 
and Oscar. 

The subject of this sketch was born Aug. 11. 
1822, in Washington County, Pa., where he received 
a limited education, and was reared to man's estate. 
Upon reaching his majority he commenced working 
out by the month, and later wisely devoted a por- 
tion of his earnings to adding to his fund of learn- 
ing, attending the academy at Merrittstown, Pa., 
where he pursued his studies with such good suc- 
cess that he became fitted for a teacher, and fol- 
lowed this profession four years in Washington 
Count}', and one year in Greene County. Later he 
engaged as a drover, buying stock in Western 
Pennsylvania, and driving through to New York 
and Philadelphia. He also handled a great many 
sheep, selling them principally in Lancaster County, 
Pa. 

In 1854, desirous of establishing a home of his 
own. Thomas Guthrie was married to Miss Chris- 
tian Keys. <if Fayette County, Pa. Subsequently 
he engaged to drive 1,600 sheep to Danville, this 
county, which trip he made successfully, and he has 
continued to handle stock since that time, being 
one of the* pioneers of the business in this section, 
and making of it an art and a science. In the 
meantime he has operated extensively as a grain- 
raiser, and has shipped hundreds of car loads of 
both grain and stock to Cincinnati, Ohio, Chicago, 
III., and Indianapolis, Ind. life resided for a num- 
ber of years near Palermo, in Edgar County, and 
shipped from Hume. In the meantime he was 
quite prominent in local affairs, serving as Assessor 
and Collector seven years. He takes a warm in- 
terest in politics, and is well known as an active 
member of the Democratic party. He has served 
as Justice of the Peace three terms in Edgar County, 
and one term in this county. 

During the progress of the Civil War Mr. Guth- 
rie enlisted as a Union soldier in Company K, 
125th Illinois Infantry, being mustered into serv- 
ice at Danville Oct. 2, 1862 for three years. The 



boys comprising Company K, were mainly from 
Catlin and Carroll townships. Mr. Guthrie en- 
listed as a private, drilled at Covington, Ky., and 
met the enemy in battle at Chaplin Hill, and at 
Murfreeshoro in January, 1863. After the first 
mentioned he was promoted to Sergeant, and later 
served with the Provost Guards at Nashville. 
Mr. Outline was sent out as a scout nine miles 
south of Nashville to a place called Brentwood, 
where he received an injury from a shot, and suf- 
fered greatly for some time, when it was thought 
he would never recover. He received his honora- 
ble discharge at Nashville Oct. 30, 1863, on ac- 
count of his wound. 

The three children of Mr. and Mrs. Guthrie — 
George B., Hugh, and Sarah J.- — are all at home 
with their parents. The latter are members of the 
Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Sidell Town- 
ship, in which Mr. Guthrie is an Elder and Trustee, 
also an active Sunday-school worker, and contrib- 
uted liberally to the erection of the church edifice. 
He officiates as guardian of the children left 
by the decease of Dr. Keys, of Hume, and has offi- 
ciated as administrator of other estates of Dr. Keys- 
He has also been Justice of the Peace, and his de- 
cisions have been uniformly sustained. A simple, 
plain, straightforward man, his object in life has 
been to do good as he has had opportunity. He is 
one who has made man}' warm personal friends, 
and one who, in both his public and private life, 
bears an irreproachable character. 

JOSEPH P.. COOK. This well-to-do and en- 
terprising citizen, still on the sunny side of 
forty, owns and operates a well-regulated 
(i®/' farm on section 13, in Elwood Township, of 
which he is a native and where he has thus far 
spent his life. He was orphaned by the death of 
his parents when he was quite young, and is thus 
not as familiar with the history of his progenitors 
as he would desire. Nature endowed him with 
those qualities of character by which he has been 
enabled to attain to a worthy manhood and secure 
the respect and confidence of all who know him. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



145 



Our subject was born Sept. 29, 1851, and is the 
son of J. Riley Cook, who was born in this county. 
The paternal grandfather, Zimri Cook, was one of 
the pioneers of Central Illinois, and here spent his 
last days. J. Riley Cook departed this life when 
Joseph P>.. our subject, was a lad of live years. 
The mother of the latter had died when he was an 
infant. He was then taken into the home of his 
uncle, Joshua Thornton, the husband of his mother's 
sister, and Mr. Thornton died when young Cook 
was a lad of fifleen years. 

Our subject, after the death of his uncle Thorn- 
ton, began working- for himself, and afterward, de- 
sirous of adding to his store of knowledge, attended 
Bloomingdale Academy, under the instruction of 
Prof. Hobbs, in 1870-71. In 1875-7G he attended 
Vermilion Grove Academy and afterward turned 
his attention to farming pursuits, lie is the owner 
of tifty-one acres of good land, and has charge of 
forty more belonging to his mother-in-law. He 
was married April 5, 1883, to Miss Sicily E., 
daughter of David and Miriam (Mills) Haworth, 
the former deceased and the latter living in Elwood 
Township. John Mills, the maternal grandfather 
of Mrs. Cook, was a native of North Carolina, and 
removed to Ross Creek, East Tenn., prior to the 
War of is 12. There his daughter Miriam was 
born, . I line 12, 1809, and came with her parents to 
this county in 1822, arriving here the day she was 
thirteen years old. 

The Mills family settled in the northwest quarter 
of section 23, range 12. township 17, Elwood 
Township, after a journey attended with many dif- 
ficulties. There were various swamps along the 
route, anil when four or five miles south of Quaker 
l'oint the teams were unable to proceed. Miriam, 
with two of her sisters, together witli Ann Haworth 
and Nancy l'.iggs, all young girls, left the wagons 
and walked to the Point, while the teams and the 
men. women and little children were left to follow 
as best they could. They reached Jonathan 11a- 
worth's about dark, lie was located near Quaker 
Point, just across the State line, in this county. In 
due time the travelers extricated themselves and 
proceeded on their journey. 

John Mills settled among the Indians and wild 
animals, and entered four and one-fourth sections 



of land, where he put np a round-log cabin, with 
a puncheon floor, a huge fireplace in one end of 
the room, with a stick-and-clay chimney outside 
and a clapboard roof. The house contained only 
one room, but there was a Loft, in which the boys 
slept. The nearest trading point was at Terre 
Haute, In d., and the pioneers went to mill on Sugar 
Creek, in Parke Count)', End., with ox teams. Deer 
were numerous, the settlers being enabled to kill 
them almost at their own door. The wolves made 
night dismal with their howling, and the chickens. 
pigs and sheep had to be securely housed in order 
to save them. The woods were full of bee trees 
and there was an abundanee of wild fruit. This 
section of the country at that time w-as almost lit- 
erally a land flowing with milk and honey, but 
there was much sickness. The death of Hannah 
Mills was the first which occurred in the township. 
She died in the summer of 1823, and her remains 
were the first to be buried in what is now Vermilion 
Grove Cemetery. 

The first wedding in Elwood Township was that 
of Andrew Wagerman and Tab it ha Lyons. There 
came with the family of John Mills, Mr. James 
Haworth and his family, to whose son. David A., 
Miss Miriam was married, and became the mother 
of eleven children. These all lived to mature 
years, and were named, respectively: Wilison, 
Clay borne, Maria (deceased), James W., Elvin, 
John (deceased), Mary J., Beriah. Horace, Sicily 
and Linley. Mr. Haworth died about fifteen years 
ago; Mrs. Haworth makes her home with her chil- 
dren, and is remarkably active and healthy for one 
of her years. She has been a life-long member of 
t he Society of Friends, to which Mr. Cook, our 
subject, and his wife also belong. 




OBERT M. KNOX. 11 oopeston, soon after 
being laid out, became the home of a 



goodly number of solid and substantial 
^) men, to whom it owes its progress aud 
prosperity. Among them came Mr. Knox, in Sep- 
tember of 1871. a young man. active and enter- 
prising, and who has proved one of its most valued 



146 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



citizens. He is now engaged in the real estate, 
loan and insurance business, and has become well- 
known to a large portion of the people of this lo- 
cality. He is regarded as a man who can be de- 
pended upon in all his transactions for honesty and 
integrity, and has a well-equipped office located on 
Market street. 

The native place of our subject was in Salt 
Creek Township, Wayne Co.. Ohio, where his birth 
occurred Jan. 14, 1840. He there spent the days 
of his boyhood and youth, attending the public 
school, and later pursued his studies at Havesville 
Institute, in Ashland County. Upon leaving school 
he commenced learning the trade of carriage-maker 
and was occupied at this business until the second 
year of the Rebellion. On the 7th of August, 
1 862, under the call of President Lincoln for '"300- 
000 more," he enlisted in Company II, 102d Ohio 
Infantry, and served most of the time in the Army 
of the Cumberland. He remained in the army two 
years, and then, on account of disability, was 
obliged to accept his honorable discharge in De- 
cember, 18C4. 

Upon leaving the army Mr. Knox for a time 
resumed his studies in the institute before men- 
tioned. Thence he came to Paxton, Ford County. 
this State, in 1865, and was engaged in teaching- 
one year. Subsequently he taught in winter, and 
farmed in. the summer season. He also traveled a 
part of the time for the Illinois Central Insurance 
Company, of Decatur, and was thus occupied until 
coining to this county in the fall of 1871. He now 
became interested in grain, and associated himself 
with a partner, and they, under the firm name of 
Given & Knox, began operations when there were 
only four or five buildings upon the present site of 
Hoopeston, and when thirty or forty men were 
obliged to sleep in a large store room in pro- 
cess of construction, making their beds upon the 
shavings as there were no other lodgings to be 
had. This firm was the second of the kind in the 
place. Before winter set in there had been erected 
enough buildings to accommodate all the people. 

An estimate of the rapid progress of business in 
the embryo village of Hoopeston at this time, can 
be had when it is learned that the first day the 
weighing scales were in operation there was a train 



of wagons waiting for three blocks, as thick as 
the}' could stand, sometimes as many as 100 in 
a day. and from that time on the grain business es- 
pecially was prosperous. Our subject and his 
partner, after making a snug little sum of money, 
sold out, and Mr. Knox became interested in real 
estate, which kept him very busy as long as town 
lots were in demand. Later he began operating as 
a money lender. He also has charge of property 
of many who are non-residents. He has meddled 
very little in political affairs, otherwise than to 
give his support to the principles of the Repub- 
lican and Prohibition parties. He has for many 
years Lad charge of the Cemetery Association, of 
which he is Secretary, and officiates in the same 
capacity for the Building Association. Whether 
in connection with these or any other body, he has 
a thorough contempt for wire working, and for 
any corporation which shall take advantage of the 
people. 

Nearly twenty-four years ago, in October, 1865, 
our subject was united in marriage with Miss Mary 
J. Given, and to them there were born three chil- 
dren, of whom two are living — Lulu B. and Ed- 
ward. The daughter is at Monmouth, Col., and 
the son is at home with his father. Mrs. Mary J. 
Knox departed this life at her home in Hoopeston, 
Aug. 10. 1875. She was born near New Concord, 
Muskingum Co., Ohio, and is the daughter of 
David Given, who came to Illinois in the fall of 
1864. 

Mr. Knox, in June, 1880, contracted a second 
marriage with Miss Jennie M. Bruce, of Wooster, 
Ohio, who was born in 1841). Of this union there 
are two children, a son, Robert R., and an infant 
daughter. Andrew J. Knox, the father of our 
subject, was born in Wayne County, Ohio, in 
1818, and was there reared to manhood and mar- 
ried to Miss Mar}- J. Richards, about 1837. They 
lived on a farm in that county probably ten years, 
the father in the meantime also operating as a 
blacksmith. He is now retired from active labor, 
and makes his home in Fredericksburg, Ohio. The 
wife and mother died while a young woman, in 
1844. leaving three children. The elder Knox was 
subsequently twice married. He has officiated as 
an Elder of the Presbyterian Church nearly half a 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



447 



century, and as a Sunday-school Superintendant 
twenty-five years. 

Robert M. Knox, like his father before him, has 
been dtlfgent in church work, holding the office of 
Elder in the United Presbyterian Church at Hoop- 
eston, and being connected with the Sunday-school 
as Superintendent and Assistant for many years, 
lie is quiet and unassuming in his manners, and 
avoids placing himself before the public in an os- 
tentatious way. perferring to transact his business 
with little noise or display. He has occupied many 
positions of trust and responsibility in connection 
with property matters, and enjoys in a marked 
degree the confidence am' esteem of those with 
whom he has had dealings. 




AMUEL DALBEY. In every community 
there are lives which run still but deep, 
the lives of men who perhaps make but lit- 
tle stir in the world, anil yet who are pos- 
sessed of those qualities which have a sensible in- 
fluence upon the people by whom they are sur- 
rounded, and an influence uniformly good. The 
fact that Mr. Dalhey probably has not an enemy in 
this community speaks well for his general charac- 
ter, habits and disposition, and he is recognized as 
a member of society who has contributed to its 
best interests as he has had opportunity, a father 
who has been faithful in the training and educa- 
tion of his children, and a neighbor uniformly 
kind, generous and obliging. He is conservative 
in politics on National questions, casting his vote 
with the Democratic party, but in local elections is 
not governed by party lines, aiming to support the 
men whom he considers best qualified to serve the 
interests of the people. In his younger years he 
was frequently sent as a delegate to the various 
Democratic conventions and did some good work 
for the advancement of his party. "The boys" as 
he.calls his brothers, are equally divided between 
the two great political parties. 

The biographer found Mr. Dalbey pleasantly lo- 
cated on a snug farm occupying a partof section 5 
in Oak wood Township, and comprising 160 acres 



of finely improved land besides fifteen acres of 
i timber. He has himself erected most of the build- 
ings and effected nearly all of the improvements 
on the place. lie makes a specialty of fine draft 
I horses, and in company with his son. Verner R., 
owns the imported horse. '-Plowshare," a son of the 
celebrated -Plow-boy. " of England, which was 
brought over in .March. 1887, and is registered in 
i the English stud book. They have in all about forty 
head of horses and a herd of thorough-bred Short- 
horn cattle. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Randolph 
County, Ind., Oct. 12. 1829, and is the son of 
Aaron and Nancy (Wright) Dalbey. who were na- 
tives respectively of Pennsylvania and Indiana, the 
father born in 1797, and by trade a mill-wrio-ht 
and general mechanic. He served in the War of 
1812, and came to Illinois in 1831, from Randolph 
County. Ind. He settled on the farm now owned 
by George Jones, and the year later later purchased 
300 acres of land comprising ihe present farm of 
John McFarland and lived there until his decease, 
which took place in 1855. He was a prominent 
man in his community and erected the old mill lo- 
cated on South Fork. He was three times mar- 
ried, having five children by the first, two by the 
second, and four now living by the third wife. 
Our subject was the child of his second marriage, 
and is the only one living of that union. Mrs. 
Nancy (Wright) Dalbey, the mother of our subject, 
died in this county in 1833. 

The boyhood days of our subject were spent 
mostly in this county to which his parents came 
where he was a mere child. He studied his firsl 
lessons in the old log school house with its stick 
chimney, slabs for seats and desks and greased pa- 
per for window panes, and therein learned the 
mysteries of reading, writing and ciphering. He 
attended school only about three months in the 
winter until he was twenty years of age. The 
country was very thinly settled and Indians still 
roamed over it. Our subject remained on the farm 
and worked with his father a year after reaching 
his majority. He was married Dec. 28, 1851, to 
Mis-. Sarah C. Watts, then rented his father's farm, 
one year and afterward rented a farm one mile 
north of the present site of Fithian. at a time when 



IIS 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



there was hut one house between him and Burr Oak 
Grove. 

Industry and economy on the part of our sub- 
ject soon bore their legitimate fruits, and in due 
time he was enabled to purchase 120 acres of land. 
the farm upon which Owen MeKnight now lives. 
Two years later, however, he sold it, and his father 
having died, returned to the old homestead and 
lived with his step-mother for two years. In 
1857, crossing the Mississippi with his family, he 
took up his residence in Lawrence, Kan., during 
the early struggles in that Territory and cast his 
vote for the admission of Kansas into the Union as 
a free State. lie returned through Illinois and in 
the fall of that same year settled in Warren County, 
Ind., but a year later came back to Illinois and 
purchased the interest of one of the Cass heirs in 
the well-known farm of that name, which he occu- 
pied four years and which is situated near the Cass 
School-house. Upon selling that property he pur- 
chased his present farm. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Dalbey there have been born 
seven children, the eldest of whom, a son, Franklin 
married Miss Seals; they have four children, and 
live one mile north of Fithian. Theresa A. R., is 
the wife of James Bantz; they have four children, 
and live just south of Muncie. Verner R., mar- 
ried Miss Sarah Lucas, is the father of rive children 
and lives on the Fox farm; Mary E., remains at 
home with her parents. The next born were twins 
Ophelia and Otis. The former is at home; Otis 
married Miss Franie Henry, is the father of one 
child and lives southeast of Muncie; Rosa, the 
youngest, continues under the home roof. Mr. 
and Mrs. Dalbey and all their children, are mem- 
bers of the Baptist Church, in which Mr. Dalbey 
officiates as Deacon, and all are actively interested 
in the Sunday-school. In his district Mr. Dalbey 
has served as School Director and Trustee, and 
socially he belongs to the Masonic fraternity, be- 
ing a member of Newtown Lodge. 

Mrs. Dalbey was the second child of her parents 
— John and Nancy (Jones) Watts, and was born 
Sept. 5, 1821). Her father was a farmer by occu- 
pation in Fountain County, Ind., and died when 
lii> daughter, Sarah C was a mere child. The 
seven children comprising the parental household 



all lived to mature years. Sarah like her brothers 
and sisters, acquired her education in the subscrip- 
tion schools and developed into a teacher, follow- 
ing this profession some years before her marriage 
in Indiana. In due time she came to Illinois on a 
visit to her uncle Joseph Jones, who was a pioneer of 
this county and owned the farm where the village 
of Muncie is now located. After his death his 
widow sold the property to Edwin Corbley. In 
the meantime Mrs. Dalbey was married to our sub- 
ject. 

The house of Aaron Dalbey in those days was the 
best structure of the kind in the neighborhood 
and the only one for years which had glass 
window panes. It was a struggle for the farmers 
to support their families and make both ends meet, 
as corn in the crib would only sell for six and a 
fourth cents per bushel on a year's time. Our sub- 
ject has hauled shelled corn to Fairmount for six- 
teen cents per bushel. 



■4*- 



->J!/. 



7 7|f- 



■^r 



ffi OHN I. McDOWELL is one of the leading 
young men of Sidell Township. He is the 
son of Archibald McDowell, one of the early 
[fig^ ,' settlers of Vermilion County, and is the 
worthy son of a worthy sire. He has many ster- 
ling qualities that place him in the front rank in 
point of popularity. It always speaks well of any 
man in a community who is spoken of by name in 
an endearing manner, and the subject of this sketch 
is known as '•Johnnie" McDowell, which appella- 
tion exhibits the popularity he enjoys with the cit- 
izens of Archie and Sidell, and in fact in all this 
portion of Vermilion County, as well as a part of 
Edgar County. 

Mr. McDowell was born Nov. 23, 1861, on the 
old homestead, and is the first child by his father's 
second wife. His parents are both living, whose 
biography appears in another part of this Album. 
lie received his early impressions of business on a 
farm, and was taught that if a thing is worth doing 
at all, it is worth doing well, and this principle has 
been his guiding star. He obtained his education 
at the common schools, and being a bright scholar, 





.JV.M1DJ 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



151 



soon advanced to the head, until, at the age of 
twenty years, he became a Vermilion County 
teacher, conducting his first school in District No. 
I, in Sidell Township. Here he was remarkably suc- 
cessful, as his kind ways and persuasive methods 
endeared him to ail his pupils. When he became 
of age he engaged in the general merchandise bus- 
iness at Archie, and from the start has enjoyed a 
large and profitable trade, a distinction he lias 
reached by reason of his fair dealings and manly 
methods. It would not be exaggeration to say his 
store was as well patronized as any other for miles 
around. But a disastrous fire which was attended 
with considerable loss destroyed his store building 
and stock, and since this he has directed li is atten- 
tion to teaching during the winter months and 
assisting on the old homestead in summer time, 
a fact which illustrates his capacity for turning 
tn anything which circumstances throw in his way. 
Mr. McDowell is a member of Peace Dale 
Lodge, I. O.O, F., which is located at Sidell, and 
is an enthusiastic Odd Fellow. In his political 
views lie is a Democrat, and is an ardent advocate 
of anything that will honorably promote the inter- 
ests of his party. Being public spirited and popu- 
lar it is a safe prediction to make that John I. Mc- 
Dowell is a rising man. 

<^T LPHONSO T. ARBUCKLE, A. M., M. D., 

D. D. S., one of the oest established phy- 
sicians and surgeons of this county, was 
born in Symmes Township, Edgar County, 
this State, Dec. 20, 1856, and is the son of Samuel 
Ross Arbuckle, a native of Knox County. Ohio. 
His paternal grandfather, Samuel Ross Arbuckle, 
Sr.. was born in West Virginia and was the son of 
Samuel Arbuckle. a native of Scotland. '1 lie latter 
emigrated to America at an early day, when a .young 

niaii. and settling in the Old D i n ion was there 

married to a lady whose name was Elizabeth Berry. 
lie engaged in fanning pursuits and became the 
father of seventeen sons and three daughters. His 
son. Samuel R., Sr., was reared in his native county 
and married Miss Rebecca Meacher, a native of 




that State and of Scotch-Irish ancestry. They em- 
igrated to Ohio during the pioneer days of Knox 
County, and sojourned there until 1827. They 
then changed their residence to Symmes, Hamilton 
Co., Ohio, where Grandfather Arbuckle kept a ho- 
tel known as the •■Sixteen Mile Stand." 

This property is now owned by our subject. 
There were then no railroads in Ohio, and Grand- 
father Arbuckle engaged in teaming from Cincin- 
nati to Logansport and Indianapolis, driving six 
horses to a vehicle, and transporting general mer- 
chandise. He died in 1875 at the advanced age of 
eighty-two years. Many and great were the 
changes which he witnessed in his adopted State 
where he lived to see the country developed from a 
wilderness into farms, villages and cities, with the 
iron horse rushing across the hills and valleys, 
which when he settled among them had been scarcely 
disturbed by the foot of a white man. 

Grandmother Arbuckle passed away one year 
prior to the decease of her husband, dying in 1874. 
They reared nine children — four sons and. five 
daughters — and Samuel Ross, Jr., the father of 
our subject, was six years old when they took up 
their abode in Hamilton County, Ohio, lie was 
there reared to man's estate and in 1851 came to 
Edgar Count} 7 , 111., where he lived one year, then 
removed to Macon County, sojourning there tvro 
years; at the expiration of this time he returned 
to Edgar in limited circumstances, the removal 
having been made overland with teams, to Symmes 
Township. Edgar Co., 111. There the father of out- 
subject purchased a. sawmill which he operated while 
clearing the timber from his land. At the time 
of his settlement in Illinois there was but one store 
upon the present site of Paris. He put up a log 
house containing one room and in that the subject 
of this sketch was born. The father is still living 
and is a resident of Embarrass Township, Edgar 
County, III. He now owns a farm of 520 acres, 
embellished with line buildings and well stocked 
and there is every reason to suppose will spend 
his declining years amid all the comforts of life. 

Mrs. Lamanda (Vandervert) Arbuckle, the 
mother of our subject, was born in 1829 in F.i\ette 
County, Pa., and is the daughter of .lames and 
Margaret. Vandervert. Her family consisted of live 



to 2 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



children : The eldest daughter, Medora, became the 
wife of Zolora Green, and they reside in Oakland. 
Coles Co., 111. Alphonso T., our subject, was the 
second born; Byron E., occupies the home farm in 
Edgar County, 111.; .Tames L., is a traveling sales- 
man; Walter V. is pursuing his studies in the Wes- 
leyan University at Bloomington, III. 

Our subject was reared in his native county and 
acquired his classical education in Paris, 111., being 
a graduate from the High School there in 187G 
with the degree of A. M. There also he began the 
study of medicine in 1881 with Dr. William II. 
Tenhroeck, with whom he remained two years. lie 
next entered Rush Medical College. Chicago, from 
which, after a three years' course, he graduated in 
ls.si;. Two years of this time he practiced in 
Cook County Hospital, and in the winter of 1885 
and 188G gave his attention especially to dental 
surgery and was graduated. He commenced the 
practice of his profession at Sidell on the 8th of 
March, of that year, and eighteen months later 
came to Danville, of which he has since been a res- 
ident and where he has built up an extensive and 
lucrative practice. He is popular among all classes 
anil gives that conscientious attention to the de- 
tails of his calling which invariably brings success. 
Dr. Arbuckle was married Dec. 14, 1877, at tde 
bride's home in Sidell Township, this county, to 
Miss Mary E. Rowand. Mrs. Arbuckle was born 
near Springfield, Ohio, in 18(51, and is the daugh- 
ter of Rev. Edward and Margaret Rowand. the 
former deceased, while the mother still survives, 
and lives in Sidell. The Doctor and his wife 
occupy a neat home at No. 821 East Fairchild 
street, and enjoy the acquaintance of the best people 
of the city. Our subject is a member of the 
Medical Alumni Association of Chicago, and occu- 
pies a position in the front ranks of the fraternity 
in this part of the State. He meddles very little 
with political matters, aside from casting his vole 
for the man of his choice. 

Mrs. Arbuckle is considered one of the most ac- 
complished ladies in Danville, being a graduate of 
a literary school, in which she ranked among the 
best of the pupils, being ambitious in her studies 
and quick to learn, while her retentive memory 
easily retained what it once grasped. She is also 



considered an expert in all kinds of fancy work, 
and is a graduate of a fine art school. She occu- 
pies a front rank in the best society of the town she 
makes her home, and is welcomed into the most 
select circles, which her education and refinement 
fit her to adorn. 

Mr. Arbuckle is represented elsewhere in this 
volume by a fine portrait, which perpetuates the 
features of a man well-known and highly respected 
among the entire community. 



OALVIN STEARNS is one of the good citi- 
, zens and prudent farmers whose industry 
and perseverance have placed him in an en- 
viable position in his community. He is the third 
child of Harvey and Fannie (Lockwood) Stearns 
and was born in Pickaway County. Ohio, Oct. 28, 
1820, and when he was twelve years of age re- 
moved with his parents to Illinois, locating in Ver- 
milion County, where he has since resided. 

In those early days education was considered a sec- 
ondary necessity. If the parents of the pioneer boy- 
had no work for him to do, he was sent to school, 
but on the other hand, if he was needed at home 
for anything at all, the school was neglected. Mr. 
Stearns was a typical pioneer boy. His limited 
schooling was received in the old-fashioned log 
school house and under the inspiration of the ever 
present birch rod. But despite all these difficulties 
he has accumulated knowledge enough to entitle 
him to be called a fairly educated man. The elder 
Stearns built a sawmill on Salt Fork, and there 
Calvin worked until he left home, which was at 
the time of his marriage — in 1 8P3 — taking for his 
wife Miss Priscilla Lee, a daughter of Henry Lee, 
and a sister to Mrs. Alvin Stearns. The young couple 
began house-keeping in a small frame house on the 
old homestead, where his father gave him eighty 
acres of timber. Mrs. Stearns died .Tune 10, 1850, 
leaving one daughter, Eveline. In 1853 Mr. 
Stearns took for his second wife Mary Rogers. He 
then purchased his present place and improved it 
by building a house and the necessary outbuild- 
ings, and planting trees. By his last union Mr. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALEUM. 



i:,:; 



Stearns was the father of a daughter — Mary II., 
who married Francis Cronkhite, who lives two miles 
and a half northeast of Muncic, III. They have 
Ave children. Mr. Steams' second wife died in Octo- 
ber, 1859 and her mother lived with him as house- 
keeper until his third marriage, which occurred in 
1867 to Clarinda Cronkhite. By this marriage he is 
the father of two children — one hoy and one girl, 
William C. and Lilley M., both of whom are un- 
married and live at home. 

Mr. Stearns cultivates eighty acres of fine prai- 
rie land and owns nineteen acres of timber. His 
farm is a model one, though not extensive, and 
everything connected with it denotes thrift and in- 
telligence. He has been a sufferer financially by 
reason of his good nature in indorsing a note for a 
friend who betrayed his confidence, and while he has 
had a hard time to recover from the effects of this 
swindle, he nevertheless is prospering. The office 
of School Director has been held by him, a position 
in which he has given satisfaction. Mr. Stearns is 
a member of the German Baptist Church and his 
wife also worships in the same faith. He is a mem- 
ber of Homer Lodge of Masons, and politically is 
conservative, but always votes the Republican 
ticket at the National elections, and in local affairs 
chooses those for the office whom he knows are 
good men. regardless of political alliiliations. 




. N'THONV LEK ANKRUM is a genial, 
tJli whole-Spuled farmer and stock-raiser of 
El wood Township, where he owns n line 
farm on section 29. His father, David, 
was born in Virginia, whence he removed to Bel- 
mont County, Ohio, in the early days of the Re- 
public. He was a weaver by trade, his specialty 
being table linen, coverlets, etc. Anthony still lias 
some of the coverlets his father manufactured and 
which he considers very valuable as heirlooms. 

The grandfather, Archibald Ankrum, was a na- 
tive of the north of Ireland and emigrated to 
America when a young married man. Anthony's 
uncle. George Ankrum. was a soldier who made a 
g 1 record in the warof 1812. The grandfather 



had three sons, George, David and John. The lat- 
ter went to New Orleans and was never heard from. 
Anthony's mother was a daughter of Robert Boak, 
and her name was Abigail. She was the mother 
of thirteen children, seven of whom are living: 
George W., Anthony Lee, John, Ehvood, David, 
Wesley and Harrison. One son. Asa, whose biog- 
raphy is printed in this work, died, leaving a fam- 
ily; another son, Allen, passed away in his nine- 
teenth year; the good mother died on Feb. 18, 
1857, while the father survived until Feb. 16, 
1807. 

Anthony' L. Ankrum was born in Belmont 
County, Ohio, on Sept. 1*, 1828. He was married 
to Miss Lydia A. Smith, on Aug. 31, 1854. She 
was the daughter of Isaac Smith, a native of 
Greene County. East Tennessee, and a prominent 
citizen of his county. lie was born in Berkley Co., 
Va., Feb. 18, 1832. Her mother was Martha Ross, 
daughter of Enos Ross. He went out on the first 
boat that ever floated on the Ohio River. The 
vessel was lost and Mr. Ross was never heard 
from. 

Mrs. Ankrum's parents have seven children: 
William and Mary (deceased), David, Hannah. 
John. Mrs. Ankrum and Isaac. Mr. and Mis. 
Ankrum were the parents of six children, two of 
whom are living: Martha E. and William B.; one 
daughter. Allie B., died after she had attained ma- 
turity; she was married to Charles Foster, and left 
one child, who has since died. ( (neson, Harry L.died 
in his twenty-first year; he was physically disabled 
and a graduate of the Ridge Farm High School; he 
had just begun teaching school, having taught one 
term when he died. Martha married James Fletcher 
(for a record of her children see sketch of John 
Fletcher). William B. married Alice Barker; he 
lives with his father and assists in managing the 
old homestead. 

Mr. Ankrum owns 186 acres of land and is en- 
gaged in general farming and stock-raising. He 
has on his farm a line herd of graded cattle and 
also a lot of Poland-China hogs, each one of which 
would be a prize winner. He takes great pride in 
raising ami feeding his stock, and out of them he 
makes a great deal of money. His farming opera- 
tions have been very successful, and since he has 



454 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



come here be has been devoted to Ills business. 
His first place of settlement was with 1 1 is parents, 
in 1S38, at Yankee Point, in Flwood Township, 
where he has resided continuously since. His wife 
emigrated to this township in 1836, locating near 
Georgetown, where her parents both died. Her 
father passed away when he was fifty-two years 
old, while her mother died in December, 1874. 

Mr. Ankrum is a stalwart Republican in politics, 
though he never has sought office of any sort. He 
has held the position of Road Overseer and with 
satisfaction to bis constituents. The office of 
Treasurer in the Masonic Lodge has been held by 
him. and he has also been a Trustee and Steward of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church at Ridge Farm. 
Vermilion County contains no better citizen than 
Anthony Lee Ankrum. 




ibHOMAS I!. HUMPHREYS. Few men in 
Ross Township are more widely known than 
tliis honorable pioneer and none are more 
generally respected. He is a man plain in speech 
anil manners, contented with plain and comfortable 
surroundings, but a thorough and skillful farmer, 
and owns 200 acres of the most valuable and fertile 
bind in this vicinity. Under his careful manage- 
ment it produces in abundance the rich crops of 
the Prairie State, yielding to the proprietor a gen- 
erous income and enabling' him like Longfellow's 
•■Blacksmith," to "look the whole world in the 
face," as not owing any man. 

The paternal grandfather of our subject, John 
Humphreys by name, was a native of North Car- 
olina where it supposed he was married and reared 
his family and where undoubtedly his son, Jonathan 
B., the father of our subject, was born. The latter 
when reared to man's estate was married about 1815, 
to Miss Nancy Johnston and to them there was born 
one child, a daughter, Deborah, before their removal 
to the North. About 1817, they changed their lo- 
cation to Harrison County, Ind.. settling on a 
tract of land in the woods and where their son, 
Thomas B., our subject, was born June 27, 1818. 
It was probably four years later, about 1822, when 



they removed from Harrison to Putnam County, 
Ind.. settling in the heavy timber where the chief 
amusement of Thomas B., in his boyhood was pick- 
ing up and burning brush, alternated occasionally 
with the recreation of fishing. He assisted his 
father in the clearing of the farm at a time when 
bears and wolves roamed through the forest, and 
the latter often made night hideous near the cabin 
of the pioneer. 

The mother of the family spun and wove wool 
and flax and manufactured most of their clothing. 
In bis boyhood our subject much of the time wore 
"leather breeches," made from the skins of deer. 
His first pair of boots were purchased when he was 
nearly a man grown, for $2.50. Prior to this the 
father had made the shoes worn by the family. 
The Indians had not then left Putnam County, and 
were frequently seen skulking through the f( rest 
stealing when they could, but offering no particu- 
lar molestation to the family. The father of our 
subject died in Putnam County, Ind., about 1832. 
He had. prior to this time come to this county and 
purchased a farm, building upon it a log house for 
future occupancy, but upon returning to his fam- 
ily, was soon afterward seized with the fatal illness 
which terminated in his death. The mother anil chil- 
dren then remained in Indiana until the latter were 
nearly grown, coming to this county in 1838. A 
few years later the mother died leaving five chil- 
dren, namely: Deborah, Thomas B., our subject, 
Barbara A., Mary J., and Margaret B., of whom 
three are living. She and her husband were mem- 
bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

The old home farm of the Humphreys family 
was in Blount Township, this county, from which 
they hauled their grain ami drove their stock to 
Chicago to market. Some times they would drive 
their hogs to Wabash, Ind., and have them slaugh- 
tered there, receiving two and one-half to three 
and one-half cents per pound. 

The subject of this sketch was married in Dan- 
ville, this county, in 1842, to Miss Rachel, daugh- 
ter of Albert Cossart, one of the earliest pioneers 
of this county. Of this union there were born two 
sons — Albeit, now a resident of Barber County, 
Kan.; and Samuel, who operates the home farm. 
Mrs. Rachel Humphreys departed this life in Dc- 



PORTRAIT AM) BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



455 



ccmber, 1877. She was a lady possessing many 
excellent qualities and was a consistent member of 
the Christian Church. Mr. Humphreys lias 1(>0 
acres in the homestead proper, besides forty acres of 
timber formerly belonging to the old home farm 
of his father. He has given to each of his sons a 
part of his original purchase. The home of Mr. 
Humphreys is one to which the people of the 
neighborhood love to resort. Although mak- 
ing no pretentions to style or elegance, there is 
about the dwelling an air of comfort and hospi- 
tality which invariably goes to the heart. 

— * —*%*¥ *~ 




ANFORD S. DICKSON, one of the most 
enterprising business men of Muncie and 
its leading grain merchant, is numbered 
among its most prominent citizens and is 
very popular both in its business and social circles. 
Genial, gentlemanly and possessing more than or- 
dinary abilities, he is following up a career which 
thus far has been excessively prosperous with a 
fair outlook for the future. He has an attractive 
home, an accomplished and amiable partner, and 
apparently everything around him to make life 
pleasant and desirable. 

In reverting to the family history of our subject 
we find that he is the son of Simon A. Dickson, a 
native of this county and was born in 18o3. The 
Dickson family was originally from Kentucky, 
from which the paternal grandfather of our sub- 
ject emigrated to Illinois in 1824, settling near 
Indianola, this county. In this vicinity Simon 
spent his boyhood and youth until the outbreak of 
the Civil War. In 1862 he enlisted in Company 
('. 125th Illinois Infantry, participating in the bat- 
tle at I'erryville and shortly afterward was taken 
ill with pneumonia and died in the hospital at 
Nashville, Tenn., June 2. 1863. 

The mother of our subject was in her girlhood 
.Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Hiram ('. Catlin, a 
native of Parke County, Ind. lie laid out the town 
of Catlin which was named in his honor, and died 
in 1 P71 at the advanced age of nearly ninety years. 
lie carried on fanning, and became a prominent 



man in his community. After the death of Simon 
A. Dickson, his widow was married to Dr. Samuel 
T. Smith in 18C6, and they now live in Hernando 
County, Fla. To the parents of our subject there 
were born four children— Wilbur T., Oliver P., 
Hiram ('.. and Sanford S., all of whom are living. 

The subject Of this notice was the eldest child of 
his parents and was born in Indianola. this county, 
July 22, 1855. His education was acquired in the 
district school, which he attended mostly winters 
until about eighteen years old. He commenced 
his business career as a clerk in the store of John 
Littler at Fithian, where he remained about one 
year, then took a position under Mr. J. A. Cowles, 
who had bought out .Mr. Littler. On the 1st of 
January, 1877, he became a partner of his em- 
ployer and on the 27th of that month they re- 
moved their stock of goods to Muncie establishing 
the first store of general merchandise in the place. 
On the 1st of January, 1886, the firm was dissolved, 
Mr Dickson purchasing the interest of his partner 
and since that time has carried on business alone, 
making of it a pronounced success. He carries a 
full stock of all the articles required in the city 
and country household and. as the most extensive 
grain dealer in this part of the county, handles 
thousands of dollars' worth of this commodity 
each year, lie owns a three-fourths interest in a 
farm two and one-half miles north of Fithian, 
which is operated by a tenant and comprises 160 
acres of good land, lie also has the county agency 
for the Davis Sewing machine, keeping two wagons 
and two men on the road all the year round. 

Mr. Dickson started out in lite for himself at the 
early age of sixteen years and is one of the fore- 
most young business men of Vermilion County. 
He was married Jan. 29, 1879, to Miss Olive, 
daughter of M. W. Selby, of West Virginia, the 
wedding taking place in Fithian. The Selby fam- 
ily came to Illinois in I Slid and settled four miles 
north of Catlin, this county, where they lived live 
years. Thence they removed to Fithian, where 
Mr. Selby became connected with the mercantile 
business of Booker A- Littler, and has followed 
merchandising since that time. The Selby family 
for the last nine years have been residents of 
Muncie. Of their five children only two are living 






456 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



—Mrs. Dickson and her brother, Calvin, the latter 
of whom is a resident of Vance Township. 

Mrs. Dickson was the fourth child of her parents 
and was born in Palatine, Marion Co.. W. Va., 
Sept. a, 1856. She received the rudiments of 
of a good education in her native State and com- 
pleted it in the schools of this county. She 
was a bright and ambitious girl and after leaving 
school was for a time employed as a clerk in a 
store in Muncie. She possesses considerable liter- 
ary ability and for the last four years has been the 
regular correspondent from Muncie, of the Dan- 
ville News. Of her union with our subject there 
have been born three children, one of whom died 
in infancy. The eldest, Lola Rl., is attending 
school at Muncie. Fred C. is a promising little 
lad eight years of age. 

Mr. Dickson was Postmaster at Muncie from 
1879 to 1885 and was the Assistant-postmaster after 
resigning the chief position. He was elected Super- 
visor of Oakwood Township in the spring of 1888 
ami re-elected in 1889. He has officiated as School 
Director in his district; politically, uniformly votes 
the straight Republican ticket, with which party he 
has been identified since reaching majority. Soci- 
ally, h( belongs to the I. 0. O. F. and with his 
estimable wife inclines to the doctrines of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, but there being no 
society of this denomination in Muncie they attend 
upon other services. 

Magruder W. Selby, the father of Mrs. Dickson, 
enlisted on the 25th of February, 1861 as a private 
in Company L, 6th West Virginia Cavalry. He 
was first promoted to Quartermaster, then to Ser- 
jeant and in April, 1864, to the rank of Second- 
Lieutenant. In October following he was promoted 
to First- Lieutenant. The regiment was stationed 
for a time at Moorfield, Ya., and later at New- 
Creek. Some of the men including Lieut. Selby 
were captured by the enemy, but the latter made his 
escape. They fought with the bushwhackers in the 
vicinity of Beverly and for a time were stationed 
in Cumberland, Md., guarding the railroad. Prior 
to Lee's surrender the regiment had been ordered 
to Richmond, and afterward it was sent to Camp 
Relief at Washington, D. C. Here they were de- 
tailed as mounted patrol of the city, in which they 



remained until after the grand review. Thence the}' 
were ordered to Ft. Leavenworth, Kan., and later 
crossed the plains to Ft. Casper, Dak., arriving 
therein October, 1865 and were stationed as a 
guard along the American telegraph lines over the 
old Pony Express Route. They had several skir- 
mishes with the Black Feet, Sioux and Cheyenne 
Indians. 

On the 1st of January, 1866, Lieut. Selby was 
made Assistant-Quartermaster and Commissary on 
the staff of Gen. Wheaton, and on the 1st of April 
following they were ordered back to Ft. Leaven- 
worth, where the}' arrived May 14 and remained 
about two weeks. The regiment was then mus- 
tered out and ordered to Wheeling, W. Va., where 
they received their final discharge June 1, 1866. 



3r*-§h 



,Z^ IIARLES W. BATJM, of Carroll Township, 
[If ^ is the offspring of an old and prominent 
^^^f 1 family which three generations back was 
of the royal blood of Poland. His paternal grand- 
father, Charles W. Baum, a native of Poland, was 
banished from his birth-place during the troubles 
of that unhappy country and tied to Germany 
where he sojourned until coming to America, 
during the colonial days and about the time of the 
Revolutionary War. It is not known just how 
long he sojourned in the Fatherland, but lie learned 
to speak and read the German language fluently, 
although it is possible that he had also been taught 
this in his native country, as being of high birth, 
he received a thorough education. 

After coming to America, Grandfather Baum 
served as a militia man on the reserve force in the 
American army, protecting the frontier. During 
that period he won and wedded Miss Barbara 
McDonald, a relative of Gen. McDonald of Mar- 
ion's staff. He served several years as a soldier 
and the year after Gen. (Mad Anthony) 
Wayne's treaty with the Indians, removed from 
Bucks County, Pa., to the farther West. Sailing 
down the Ohio River and landing near the mouth 
of Bullskin Creek, he made the first settlement in 
Ohio. From him sprang the Baums of America 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



457 



and tbe first representative of the family in this 
county, was Samuel Baum, a brother of the subject 
of this sketch. 

diaries W. Baum, the third of the name and the 
the subject of this notice, was born in Clermont 
County, Ohio, April 4, 1815, and was the sixth in 
a family of ten children who were named respect- 
ively, Samuel; John; Mary. Mrs. Weaver; Sarah, 
Mrs. Yantreese; Catherine, Mrs. Patterson; Charles, 
our subject; Susan, Mrs. Sandusky; Elizabeth, who 
died at the age of seven years; Gideon N. and 
Eliza, Mrs. Carter. Charles W., like his brothers 
and sisters, was reared on the farm, received a 
common-school education and was trained to hab- 
its of industry and economy. His father was a 
man of more than ordinary enterprise and although 
of German parentage, learned to speak and read 
the English language and gave much attention to 
the education of his children. 

Samuel Baum in making his journey to Illinois 
was accompanied by his wife's father, old Michael 
Weaver and it is hardly necessary to say, made the 
journey overland by team, starting from Ohio, 
Oct. 12, 1827, anil arriving in this county on the 
1 2th of November following. They had stopped 
for a short time in Parke County, End., having in- 
truded to settle there, but Mr. Weaver did not like 
the appearance of things in that region and so they 
pushed on further westward, settling among the 
Alexanders and McDonalds of this county. In 
due time they were joined by Charles W.. our sub- 
ject, who was the second Baum to come West. He 
made the journey alone on horseback and was about 
eighty days on the road, arriving at the house of 
his brother Samuel, Dee. 2(5. 18.'5G. 

Our subject soon took up 1G0 acres of land from 
the Government and made subsequent purchases 
until at one time he was the owner of 1660 acres 
besides 200 acres given his wife by her father. 
When it is remembered that he came to this region 
with very little means it must be acknowledged 
that lie was remarkably successful in the accumula- 
tion of property. After coming' to this county he 
was married March 14. 1839, to Miss Catherine 
Weaver, who was the fourth daughter and sixth 
child n a family of twelve children. 

Mr-. Baum like her husband was born in Cler- 



mont County, Ohio, dune 28, 1818, and when an 
infant of six months her parents removed to Brown 
County, that. State. Mr. Weaver, a very energetic 
and industrious man. improved several farms and 
became quite wealthy. He bore the reputation of 
great honesty and integrity with a stern sense of 
justice, and loaned large sums of money at six per 
cent, interest.steadily refusing a hlghei rate although 
he might easily have secured it. He sold his corn 
at twenty five cents per bushel although he could 
have obtained fifty cents, his motto being "dive and 
let live." He put his own shoulder to the wheel 
and was one of the hardest workers of his time. 
When more than sixty years old he made three 
trips a year to Chicago, engaged in hauling bacon 
and other produce. He was a man who attracted 
to liimself many warm friends and he lived to be 
a few months over one hundred years old. His birth- 
place was Washington County, Md., and he was 
the son of a rich planter who was excessively patri- 
otic and enlisting in the army rendered efficient 
service. He died when Michael was but four years 
old, at the age of ninety-six years. He had been 
married on the very farm whereon was fought the 
battle of Antietam during the late Rebellion. His 
wife, Mary Spessard, also a native of Washington 
County, Md., lived to be ninety years old and she 
had a brother who lived to the great age of one 
hundred and five years. 

The childhood days of Mrs. Baum were spent in 
her native county where she attended school and 
became proficient in the common blanches. Al- 
though quite young when the family came to this 
State she still remembers many of the incidents of 
the journey and the old Alexander school-house 
which was the first of its kind within the limits of 
Carroll Township. It was a large, log structure. 
1 8x24 feet square with a ''cat and clay" chimney 
and the other finishings of that primitive time. 

Of the twelve children born of this union, the 
eldest, Celestine A., is the wife of William T. 
Hunt, and they reside in the Indian Territory; Jas- 
per N., married a .Miss Stewart and owns over 6C0 
acres of land, his residence being in Young Amer- 
ica Township ; they have four children, Blanche, 
Georgia, Dollie and Weaver, the two latter twins. 
Charles Cyrus married first a Miss Gilky, and be- 



158 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALIHJM. 



(.•rum! the father of one child — Lelia E. His wife 
died and he was then married to Miss Josie Baum 
and they live on a large farm in Carroll Township; 
A. Jacob, a resident of Sidell. owns a farm in Si- 
dell Township and makes a specialty of breeding 
fine horses; he married a Miss Howand and they have 
five children — diaries. Lelia C, Spessard and 
Estelle (twins) and George Roy. Gideon P. mar- 
ried a Miss Lucas and is the father of two children 
— Ltilie W. and Karl L; he operates a large farm in 
Carroll Township. George B. McC. married a Miss 
Rawlings and is the father of two children — Opie 
and Wilbert; he conducts a livery stable in Ridge 
Farm and owns a farm in Carroll Township. The 
deceased children are Marcus 1)., who died at the 
age of two years; Orintha, who died when ten 
years old ; James II., who died at the age of two 
years; two infants who died unnamed, and John 
W. who died when two years old. 

To each of his children who have started out in 
life for themselves Mr. Baum lias given a good 
farm. They have been provided with a practical 
education and are well fitted to make their own 
way in the world. The present homestead of our 
subject and his estimable wife was given to the 
latter by her father. Michael Weaver. Although 
mixing very little with political affairs Mr. Baum 
keeps himself posted upon matters of general in- 
terest and uniformly supports the principles of the 
Democratic part}'. 

|fZ^ ENRY J. BENNETT. The man of nerve 
|] and muscle and perseverance, who bends 
his energies to the scientific tilling of the 
soil, is one of those forming the bone and 
sinew of the industrial community without which 
the world could make little progress. Here and 
there we find one who ennobles his calling, 
adding dignity, wealth and strength to the nation. 
The subject of this notice operates in a skillful and 
intelligent manner a good farm of 160 acres in 
Sidell Township, where he is held in the highest 
respect by all classes of citizens. He possesses 
more than ordinary intelligence, energy and fore- 




thought, and has the best wishes of hosts of friends 
for continued prosperity. 

Mr. Bennett was born in Catlin Township, this 
county, and is the son of Philander and Sarah Ann 
(Wolfe) Bennett, who are natives respectively of 
New York State and Virginia. The mother was a 
member of the old well-known Wolfe family which 
was represented in America at an early day. Mr. 
and Mrs. Bennett came unmarried to this county. 
Grandfather Wolfe was one of the earliest settlers 
here and located on the banks of South Fork Creek, 
where he established a home in the wilderness 
some time prior to the tide of immigration, which 
redeemed the wilderness around from its original 
condition. He had many a battle with the Indians, 
also with wild animals, lie made some improve- 
ments on his laud, which subsequently became fa- 
miliarly known as the old Wolfe homestead. Our 
subject has seen forest trees and some apple trees 
which were undoubtedly planted by the hand of 
his grandfather, the former of which now form a 
dense thicket. 

After their marriage the parents of our subject 
settled in Catlin Township, where the father occu- 
pied himself as a millwright, putting up the old 
Harris Mill and several other structures of the 
kind in this county. Both he and his estimable 
wife are still living on a farm in Edgar County, 
the father being seventy-three years old and the 
mother sixty-four. They have seven children 
living: Ann E., Henry J., DeWitt C. Mary E. 
Jacob F., Ida M. and Allie M. 

Henry J. Bennett was born Feb. 1G, 1847. in 
Catlin Township, where he was brought up on a 
farm and was never outside the county until be- 
coming of age. When twenty-two years old he 
began working out by the month for that well 
known citizen, John Sidell. with whom he remained 
six years — a fact which speaks well for both. 
After this he operated considerably as a carpenter. 
In the meantime he was married in 1*79 to Miss 
Melissa A., daughter of John Stark, one of the 
leading men of Sidell Township, where Mrs. Ben- 
nett was born. They have three daughters: Wash- 
tella, Era and Sarah A. Mr. and Mrs. Bennett are 
members in good standing of the Presbyterian 
Church. Our subject is a charter member of the 




i^^ESIDEN(5EOFW^J.MANN.SE(S.11.(T18 = R13)(gA l; FbINTP.,VERMII a ION(20UNTY^ 



. . r— ■ , ,.---..-,, 




Residence of W™ SMITH. §EC5.1.(T.18=R.14)VANeE s np,YERMiMON(gouN'FY- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



461 



Modern Woodmen Camp at Sidell and at the time 

of its organization was installed its first banker. 
He served his term and was then elected Advisor. 
He is also a member of Peace Dale Lodge, No. 
225, I. 0. 0. F.. at Sidell. 

Mrs. Bennett was born in Carroll Township and 
grew to womanhood <m her father's farm, being 
married at the age of twenty-two years. Her pa- 
rents were natives of Kentucky, and the mother, 
formerly Miss Mary A. (Cassady), was born in 
Bourbon County, Ky. They were married in the 
Blue Grass State, where their two eldest children 
were born. Thence they came to Illinois and set- 
tled near the place which was named Stark's Grove 
in honor of the father. He became well-to-do, 
and died at the age of sixty years; the mother died 
at the age of fifty-nine. Their fourteen children 
were named respectively. Jerry, Jefferson, Henry 
(who died young). Madison. William, Hannah. 
Joel. Belle, Samuel, Monroe, Henry, Robert, Me- 
lissa A. and Josephine W. 



fl JMLLIAM SMITH is one of the solid, in- 
\fijf fluential farmers of Vance Township. His 
\yW parents came to Illinois in the fall of 1821). 
Ilis father's name was James Smith, and he was 
a native of Ohio, where he was engaged in fann- 
ing. His mother, whose maiden name was Mary 
Sewell, was also born in the same State. 

When the parents of Mr. Smith removed to Ver- 
milion County, three other families accompanied 
them, hut there are none of their representatives 
living in this county except the subject of this 
sketch. Ilis father was the first to settle in this 
immediate neighborhood, where he entered simi 
acres of land ami during his life improved nearly 
all of it. giving each of his children a portion. 
James Smith was a very careful man and settled up 
all his affairs before his death, lie was the father 
of five children, four boys and one girl, of whom 
there are three now living. He died in 1872, his 
wife preceding him to the grave ten years. 

William Smith was the third child of his family 
and was born June 12. 1K27. near Springfield. Ohio, 



and when he was but two years of age, his parents 
removed to Illinois. lie received his early educa- 
tion in an old log school-house, situated on his 
father's land. When he was eighteen years of age 
he ceased going to school and remained at work 
on his father's farm until he was twenty-one. The 
fall after he had attained his majority, he drove a 
team, in company with sixteen others, to Austin, 
Tex.", the journey occupying ninety days. This 
was forty years ago and he remained there until 
March 1, 1849, when he walked from Austin to 
Houston, Tex., took passage on a boat to Galves- 
ton, from there across the Gulf of Mexico on a 
steamer to New Orleans, thence up the Mississippi 
to the mouth of the Ohio, ascending that stream to 
where the Wabash intersects it, then to Perryville, 
I ml. He then walked to Danville and from there 
home. In the winter of 1848-49 the cholera was 
raging and four deaths occurred on the same boat 
that brought him up the Mississippi Kiver. 

Mr. Smith was married May 9, 1841) to Miss 
Lucy A. Saddler, daughter of William and Keziah 
(Brooks) Saddler, natives of Richmond. Va. They 
settled in this county in an early day and were the 
parents Of seven children, two of these being from 
.Mr. Saddler's second marriage, Mrs. Smith's mother 
having died shortly after locating in Illinois. Mrs. 
Smith was the fifth child of this family, ami was 
born June 8, 1829, near Richmond, Va. She at- 
tended school in a, log house, about three miles 
from her present home. Her father died in 1864. 
After marriage Mr. Smith removed to the farm he 
now owns and occupies; it then belonging to his 
father who gave each of his children 120 acres of land 
with which to start in lite. Mr. Smith has made 
four trips to and from Texas, three by team, and 
one by railroad. On one of these journeys the 
trip was made on horseback. In 187(1 he visited 
the Centennial at Philadelphia, and March I. 1889 
was present at Harrison's inauguration, and while 
on that trip, visited Ml. Vernon; he has been a 
great traveler and has visited nearly all points of 
interest in this country. 

Mr. Smith is now the owner of a tine farm of 
320 acres in one body, and under a high state of 
cultivation. He raises horses, cattle and hogs, and 
conducts a general farming business. Some very 



462 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



fine horses of the Norman. Clydesdale and English- 
shire draft dorses, and also .Short-horn cattle may 
lie seen on this splendid farm. On the whole, Mr. 
Smith has been a very successful fanner. Four 
boys and two girls constitute Mr. and Mrs. Smith's 
family, .lames Everett married Laura Trice, who 
died in 1HH7, leaving three little boys to mourn 
her loss ; William E., is now living in Iowa^ and 
his son, Lester, is now living with his grandfather, 
Smith; Byron married Emma Black, they reside on 
the old homestead and are the parents of two girls; 
Abraham L. married Cora Baldwin, and they also 
reside on the father's old homestead; Mary Belle 
is the wife of Andy Yount; Sadie Jane lives at 
Inline. Mi'. Smith has two brothers living, his only 
sister dying in 1850. His brother .lames is living 
in San Antonio, Tex., while David is a farmer in 
Guthrie County, Iowa; his brother John died last 
summer in Dallas County, Iowa, leaving five chil- 
dren, all of whom have grown to maturity. 

Mr. Smith has retired from active farming and 
by his industrious and intelligent manners has 
earned a competency and is entitled to the rest he is 
now enjoying. He has always taken an active in- 
terest in politics and has invariably voted the Re- 
publican ticket since the organization of that party. 
The otliees of School Director and Road Over- 
seer have been tilled by him in his usual pains-taking 
maimer. Socially, he is a member of the 1. O. O. F. 
and is temperate in all things. In the commu- 
nity, where Mi', and Mrs. Smith have lived sixty 
years, they command the universal respect of all 
their neighbors. 

As representing one of the beautiful homes in 
this county, a view of the residence of our subject 
and his family is given on another page of this 
volume. 

•KS&fef 




jjjILLIAM J. MANN. Catlin Township has 
no better representative of its agricultural 
and manufacturing interests than this gen- 
tleman, who has long been identified by the shrewd, 
intelligent farmers, owning and managing a valua- 
ble farm on section 11. and for some time he has 
hcen actively engaged in the manufacture of tile. 



He comes of fine old stock, and was born in what 
is now West Virginia, in Monroe County, Oct. 20, 
1824. His father, likewise named William, was a 
native of the Old Dominion, one of the F. F. Vs., 
and his mother, whose maiden name was Rhoda 
Stodghill, was also a Virginian by birth. The par- 
ents of our subject began their wedded life in their 
native State, living amid its beautiful scenery till 
185G, when they sought to establish a new home in 
the Brail ie State, and they spent the remainder of 
their lives in Sidell Township, where he died March 
1(3,1858, and she March 10,1878. They left to 
their children and children's children the precious 
legacy of an honorable name, and the memory of 
exemplary lives. The3' had a family of six children, 
of whom our subject was the eldest son and the 
fourth child in order of birth. 

He remained at home till he was twenty-one, and 
the following year went to Alabama. Having prior 
to that time learned dentistry, he followed that pro- 
fession in that State for some two years. At the 
expiration of that time he returned to the Shenan- 
doah Valley in Eastern Virginia, and passed the 
ensuing eight years there, actively engaged at his 
profession. He then returned to his native county, 
and after remaining there two years, he sought 
green fields and pastures new in the West, and 
making his way to Monroe County, Mo., opened 
an office for the practice of dentistry there. Two 
years after that, in 1859, he came to Vermilion 
County, this State, and established himself as a 
dentist at Fairmount, continuing there till the 
breaking out of the war, when he gave his attention 
wholly to agricultural pursuits. He afterward re- 
turned with his family to Virginia on account of 
his wife's ill-health, the entire journey being made 
in a private conveyance, and they remained there 
three years. After his return to this State, Mr. 
Mann resumed farming, and now owns a farm of 
205 acres, that is well tilled, and supplied with a 
substantial set of buildings, including a handsome 
dwelling beautifully located on section 11, on 
Blue Mound. A view of this attractive farm resi- 
dence appears on another page, and adds much to 
the value of the Album. The place is amply sup- 
plied with all the machinery and appliances for 
facilitating farm labors. In 1881 our subject 



PORTRAIT AND KlOOR A PIIICAL ALBUM. 



163 



formed a partnership with David Vaughn toengage 
in the manufacture <>f tile, and he also operated a 
sawmill with him. They remained together till 
1884, when Mr. Vaughn withdrew from the firm, 
and Mr. Mann lias since carried on the business 
alone. He manufactures a superior kind of tile, 
which commands a large sale on its own merits, 
and is reaping great profits therefrom. 

Mr. Mann was married to Miss Elizabeth F. 
Thompson April 2, 1851, in Augusta County. Va. 
Mrs, Mann was a native of that county, her birth 
taking place there in 1824. She was a daughter of 
William and Elizabeth (Beard) Thompson, who 
died in that county. Five children were born of 
the wedded life of our subject and his amiable wife : 
Mary, the wife of Rev. Luther llendrick; William 
T.. who married Miss Lizzie Farrin; Walter; 
George, who married a Miss Conklin; Emma and 
an infant son. Ellis, deceased. 

Aug. 30. 1887, death crossed the threshold of the 
happy home of our subject, and she who was the 
home-maker, the loved wife and mother, was taken 
from the stricken family. She was a woman of 
deep, noble character, in whom the Christian vir- 
tues were exemplified. She was kindness itself, and 
her charity knew no bounds, her large heart over- 
flowing with tender sympathy toward the needy 
and suffering. She was one of the most active and 
prominent members of the Presbyterian Church, 
and in early life was a Sunday-school teacher; 
the church and society at large sustained with her 
family an irreparable loss. 

.Mr. Mann is a true gentleman, ever courteous 
and genial in his intercourse with others, and his 
frank, kindly nature lias won him a warm place in 
the hearts of his neighbors and numerous other 
friends. In his career in life he has met with 
assured success in the various vocations that he 
has pursued, and is numbered among the moneyed 
men of his township, as well as one of her most 
trustworthy citizens, lie is a man of earnest relig- 
ious feelings, and has long been connected with the 
Cumberland Presbyterian Church at Fairmount 
of which he is Deacon, and his fellow-members al- 
ways find him ready to aid in carrying out any 
plan for the moral or the social elevation of the 
community. Politically, he is a loyal supporter of 



the Democratic party. He has held various school 
offices, and takes considerable interest in educa- 
tional affairs, as all intelligent, public-spirited cit- 
izens ought to do. 



|p^<,>riRE II. E. P. TALBOTT is one of the 

^^ most influential men in Sidell Township, 
IMjj) where he owns and operates a large farm. 
His father and mother, Augustine and Jo- 
sella (Parker) Talbott, were natives of Bourbon 
County, Ky. The father was a merchant at Mi 1- 
lersburg, that State, for several years, but having 
become security for other people too largely, he 
failed in business, wdien in 1826, he removed to 
Madison County. Ohio, and there began the race 
of life anew by teaching school in a log house, on 
the subscription plan, lie died at the early age of 
twenty-eight, a poor man, leaving a widow- and three 
children: John Mason, Hugh A. and Henry Ed- 
ward Parker. The mother was married a second 
time in Madison County. Ohio, to Marcus Garrett, 
a farmer of that county, by whom she was the 
mother of seven children. 

In 1851 the stepfather, mother and all the 
children but Henry, who was serving out an ap- 
prenticeship, removed to Carroll Township, which 
is now Sidell in this count). They prospered 
fairly well, but the mother died in 1 SO 1 at the age 
of fifty-five years. The subject of this sketch was 
born Aug. 7. 1831, near London, .Madison Co., 
Ohio. His early life was passed in much the same 
manner as that of any farmer's boy, receiving his 
education under difficulties. He remained at home 
until he was seventeen years old. working for his 
stepfather on the farm. At that age he began to 
learn the carpenter's trade, and served an appren- 
ticeship covering three years, and during this time 
he saw the need of an education, and therefore lie 
attended the common schools in the winter, work- 
ing at his trade during the summer lime. He came 
out to visit his folks in Illinois, remaining here but 
a short time, when he went to Indianapolis, and 
there worked al his trade for nine years prior to 
his enlistment in the army. In is.36, he began 



164 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



taking contracts and creeled a number of city and 
country residences, and as a contractor he was very 
successful. 

Up to the year last mentioned his sympathies 
had been with the Whig party, but at the birth of the 
Republican party he joined its ranks and has con- 
tinued to act with that organization until the pres- 
ent day. 

When Lincoln issued his call for 300,000 troops, 
lie laid aside his hammer and saw, and took up the 
musket. He enlisted in Company G, 7!)th Indiana 
Infantry in Aug. 1862 and was mustered into the 
service at Indianapolis as a corporal. Here they 
wire drilled for three weeks, when they were or- 
dered to Louisville, and there learned further 
duties of the soldier. The first engagement in which 
Mr. Tall iot t was engaged was the battle of Perry - 
ville. Ky., in the fall of 18G2 and during their 
pursuit of Bragg to Nashville, he was taken ill and 
sent to the hospital at that place, and after lying- 
there for one month, he was discharged in the 
spring of 1863, when he returned to Indianapolis. 
After coining out of the army he was for a long 
time unable to perform physical labor. In 1865 
he removed to Illinois and engaged at his trade at 
Catlin, building several houses that summer. In 
18G7 he was married to Miss Lucy E. Utterback, a 
native of Rolls County. Mo., and daughter of Har- 
mon and Lovina (Falls) Utterback. Her father 
was a native of Kenton County, Ky., while her 
mother was born in Indiana. Her parents had ten 
children, all of whom were born in Missouri. Mrs. 
Talbott came to Vermilion County for the purpose 
of attending school. She had relatives here who 
had no children and therefore lived with them. 
After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Talbott settled on 
their present farm, where the}' have resided contin- 
uously since. They have had three children: Aii- 
gustin Mason; II. Hugh and Sarah E. Hugh died 
at the age of twelve years and six months, and the 
other children are living with their parents at 
home. 

Mr. Talbott's grandfather was born in Maryland, 
of English ancestry. His grandmother, maternally, 
was a Sandusky and of the same family after which 
the ( thio city was named. In the early part of the 
nineteenth century, three brothers came over from 



Poland, one of whom settled in Ohio, and founded 
the city of Sandusky, another locating in Mary- 
land, while Mr. Talbott's ancestor settled in Ken- 
tucky. His paternal grandmother was a Mason and 
a lineal descendant of the surveyor Mason, who in 
company with Dixon, settled a dispute between 
Lord Baltimore and William l'enn by agreeing on 
the present State line between Pennsylvania and 
Maryland, popularly known as Mason and Dixon's 
line, and surveyed by them in colonial times. The 
name of Mason, therefore, will be perpetuated in 
the Talbott family. 

Mr. Talbott has served as School Treasurer for 
ten years and as Director for seven years. He has 
also taught two terms of school in the district 
where he lives. In 1872 he was elected Justice of 
the Peace and has served with distinguished ability 
in that office since, and in the course of that time 
has had a great many cases appealed to the higher 
courts, but his decisions have been invariably sus- 
tained. In 1870 he was elected Supervisor, and 
with the exception of one year, has served for nine 
years consecutively. He is a member of the G. A. R., 
and was the first commander of Sidell post No. 
53G. He was an active man in organizing it, and 
was one of its charter members. Mi'. Talbott is an 
uncompromising and stalwart Republican and has 
served on the central committee of his county for 
several years. When the Odd Fellows' Lodge was 
started at Sidell in 1886, he was one of its charter 
members and its first presiding officer and he has 
represented his lodge in the grand body. Our 
subject joined the Odd Fellows May 22, 1857. 

ANIFL GURLEY. Few who look upon 
this hale, hearty, bright and intelligent 
old gentleman would suppose that he has 
passed the eighty-first year of his age. His 
has been a familiar figure among the older resi- 
dents of this county for, lo, these many years, and 
since the spring of 1864 he has been a resident of 
Danville. He commenced in life at the foot of 
the ladder, without other resources than the excel- 
lent qualities of mind, heart and disposition with 




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



ii;:. 



which nature has endowed him, but these proved 
an invaluable capital, from which he has built up 
for himself a goodly position among his fellow- 
men. 

Our subject was born in the town of Rupert, 
Bennington Co., Yt.. March 3, 1808, and is the 
sun of Nahum Gurley, a native of Glastonbury, 
Conn., and of substantial Scotch ancestry. Nahum 
Gurley was reared to manhood in his native State. 
from which he removed to Vermont, and was one 
of the earliest settlers of the town of Rupert. He 
had learned the trade of a blacksmith in his youth, 
but after settling in Vermont, purchased land and 
devoted a part of his time to its improvement and 
cultivation. At the same time he carried on black- 
smithing, but in 1820 disposed of his interests in 
ihe Green Mountain State and made his way to 
Western New York, before there was either a canal 
or railroad in that region. The journey was made 
with ox teams, and the father of our subject set- 
tled with his family in the vicinity of Albion, Os- 
wego County, where he was a pioneer. He purchased 
a partially improved tract of land, engaged in 
farming and also worked at his trade. He there 
spent his last days, passing away about L858. 

The mother of ou i' subject was in her maiden- 
hood Miss Nellie Goodrich, and she, like her hus- 
band, was a native of Connecticut. The simple 
story of her life was that of a pioneer wife and 
mother who stood bravely by the side of her hus- 
band in his labors and struggles, and set before her 
children the example of virtue, thrift and industry. 
She spun wool and flax, and, besides manufactur- 
ing the cloth for the family use. made the garments 
as well. She departed this life prior to the decease 
of her husband at the old homestead, in Oswego 
County. N. V. 

The subject of this sketch was a lad of twelve 
years when his parents removed from Vermont to 
New York State, and he still distinctly remembers 
many of the incidents connected with the long 
journey, especially through the wilds of New York. 
As soon as old enough, he was taught to make 
himself useful, and learned the trade of a black- 
smith of his father. At that early day plows and 
axes were made by hand, and young Gurley lias 
turned out many of these in connection with the 



other general work at the forge. Along in the 
thirties he determined to see something more of 
the world, and made his way to Ypsilanti, Mich.. 
and worked at his trade there and at Auburn nearly 
a year and until winter, when he started for home. 
He crossed the river at Detroit and walked the 
entire distance, passing through the sparsely set- 
tled portions of Canada, and finally arriving in 
safety at his destination. 

Soon after his return home, Mr. Gurley opened 
a shop at Albion, where he prosecuted blacksmith- 
ing until 1863. He then returned to Michigan, 
and in Quincy, Branch County, purchased ground 
and put uii a shop. The year following he sold 
out, and. coming to this county, purchased prop- 
erly in Danville. He erected one among the first 
store buildings put up on Vermilion street, and en- 
gaged in the hide and leather business about a 
dozen years. He was quite prosperous in this 
enterprise, and at the expiration of the time men- 
tioned retired from active business, and has since 
occupied himself in looking after his property. 

Mr. Gurley was first married, in Albion, N. Y., 
to Miss Lydia Rich, a native of Middlefleld, Otsego 
Co., N. Y.. and a daughter of Col. Moses Rich. 
She became the mother of four children, and died 
Aug. 4, ix.jf). Their eldest son. Franklin, is now 
a resident of Runnels County, Tex. Hewitt re- 
sides in La Crescent, Minn.; Jerome is a resident 
of Wisconsin, and Nahum lives in Si. Louis. The 
second wife of our subject, to whom he was mar- 
ried in March, 1858, was Mrs. Leonora (Hall) 
Reed, a native of Ellisburg, Jefferson Co., N. V.. 
and the daughter of Rufus Hall. Her father was 
born in Belleville. Jefferson County, and was the 
son of Giles Hall, one of the pioneers of that 
county, who owned several large tracts of land and 
was one of the most extensive farmers there. He 
spent his last years at Ellisburg. His wile was 
Rachel Pier, a native of Cooperslown. N. V.. and 
who died in Belleville. 

The father of Mrs. Gurley was reared in Jeffer- 
son County, N. Y.. where he learned the trade of a 
blacksmith. About 1845 he removed to Oswego 
County, where lie carried on blacksmithing and 
farming combined, ami where lie spent the remain- 
der of bis life. His wife. Mrs. Harriet (Taylor) 



466 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Hall, was born in Balston Spa, Saratoga Co., N. Y. 
Her father, James Taylor, removed finally from 
Saratoga to Oneida County, and later to Oswego 
County, where he died, and where also the death of 
the mother took place. Miss Hall was first mar- 
ried, in the twentieth year of her age, to Benjamin 
F. Reed, of Elmira, N. Y. Mr. Heed was a printer 
by trade, at which he worked in Oswego, ami 
where his death took place Oct. 7, 1855. Of this 
marriage there were born two children — one of 
whom died in infancy, and a son, William Reed 
Gurley, resides in Danville. Mrs. Gurley lias been 
in all respects the suitable partner of her husband, 
and is still spared to lie his stay and comfort. She 
is a lady highly respected wherever known, and 
both number their friends by the score in this 
county. • The}' occupy a comfortable and pleasant 
home in the northern part of the city. 



OHN GRIFFITH CLARK, J. P.. a veteran 
merchant and early settler of Sidell, has 
been one of the men most closely identified 
with the interests of this vicinity, for, lo, 
these many years, and has dispensed justice in his 
bailiwick for the past four years. He is of 
that stanch and substantial character which was 
most needed in the early settlement of Central 
Illinois, and has borne no unimportant part in the 
development of his township and the establishment 
of the various enterprises which have made it a 
desirable location for an industrious and intelli- 
gent class of people. 

The scenes of the first recollections of our sub- 
ject were in the township of Hamilton, Warren 
Co.. Ohio, where his birth took place duly 4, 1819. 
Six or seven years later his father removed to 
Indianapolis, Ind., which was then in its infancy, 
there being only five or six frame houses and a 
few log cabins upon the present site of that now 
important city. The earl)' education of young 
Clark was carried on under many disadvantages, 
he attending the free schools two and one-half 
months, and later a "rate" school. After working- 
hard during the day, he would take his book at 



evening and, by the light of a dip candle and the 
fireplace, extract such knowledge as he could. 
During those days he wore buckskin breeches and 
morocco hats. He plowed in the field when a boy 
of eleven years, and made himself generally useful 
about the farm from that time on until approach- 
ing manhood. 

After reaching his majority, young Clark began 
teaching school in Indiana, and followed this pro- 
fession twenty-one months at one place, when he 
resigned, much against the wishes of the School 
Board, who fully appreciated his faithful services. 
In 1810. the State of Kentucky now having estab- 
lished a free school at Alexandria, our subject re- 
paired thither, and by a course of study qualified 
himself still further for the duties of his chosen 
profession. Later, he taught the first school ever 
conducted under the free school system in Indi- 
ana, holding certificate No. 1 and being examined 
by Joshua Stevens and Samuel Merrill, the latter 
subsequently becoming the first President of the 
State Bank of Indiana. Upon his second applica- 
tion for examination by Miles De Couicy, the lat- 
ter issued him a certificate upon the strength of 
his former one. While teaching at Alexandria, he 
met his first wife, Miss Ann Benedict, who was 
born in Kentucky. The)' were married in 1842, 
and settled near Alexandria. 

Our subject continued teaching, and also carried 
on farming several years in Kentucky, becoming 
the owner of a farm there. He also mixed con- 
siderably in politics, and in due time was dubbed 
■•the leader of the Democratic party in Campbell 
Count)'." He served on the County and State 
Central Committees several times, and on the latter 
in the campaign of 1864. Finally, becoming dis- 
gusted with the canvass of that campaign, he re- 
tired from the Held, although serving later in the 
same capacity as before. 

Of the first marriage of Squire Clark there were 
born nine children — Elizabeth, Sarah A., William, 
John T., Nancy J.. Hester E., and three who died 
in infancy. The mother of these departed this 
life, at New Richmond, in 1857. Our subject 
married for his second wife Mrs. Mary Battles, a 
native of Campbell County, Ky., who was born on 
the 29th of April, 1 81C. and was the daughter of 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



4G7 



John and Ellen (Gillham) Fuller. Of her marriage 

to Mr. Battles there were born seven children, and 
of her marriage with our subject there are two 
daughters — Carrie B. and Alice H. 

Leaving Kentucky in 1874, our subject came to 
this county and settled on a farm live or six miles 
northwest of Sidell. He lived there until 1882, 
then, coming into town, purchased a stock of 
merchandise, the first ever exhibited at this place, 
and established himself as a pioneer merchant. He 
keeps a well-assorted stock of everything required 
in the village or country household, and has built 
up a thriving trade. He and his family occupy a 
good position in social circles, and the Squire and 
his wife belong to the America Missionary Baptist 
Church. 

After the marriage of Miss Gillham and Mr. 
Battles, they settled in Hancock County, this 
State, but later removed to Cincinnati, Ohio, where 
the death of Mr. Battles occurred. Their seven 
children were named respectively: Mary E., Reuben, 
John Stephen, America, Sarah E., Louisa and 
Nancy .lane. Mrs. Battles after the death of her 
husband returned to her native State of Kentucky, 
where she formed the acquaintance of Mr. Clark. 
They came to Sidell before the completion of the 
Chicago, Danville <fe Ohio Railroad, and boarded 
some of the laborers during its construction. Mr. 
Clark was the first Postmaster of Sidell. and its 
first grain buyer — purchasing the first load of 
grain ever shipped from the place. One day. 
while at Allerton holding an inquest, an accident 
happened which crippled him. and he now gets 
about with the assistance of crutches. He cast his 
first Presidential vote for Martin Van Buren in 
is In. and since then has never missed voting at a 
Presidential election. While living in Kentucky, 
he held the office of Justice of the Peace in Alex- 
andria Precinct for a period of fourteen years. 

The parents of our subject were Caleb and 
Elizabeth (Griffith) Clark, the father a native of 
Greene County, Pa., and the mother of Campbell 
County, Ky. They were married in the latter 
place. Caleb (lark was a farmer by occupation, 
and upon removing from Kentucky settled in 
Wanen County. Ohio, where he sojourned five or 
seven years, and then removed with his family to 



Marion County, Ind. He was one of the promi- 
ment lights of the Democratic party in that region, 
and a member of the State Central Committee in 
1840-44. He accumulated a very good property, 
but was finally disabled by a stroke of palsy, and 
for the last ten years of his life was incapable of 
labor, and died a poor man, in 1869, in the seventy- 
fifth year of his age. 

The mother of our subject after the death of her 
husband removed to the home of her daughter, 
Mrs. Hannah Parker, in this State, where she died, 
in 1872, at the age of seventy-three years. Of the 
twelve children in the parental family six grew. 
to mature years, and four are now living, John 
G., our subject, being the eldest, Hannah, Mrs. 
Parker, is the mother of ten children, and lives in 
Catlin, this county; William R., a butcher of Si- 
dell. is married and the father of three children 

Hannah, John and J. F.; Mary A., Mrs. Reddick, 
is a resident of Indiana, and has a family. 

Caleb Clark, the father of our subject, was the 
first man that volunteered in the city of Cincin- 
nati in the War of 1812. He was captured by the 
British, but soon afterward paroled. The paternal 
grandfather, John Griffith, served four years in 
the Revolutionary War. and was in several battles 
under the direct command of Gen. Washington. 
The Griffiths traced their ancestry to Wales. 



RANCIS MARION ALEXANDER, a thor- 
ough, skillful, careful and prosperous farm- 
er of Georgetown Township, owns and 
occupies a snug homestead of eighty acres with 
good buildings, on section (!. He is known to 
most of the people of this region and recognized as 
one of the most reliable members of his commun- 
ity. His course has been marked by honesty and 
uprightness, and in all his worthy ambitions he has 
received the aid and encouragement of one of the 
best of wives. Mrs. Alexander deserves especial 
mention as haying performed her share in preserv- 
ing the reputation of the family and assisting in the 
accumulation of the property which has secured 
them against future want. We find them sur- 




4G8 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



rounded by all the comforts of life and those evi- 
dences of taste and refinement which are so pleasant 
to the eye. Our subject was named after Gen. 
Francis Marion, who was a relative on subject's 
grandmother's side. 

A native of Fountain County, Ind., our subject 
w:is born Nov. 4, 1834, and was the youngest in a 
family of seven children, the offspring of Robert 
and Margaret (Hawkins) Alexander, who were na- 
tives nf South Carolina. They emigrated to Indi- 
ana with their respective parents in their youth, 
and were married in Fayette County, that state. 
Later they removed to Fountain County, where 
the mother died at the early age of thirty-five years. 
The elder Alexander was married a second time, 
but died soon afterward at the age of fifty-five. 
Their children were named respectively: James, 
William, John, Francis M. our subject. Hester, Re- 
becca and Martha A. Five of these are living. 

Soon after the death of his father our subject 
went, to live with William T. Stevens, who had 
married his sister, Martha Ann, and in 1848 began 
working on a farm in Georgetown Township, Ver- 
milion County. Later he operated rented land on 
his own account. When twenty-two years old 
he was married, Nov. 4, 1856, to Miss Elizabeth 
McCorkle, who was a native of Indiana and 
a daughter of Charles McCorkle. She became 
the mother of five children and departed this 
life at the homestead in 1875. Their eldest 
daughter, Mary E., is now the wife of John 
Girard, a merchant of Westville, and the mother 
of one child. Bertie F. ; Martha E. was married to 
1!. G. McMillan and died at the age of twenty-one 
years, leaving one child, Clarence E.. who soon 
followed the mother; Matilda A. is the wife of H. 
T. Parker, who has charge of the Alexander farm, 
and they are the parents of a son, Jones N.; Mar- 
garet E. married 1). E. Beebe, a stock-man and 
farmer near Huron, Dak., and they have one child, 
a daughter, Blanche; Minnie I), is unmarried and 
remains with her father. 

Our subject in 1878 contracted a second mar- 
riage with Miss Mary E. Parker, who was born in 
Marion County. Ind., and is the daughter of John 
and Hannah (Clark) Parker, both natives of Ken- 
tucky. Mrs. Alexander was simply a child when 



her parents came to Illinois and settled first on a 
farm in Carroll Township, Vermilion County. 
They are now residents of Catlin Township. Miss 
Mary lived at home with her parents, receiving 
careful training from an excellent mother until her 
marriage. She attended tin' common school, and 
grew up to a modest and worthy womanhood, 
greatly esteemed by her young associates. Siic 
has fulfilled the promise of her youth, and lias 
proved in every way the suitable partner of a good 
man's home. Religiously inclined, she is a consist- 
ent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church at 
Fairview, while Mr. Alexander finds his religious 
home in the Christian Church, in which he is Elder. 
Politically our subject advocates the principles of 
the Democratic party and has served several terms 
as School Director and Road Supervisor. Beyond 
this he carefully avoids the responsibilities of 
office, finding his chief satisfaction in looking after 
his farm and f unily. When our subject was 
twenty-one years of age he went to Iowa and pur- 
chased land near Des Moines; then went into mer- 
chandising, continuing in that three years; then re- 
turned to Westville and went into business at that 
place; sold that and bought his present place. 

i>HOMAS IIAWORTH, who departed this 
life May 4, 1885, at his homestead in El- 
wood Township, was esteemed as one of 
its best citizens and in his death it suffered an irre- 
parable loss. He was born in this township July 
12, 1845, and was the son of Jcel Haworth, a native 
of Tennessee, who came to this county when a 
boy, settling among the Indians and wild animals, 
as early as 1825, and in common with other pio- 
neers of that period his career was made an item of 
history in the published records of this county 
some years since. 

Young Haworth, as may be supposed, received 
only limited school advantages during his boyhood 
and youth, but his naturally bright mind and 
habits of observation conspired to make him a very 
intelligent and thoroughly-well informed man. He 
assisted his father in the opening up of the home- 






c6u^A 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



473 



stead from the wilderness and upon approaching 
manhood learned the trade of a plasterer which he 

followed several years. Later he abandoned this 
for the more congenial pursuits of agriculture. lie 
was married when nearly thirty-three years of age. 
March 28, 1878, to Mrs Hannah M. Spray, widow 
of Jesse Spray, who died in Indianapolis, Feb. 22. 
1876. 

Mrs. Haworth was born in Hendricks County, 
Ind., and is the daughter of David Mendenhall, 
who is long since deceased. After the death of Mr. 
Haworth she was married to Silas Mendenhall. 
March 1 1. 1889. A sketch of Mr. Mendenhall ap- 
pears on another page in this Album. Mr. Haworth 
was a liberal and public-spirited citizen and in re- 
ligious matters belonged to the Society of Friends. 
He was a man of the most kindly Christian charac- 
ter, beloved and respected by all who knew him 
and none can point to an unworthy or dishonest 
act associated with his life. 

BRAHAM SANDUSKY is one of the lead- 
ing men of Carroll Township, and was 
bom in Bourbon County, Ivy.. March 24, 
g^ 1833. His father, also named Abraham, 

was a native of the same county, and was born 
March 29, 1793. His mother, Jane (McDowell) 
was born there also, her birth occurring Dec. Hi, 
1792. 

The grandparents were among the early settlers 
of Kentucky, and were there at the time the Indi- 
ans were very troublesome. This family traces ii- 
ancestry back to Poland's royalty. They came to 
America in 1756, and as foreigners, were at first 
looked upon with suspicion, but their true charac- 
ter becoming known, they were soon in great favor 
with the people of the colonics, and since that time 
there have been no more loyal Americans than the 
Sandusky family. The original forefather becan e 
an Indian hunter and trader, and by them was 
killed. 

Of the eight children born to the parents of the 
subject of this sketch. Abraham was the sixth. He 
was the last one whose nativity was in Kentucky 




and he was brought to Illinois in his mother's 
arms, a babe of six months. He has a good claim 
to the title of pioneer, and nobly does he sustain 
that title. His schooling was gained at the public 
schools of the days of his boyhood but his greatest 
lessons were gleaned from his father and mother, 
who taught him industry and honesty. He worked on 
his father's farm until he was married, Dec. 16, 
1 869 to Miss Ellen Baird, a native of Carroll Town • 
ship. He purchased his first land in 1862, and 
since that time has dealt steadily in real estate, in 
this way accumulating a great deal of wealth. He 
speculated in cattle, horses and live-stock generally, 
and during the war when values were much in- 
flated, and fortunes so easily gained, he did partic- 
ularly well. He became connected with the Ex- 
change Lank and was interested in the corporation 
to the extent of one-fourth interest. This institution 
transacted a general banking business for some four 
or five years, when the railroad was projected from 
Paris to Danville. This bank undertook the build- 
ing and operating of the road, a bonus of $500 a 
mile being voted for its construction by the sev- 
eral towns through which it passed. The bonded 
stock of this compauy amounting to $1,500,000, at 
one time could have been sold for eighty per cent. 
The road was sold at forced sale, and being pur- 
chased by the Wabash, it consequently forced Mr. 
Sandusky into bankruptcy, this occurring in 1873 
nrd sweeping his whole fortune away. At that 
lime he was worth $300,000 in money that he had 
accumulated by his own efforts. Just here the 
nobility of Mr. Sandusky's character asserted it- 
self, and while many others attribute his great 
|o-^es to the delinquency of another man, yet Mr. 
Sandusky remains mute, and simply says that the 
money was lost. His farm was bought in by his 
brother, William, and through industry and per- 
severance Abraham has been able to regain 600 
acres of it. 

Through .-ill his trials and losses Mr. Sandusky 
has sustained his honor, always appearing what 
lie really is, a public-spirited and generous citizen. 
Nearly every church, and all other enterprises de- 
signed for the public good, have felt the strength of 
his liberality. Mr. Sandusky is now following 
general or mixed farming, and his Short-horn cat- 



474 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



tie are the best specimems of their breed in this 
country. Politically, he is a strong uncompro- 
mising Republican, and never omits an opportun- 
ity to aid his party. He is a member of the Cum- 
berland Presbyterian Church, while his wife is a 
Baptist. 

Nancy Ellen Baird, the wife of Abraham San- 
dusky, was born in Carroll Township. Her father. 
Joseph, and mother Lydia ( Mendenhall) Baird, were 
early settlers of Vermilion County. The father was 
born in Kentucky and the mother in Ohio. She came 
here with her parents when she was eleven years 
old. while Mr. Baird was a young man, when he 
arrived in this county. After their marriage they 
settled upon their farm where they became the 
parents of eight children: John (i., David A., 
Nancy Ellen, Elizabeth A., Lydia Jane, Emily F., 
William S.. and Joseph, who died in infancy. Mrs. 
Baird is residingon the old Mendenhall homestead 
with her son. Silas, and is in good health at the ag« 
of seventy-seven years. Her husband died in 1869 
nearly seventy years old. 

Fine lithographic portraits of Mr. and Mrs. San- 
dusky are shown elsewhere in this work, and repre- 
sent people of fine family, prominent social position 
and philanthropic spirit. It is the wish of the 
Album as well as its many readers that they may 
remain for many years among those who love them. 



M'. 



-^r 



Y OSEPH F. COOK. Somebody has said that 
the man who loves a good horse is generally 
a good citizen. The converse of this propo- 
sition in certainly true that a man who 
abuses this noblest of all animals is certainly a bad 
citizen. If there is anything in this world that 
Mr. Cook likes belter than another it is a good 
horse. He is especially proud of the fact that he 
is the owner of as tine horses as can be found in 
Vermilion County. He is a man who possesses 
great intelligence and uses his talents freely in his 
business of putting on the market splendid horses. 
Mis financial success in this direction fully attests 
the fact that he lias not failed to make for himself 
an enviable reputation as a fair, capable and relia- 



ble business man. His excellent judgment has led 
him to select Cleveland Lays anil Mambrino strains 
as the most superior breeds for the class of animals 
he deals in. 

Mr. Cook was born in Vermillion County. Ind.. 
about two miles from his present home on Oct. 25, 
L859. His father, Dr. Joseph C. Cook, was a na- 
tive of Virginia and came with his father — and the 
grandfather of the subject of this sketch — William 
Cook, to Parke County, Ind., where the latter set- 
tled on new land. At this time the country was 
overrun with wild animals and wilder Indians, but 
they were bound to make a home and in this de- 
termination they were successful. Dr. Cook lo- 
cated in Vermillion County, Ind., soon after his 
marriage, which was about forty years ago and his 
capital at that time consisted of only fifty cents. He 
also owned a horse, saddle and bridle, but above 
all possessed no little ambition to make a name and 
accumulate property. He became one of the most 
eminent physicians in this country, and when he 
died he was the owner of 1,700 acres of land beside 
having $48,000 in accounts on his books as well as 
notes and other property. No call from the sick ever 
went unanswered by him and the afflicted poor re- 
ceived as much attention as those that were wealthy. 
One feature of his philantlirophy was the giving of 
$600 a year to the worthy poor. He died in Ver- 
million Township, Jan. 22, 1875, honored and re- 
spected by the entire community. His widow who 
was Margaret J. Dallas, before her marriage, is now 
living on the old homestead, and is the mother of 
twelve children, five of whom are living: William 
O, Charles, Joseph F. Addison W. and Bertie C. 
Joseph F. Cook received his education at the 
common schools, and nearly all his life has been 
spent in the occupation of farming. He was mar- 
ried to Miss Drusilla P., daughter of James Camp- 
bell, who was an early settler of this township. Mr. 
and Mrs. Cook are t ho parents of four children: 
Nettie P., Roy F., May D. and Bertie C. Mr. 
Cook's farm is situated on section 36, range 11. El- 
wood Township, where he owns a quarter section of 
splendid land. As before indicated he is a breeder 
of fine horses. He owns the Duke of Cleveland, an 
imported Cleveland Bay, four years old, which 
weighs 1,400 pounds and is sixteen and one-fourth 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



475 



hands high. lie is also the owner of Roy Davis. 
whose grandsire is old Dr. Hurr, of Paris, sired by 
Mambrino Davis, a brother of Joe Davis, the noted 
trotter that made a record of "2:17 a few years ago. 
The dam of Roy Davis is Senorita Parepa. corrected 
from volume 1. page 255, of J. II. Wallace's 
American Trotting Register, making Roy Davis a 
thoroughbred. 

.Mr. and Mis. Cook are devoted members of the 
Cumberland Presbyterian Church and are always 
found ready to extend financial help to any be- 
nevolent project. Mr. Cook is a wealthy man and 
and is especially proud of the record of his father 
as a physician and philanthropist. 



-«*- 



->':> 



^ 



TAMES SYLVESTER CLINGAN, a retired 
farmer and a resident of Westville. is the 
owner of a tin*- body of improved land in 
Catlin Township, which is operated by his 
sons, lb- is in comfortable circumstances and has 
been blessed with a life partner of more than ordin- 
ary worth, who has been his efficient helpmate in 
the accumulation of their property and has con- 
tributed largely in maintaining the dignity and 
reputation of the family. They are people held in 
high esteem and are classed among the best ele- 
ments of their community. 

In glancing at the antecedents of our subject we 
find that he was born in Miami County, eight miles 
southwest of Troy. Ohio. Dec. 15, 1830, and is the 
son of William and Nancy ( Ramsey ) Clingan, the 
fanner a native of the same county as his son and 
the mother born near Susquehanna. I'a. The latter 
descended from substantial old Pennsylvania stock, 
while the paternal grandfather of our subject, 
James Clingan. by name was a native of Ireland. 
The parents were married in Dayton. Ohio, ami the 
father carried on farming in that vicinity until 
1845. That year they came to Illinois, settling -i\ 
miles east of Danville and one-half mile from the 
State line, where the elder Clingan commenced 
opening up a farm from the wilderness, but was 
called away by death two years after his arrival 
here. The eightvfccres of land which he had se- 



cured was only partially paid for and two-thirds of 
it had to be sold. Our subject, then a youth of 
seventeen years, began working out bv the month 
and assisted his mother until she no longer required 
his filial services. She passed away Sept. 19, 1851. 
The parental household consisted of eight chil- 
dren, namely: William. James Sylvester, our sub- 
ject, John, Robert, Joshua, Mason, Sarah, and 
George. 

When twenty-four years of age our subject was 
married, in 1855 to Miss Alvira, a daughter of 
John and Mary Olehy. The young people com- 
menced their wedded life together on a rented farm 
in Danville Township, where they lived seven 
years, and then Mr. Clingan purchased part of the 
estate of his wife's father. Later he sold this and 
bought 12() acres of land in Catlin Township. He 
subsequently added to this and is now the owner 
of 200 acres which is largely devoted to the raising 
of grain and stock and which yields handsome 
returns. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Clingan there have been born 
four children: The eldest. John W.. a farmer of 
Georgetown Township, married Miss Mary Nesbitt, 
and is the father of two children — Dennis A. and 
Edna A.; Dennis R., who resides on the home farm. 
married Bliss Louisa Graves; Mary E., died at the 
age of two years; Luther, a resident of George- 
town Township, married Miss Martha Graves and 
i- the father of two children — Blanche and Hersch- 
ell. Our subject ami his estimable wife left the 
farm in November, 1886, and took up their abode 
in Westville. where they purpose living retired 
from the arduous labors with which they were em- 
ployed during their younger years. Mr. Clingan 
politically affiliates with the Democratic party, but 
ha- never sought office and has mingled very little 
with public affairs, with the exception of serving 
as -i school Director in his district for a perod of 
nine y ears. 

The parents of Mrs. Clingan were natives re- 
spectively of Virginia and Kentucky. They were 
married in Ohio where their two eldest children 
were born and came to Illinois in 1833, settling 
time miles east of Danville. There the birth of 
Mrs. Clingan took place in 1835. (inly four of 
the fourteen children born to the parents are livii g. 



47G 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



The eldest, Louisa, is the wife of Dennis Rouse of 
Danville. Alvira, Mrs. Clingan, is the next eldest; 
Mary, Mrs. Herman Clyman, lives on a farm in 
Georgetown Township; Rebecca Jane, is the wife 
of George Watson, a farmer of Pilot Township. 

LIZA (SNYDER) CASSEL is the relict of 
the late John Cassel, a former prominent 
}}^f} citizen of Pilot Township and one of the 
leading farmers of this part of Vermilion County, 
owning a large farm and carrying on stock-raising 
quite extensively during man}' years of a busy and 
useful life. Our subject makes her home on this 
farm, which she helped her husband to place 
among the best and most desirable estates in this 
locality in point of size, cultivation and style of 
buildings. 

Mrs. Cassel is a native of Muskingum, County, 
Ohio, born in May, 1827. Her parents, John and 
Alary (Blunt) .Snyder, were natives of Virginia, 
and pioneers of Ohio, and subsequently early set- 
tlers of this county, coming here in 1831 and lo- 
cating in Blount Township. The father died in 
is|s. thus ending a life of usefulness, and leaving 
a name that is held in respect by his descendants. 
Both he and his wife were of Irish antecedents. 
The latter died in 1872 at a venerable age. They 
were the parents of ten children, six of whom are 
living, as follows: our subject, of whom we will 
speak further; Cenith, living in New Pontiac, 111., 
a widow, who has been twice married, Mr. Alfred 
Lane being her first husband and Isaac Norman 
her second husband, she having three children by 
her last union — John, Charles and Wesley: John, 
a farmer, married Rachel Robinson, and is the 
father of ten children; Charles married Margaret 
Olhand, of this county, and they have eight chil- 
dren; Wesley, living retired in Danville, married 
Mary Cunnigan, and they have seven children. 
Margaret married James Gillen, a farmer in Chero- 
kee County, Kan., and they have twelve children. 

Our subject was a small child of scarcely four 
years when her parents brought her to Vermilion 
County, therefore she can have but little recollec- 



tion of any previous home, and here she was reared 
amid the pioneer scenes of those early days of the 
settlement of this section of the country to a 
strong, self-reliant, useful womanhood. When 
quite young she assumed the responsibilities of 
married life by uniting her fate with that of Henry 
Bailey, a young farmer of the neighborhood, his 
parents coining from South Carolina in early days 
and settling among the pioneers of the county. 
Three children blessed our subject and her hus- 
band, namely: Melissa, Mary and William. Me- 
lissa married F. M.Ogle of this county, now living 
in Linn County, Kan., and they have ten children; 
Mary married James Goff, of this county, now 
living in Wilson County, Kas., and they have six 
children; William enlisted in the army in 1861, 
and gave up his life to his country, dying at the 
battle of Corinth, Miss., in 1862. Mr. Bailey de- 
parted this life about 1848. 

Our subject was united in marriage to John Cas- 
sel in 1850. He was born in Georgia, his parents 
being John and Martha (Dark) Cassel. Of this 
marriage ten children were born, of whom the fol- 
lowing is recorded: Columbus, a farmer in Gray 
County, Kan., married Eva Clark, of Champaign 
County, 111., and they have three children; Caro- 
line married Allen Kirkpatrick, a farmer of this 
county, and they have five children; Ann married 
James Nichols, a farmer of this county, and they 
have two children; Charles is at home, unmarried; 
Alice, Frank and Martin are deceased; Martha 
married Harry Canaday, of Champaign County, 
111., now a merchant in Gray County. Kan., and 
the}' have two children; Rosa married John McAl- 
ister, a farmer of this county, and the}' have two 
children. 

Mr. Cassel came to this county when a young 
man, and commenced life on his own account. He 
had absolutely nothing to depend on but the labor 
of his own hands, but in the course of a life of ex- 
traordinary industry he accomplished a great deal, 
and placed himself among the men of wealth and 
solid standing in the county. He owned 610 acres 
of valuable land, all well improved, with substan- 
tial buildings, and all the appointments of a well- 
managed farm. 

In the death of Mr. Cassel, which occurred July 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



177 



15, 1880, Pilot Township sustained a severe loss, 
us he was iii every way a fine man and a desirable 
citizen, who had taken a strong interest in the 
township and had done a great deal to advance its 
material prosperity. He was a considerate hus- 
band, a loving father and a good neighbor, ever 
just and upright in his dealings, lie was a sound 
Republican in his political views, and in working 
for the good of his party deemed that he was pro- 
moting the highest interests of his country, lie 
was a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, contributed liberally to the support of the 
Gospel, and was prominent in the management of 
the affairs of bis church, holding its various offices. 

Mrs. Cassel has shown herself to be in every way 
worthy of her husband. She is a quiet, unobtru- 
sive lady, who lias conscientiously done her duty 
in the various departments of life that she has 
been called on to till as wife, mother and friend, 
and her place in this community is among our best 
and most warmly esteemed people, she possesses 
excellent judgment and sound common sense, ami 
is a wise manager, so that her husband's estate has 
not diminished in value since it came into her 
hands. 

A view of her pleasant home is given on another 
page of this volume, and is a good representation 
of one of the most comfortable country residences 
in the county. 



* ccbo * 

,i RCHIBALD McDOWELL, an honored 
KM citizen and early pioneer of this section of 

li the State of Illinois, is now passing his ad- 
vanced years in the quiet of his home, 
looking back upon a long record of usefulness that 
perhaps is not equaled by any of bis compeers. He 
was born in Todd County, sixteen miles from llop- 
kinsville, Ky., Sept. 4, 1813. William and Mollie 
Nancy (Thompson) McDowell were his parents 
and were born in Greenbrier County. \ a. Shortly 
after their marriage they removed to what was 
then called Christian County (later Todd) Ky.. 
where all of their children were born, whose names 
follow; Josiah. .Margaret, John 1).. Eliza. James, 
Archibald, Robe™ and William. All of these 



came to Illinois with their parents in 1826. and of 
whom now only two are living, Archibald and Wil- 
liam. 

William McDowell was the owner of a large plan- 
tation in Kentucky, but a desire seized him to em- 
igrate to Illinois, a move which he never regretted. 
The journey was made by the means of one wagon 
and a cart, which were drawn by oxen, lie started 
with thirty head of cattle and thirteen head of 
horses. On the road the cattle were all seized by 
an epidemic, as were also the horses, and when they 
landed at their destination an inventory of then- 
stock exhibited the fact that they had one cow. one 
ox, and one horse. lie settled in Crawford County, 
four miles from Palestine, where he lived six years, 
when he removed to Vermilion County. It was 
under these early circumstances and environments 
that Archibald McDowell grew to manhood. The 
country for a few years after his father's arrival in 
Illinois was entirely destitute of educational privi- 
leges, and when alleged school-houses were erected, 
the advantages to obtain an education were not 
very much better. The teachers of those days were 
not chosen for their especial literary qualifications, 
but for their physical ability. 'Ihc schools lasted 
only four to six months in the year. 

About two years after William McDowell re- 
moved to this county he desired to return to Ken- 
tucky to settle up some affairs, which he did. On 
his return trip to Illinois he was seized with a ma- 
lignant fever and died. Several members of the 
family who went to see him. were also taken ill 
with the same disease which carried off two of the 
children, the mother and one brother recovering 
after a long siege of illness. Archibald, William 
and one of the younger sisters were the only ones 
of the family who were not ill. The following 
season the subject of this sketch and William 
planted the crops alone and from that day Archibald 
became the head of the household. 

At the age of twenty-one, Mr. McDowell was 
married to Miss Mary Hildreth, who is a native of 
Bourbon County, Ky., and reared in Illinois. Her 
parents came to this State in 1833. After Mr. Mc- 
Dowell's marriage he settled on 115 acres of land 
which belonged to his mother and the heirs. Ill's 
energy and industry united with his speculative 



178 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



genius in handling land, soon placed him compara- 
tively well-off. His first wife lived fifteen years 
alter marriage, when she died, leaving six children: 
Columbus, Louisa, Margaret A., William, Nancy A. 
and Melissa. Mr. McDowell's second marriage oc- 
curred in 1859 to Miss Cynthia Ann Seals, who was 
horn in Clark County. III. She is still living and is 
the mother of the following children: John I.. Alice 
J.,George, Amanda,Thomas, Cyrus.* >ra and ( klbert. 
Mrs. McDowell is the daughter of Ivan and Nancy 
Seals, the former being born in Virginia, while the 
latter is a native of Kentucky. This couple had five 
children who grew to maturity: Henry, Jane, 
William, Cynthia and Taylor. Henry, William and 
Taylor, enlisted in the Union Army and only one 
Of the trio returned from the war. William is now 
farming near Preston, Kan.; Jane married William 
Craig. They are living four miles east of Oak- 
land, 111. 

Mrs. McDowell was reared in Clark County. 111., 
and came to Edgar County, when she was eighteen 
years old, where her parents died, the lather in 
1878 aUhe age of sixty-six years and the mother in 
187G at the age of sixty-three years. Mr. Mc- 
Dowell has held several places of responsibility, es- 
pecially those pertaining to educational advance- 
ment, he having served for sixteen years as a 
School Director. Politically he is in sympathy 
with the labor movement, although raised in the 
Democratic faith. 

The Chicago & Ohio River Railroad was built in 
1881, when Mr. McDowell gave that corporation the 
right of way through his land. A depot was erected 
upon his premises and the station was named Archie 
in honor of the owner of the land. The Post-office 
also goes by the same name. 



*$*. 



W/OHN P. CLOYD, M. D., the leading physi- 
cian and surgeon of Georgetown, and a very 
able practitioner, has been a resident of this 
/ place since 1869. A conscientious attention 
to business and a more than ordinary understand- 
ing of the duties of his calling has resulted in the 
building up of a fine patronage, while at the same 



time he is liberal-minded and public-spirited, and 
one of the most enterprising and popular men of 
the place. In personal appearance he is of fine 
stature, with a pleasing address and an ever ready 
wit. and is welcomed as a general favorite in the 
social circles. As a business man his career has 
been irreproachable. 

Our subject was born near the old home of An- 
drew Johnson, in Greenville. Tenn., June 2<s. 1838, 
and is the son of William and Julia (Nortliington) 
Cloyd, the former of whom was born in Washing- 
ton County, Tenn.. and was the son of a native of 
Virginia, who carried a musket in the War of 1812. 
The great-grandfather, William Cloyd, was born in 
Bellemony, Ireland, and was of pure Scotch ances- 
try, followers of the Protestant religion. The 
mother of our subject was a native of Virginia, 
whence she removed with her parents to East Ten- 
nessee when a young lady. The Northingtons were 
of Scotch-Irish blood, while the maternal grand- 
mother of our subject, formerly a Miss Crouch, was 
of English stock. The Cloyds were represented in 
this country during the colonial days and the great- 
grandfather of our subject served in the Revolu- 
tionary War. Grandfather James 15. Cloyd was in 
the War of 1812 under Gen. Andrew Jackson, and 
also fought the Creek Indians in Alabama. 

The parents of our subject were reared and mar- 
ried in East Tennessee, where they spent their 
entire lives. The father carried on a wagon manufac- 
tory, turning out the celebrated old schooner-bed, 
six-horse wagon, numbers of which were afterwards 
seen making their way slowly to the Great West, 
over the trackless prairie. He was a very indus- 
trious and energetic man and accumulated a good 
property. He died, however, at the early age of 
thirty years, after a short illness of pneumonia, in 
1848. lie left his widow with three children: John 
Patton, our subject, David Nortliington and Ja- 
nus W. 

After our subject had attained manhood his 
mother contracted a second marriage, and there was 
born one child. She died at Greenville, Tenn., at 
the age of sixty-seven years. John Patton Cloyd 
received a common school education, and as soon 
as old enough began assisting his father in the 
wagon shop. Later he entered Rhea Academy at 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



470 



Greenville, where lie completed the preparatory 
course, and about this time decided upon entering 
the medical profession. At the age of seventeen 
he became a student in Washington County, East 
Tenn., but on account of limited means was obliged 
to abandon his studies and engage in teaching. At 
the close of his first term he set out for Indiana, 
and halting in Vermillion County taught school 
two years, and in 1859 came to Illinois. 

Here our subject followed the profession of a 
pedagogue until 1864. In the meantime he em- 
ployed his leisure hours in the study of medicine, 
which lie bad begun when a youth of eighteen. In 
1864 lie repaired to Chicago, and entering Rush 
Medical College took two courses of lectures, and 
was graduated with the class of 1869, In the mean- 
time, however, he had begun the practice of his cho- 
sen profession at Yankee Point, three and one-half 
years prior to receiving his diploma from Rush. 
After leaving the college Dr. Cloyd established 
himself in Georgetown, where he has since re- 
mained, lie has suffered nothing else to distract 
bis attention from the duties of his profession, and 
besides being the oldest practitioner in the place, is 
the most skillful and successful. 

In 1859 our subject was united in marriage with 
Miss Hannah Golden, a native of this county, and 
the daughter of Jacob and Alcie (Frazier) Golden: 
they also were from East Tennessee and numbered 
among the pioneers of Elwood Township, this 
county. Of this union there have been born five 
children: Richard, Belle, Frazier, Grace and John, 
the latter now a bright lad of ten years; Richard 
has chosen his father's profession, and is a student 
at Rush Medical College, Chicago, in the class of 
'90. Prior to entering there he was graduated from 
the Eastern Illinois College, and has taught school 
five years in this county; Belle is the wife of Rev. 
D. G. Murray, pastor of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church at Jacksonville, and they have one child. 
Rose; Frazier is following the profession of a 
teacher in this county ; Grace and John are at home 
with their parents. The family residence is pleas- 
antly situated in the central part of the village and 
is the frequent resort of its best people. 

The Doctor, socially, belongs to Russell Lodge 
N<>. 154, A. V. <v A. M.. at Georgetown, and is also 



1 a member of Athelstan Commandery at Danville. 
He has been Master in his lodge at Georgetown 
since the time of his first election in 187.3, with the 
exception of three years. He is a charter member 
of the Medical Association of Vermilion County, 
and one of its brightest lights. Politically, he affil- 
iates with the Democratic party. 

-~ <e§wf*. v~ 




HARLES COOPER. There is probably no 
more popular or more promising young 
/ citizen of Carroll Township than the sub- 
ject of this notice. Nature has endowed him with 
those admirable qualities which constitute the basis 
of all good society and upon which the wellbeing 
of a community depends. He is fully in sympathy 
with the broad, free, independent life of a farmer. 
and is comfortably established at a neat homestead, 
160 acres in extern and pleasantly located on sec- 
tion 7. He makes a specialty of line cattle and 
horses and is able to exhibit some of the handsom- 
est specimens of these to be found in the county. 
His farm is finely located near the village of Indi- 
anola. and the dwelling is just far enough from the 
highway to insure quiet, seclusion and cleanliness. 
In its appointments and surroundings it very 
nearly realizes the modern idea of the country 
home. 

Our subject, a native of this county, was born 
in Georgetown Township, Dec. 30. 18. r >7, and is 
the son of John E. Cooper, a Virginian b}' birth, 
who upon leaving his native state emigrated to 
Ohio and in 1840 came to Illinois. He was mar- 
ried in Georgetown Township, this county, to Miss 
Lucinda Cook, and after establishing a home of 
his own, set himself to work to gain a competence 
and become a man among men. He was prospered 
in his labors and in due time became one of the 
foremost men of his town and the owner of 640 
acres of land. He kept himself thoroughly posted 
with regard to the new methods of farming pro- 
duced from time to time, and purchased and used 
the first steel plow ever brought to this county. 

The old Cooper homestead is a familiar feature 
in the landscape to most of the older residents of 



480 



PORTRAIT AND BIO* "i RAPIIICAL ALBUM. 



t'.iis region. The farm is embellished with a large 
brick mansion four stories in height, with an ob- 
servatory whose roof is reared fifty-nine feet from 
the ground. John E. Cooper and his excellent 
wife were both consistent Christians and members 
in good standing of the Cumberland Presbyterian 
Church. The father departed this life at the old 
homestead in 1885 at the age of fifty-nine years: 
the mother is still living and is now aged sixty- 
one. The nine children comprising the household 
circle are recorded as follows: George !>., the eldest, 
and John W., the second son and third child, are 
conducting in partnership a large livery establish- 
ment at Greencastle, Ind.; George married Miss 
Carrie Moreland, and is the father of three children, 
Opie, Effort and Glenn; John married Miss Nora 
Hill, and they also have three children, Elmo, 
Elgin and Jennie; Miss Jennie Cooper married 
Russell Jones, a farmer and stock-raiser in the vi- 
cinity of Carthage. Mo., and they have one child, 
Bert; Sally was married to John A. Gilkey, who is 
now deceased, and she has two children. Signal 
and Ora; the}' reside at the Cooper homestead with 
the mother; Annie is also at home; Lizzie became 
the wife of AVill Moreland, and died leaving one 
child. Johnnie; Kate married J. R. Jones, a whole- 
sale and retail merchant of Ft. Scott, Mo.; Quin L. 
is unmarried and operates the old Cooper home- 
stead. 

The subject of this sketch was a little lad of four 
years when his father purchased the land which he 
afterward constructed into one of the finest farms 
of this region. He there spent his boyhood and 
youth, assisting his father in the development of 
the land and acquiring his education in the com- 
mon school. He remained a member of the parental 
household until twenty-four years old, and was 
married in September, 1882, to Miss Kate, daugh- 
ter of Thomas and Catherine T. (Hedges) More- 
land, who were natives of Kentucky. They came 
to Illinois at an early da}' and Mrs. Cooper was 
born in Carroll Township, this county, in 1860. 
The first year after his marriage our subject rented 
the old Moreland Farm and then moved upon that 
which he now occupies. He makes a specialty of 
road horses and is in the habit of carrying off the 
blue ribbons at the Danville and Catlin fairs, in 



uaitlu his favorite breed is the Short-horn, of which 
he has some excellent specimens with registered 
pedigree. In 1881 he rented the Hedges farm 
which he has since conducted with success. 

Two bright children grace the family cirele, 
Fleda and Luie, who are aged three and five re- 
spectively. Although having little time to give 
to politics. Mr. Cooper is a man of decided ideas 
and gives his unqualified support to the Demo- 
cratic party. The beautiful Woodlawn Cemetery is 
within sight of Mr. Cooper's home and in which was 
built the Cooper family vault, largely through the 
instrumentality of the elder Cooper, whose remains 
now repose within it. This vault, a tasteful and 
substantial structure, was built at a cost of $1,900 
and adds greatly to the appearance of the cemetery, 
which is frequent]}' visited by the sight-seers of 
this region. 



ASSIUS M. HESTER, a young man ap- 
, proaching the twenty-eighth year of his 
^^<f age, is a son of one of the pioneers of this 
county and was born at his father's old homestead 
in Elwood Township, Dec. 15, 1861. A sketch of 
his father, William Hester, will be found on an- 
other page in this Album. The latter is a man of 
note in his community and the son has apparently 
inherited many of the excellent qualities of his 
sire. 

Our subject studied his first lessons in the schools 
of his native district and later attended Vermilion 
Academy. At the age of fifteen years he started 
out to see the world and going to Colorado, in 
1876, worked on a farm four months, then engaged 
in teaming between Fountain City and Colorado 
Springs. He also engaged in hauling hay ami 
whatever else he could find to do. He returned 
home in the summer of 1877 and remained on the 
farm until his marriage. 

The above-mentioned interesting event in the 
life of our subject occurred on the 3d of Septem- 
ber, 1885, the bride being Miss Rosa, daughter of 
Rev. James Haworth. Mr. Haworth was formerly of 
Quaker Hill, Ind., but is now iu Ackworth, Warren 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



183 



Co., Iowa, where he i> preaching the Gospel in Ike 
Friend's Church. Mr. and Mrs. Hester were the 
parents of one child which was taken from the 
home circle in infancy. Our subject like his fore- 
fathers belongs to the Society of Friends, and is 
Recorder of births and deaths in the Church at 
Vermilion Grove in which he also officiate.-- as 
Treasurer. He is one of the leading lights among 
his religious brethren and a young man who is a 
favorite generally in the social circles of his 
community. 



- 0~3s©sr-i 



*£••<-- 




RED TILTON. Could the pioneers of 

^ forty years ago have been given the power 
to discern the result of their long and ar- 
duous labors upon first coming to this section of 
country, they would have had everything to en- 
courage them, and there would have been little 
excuse for any failure which the}' might have 
made. As it was. many of them were giving the 
best part of their lives to an experiment, as it wen-. 
hoping indeed that their labors would be rewarded, 
but not being entirely assured of the fact. Too 
much credit, therefore, cannot be given them for 
the manner in which they persevered under many 
difficulties, and to them is the present generation 
indebted for the blessings which they to-day enjoy, 
the comforts of life and many of its luxuries. 

Among those who were willing to risk their labor 
and their capital on a new soil during the early 
settlement of this county, was he whose name 
stands at the head of this sketch, and who was 
then at the beginning of life's journey. He had 
little capital but his own strong hands and resolute 
will, but he entered upon the task before him with 
that high courage which distinguished so many of 
his compeers. As he now looks over his fine farm 
of 400 acres, the toils and labors of those first years 
seem to melt away in the reward of the present. 
His home is pleasantly located on section 29, town- 
ship 23, range 12. He purchased his land from the 
Government in the fall of 18o2. paying therefor 
8 1 .25 per acr«\ It was then a raw prairie, which 



the plowshare had never touched, and there was 
not a tree or shrub upon the whole area. 

The first business of our subject after purchasing 
his land was to provide a shelter for himself and 
family. He purchased a small house in Higgins- 
ville. which he had removed to his farm, and then 
put in his first season's crops, after which he began 
those improvements naturally suggested to the in- 
telligent and enterprising farmer. The only wagon 
road through this part of the country at this time 
was the old Chicago road, and wild animals were 
plentiful, so that the family never lacked for meat. 
A number of years passed before the land was all 
lirought to a state of cultivation, but in due time 
it began to assume the proportions of a well-re- 
gulated farm, with substantial fences anil g I 

buildings. Mr. Tilton has set out good shade and 
fruit trees, and has the latest improved machinery 
for the tilling of the toil. He is looked upon as 
one of the leading farmers of his township, and 
one who has contributed his full share in develop- 
ing its resources. 

The subject of this sketch was born near the 
town of Sherbrook, Canada, March 5, 1821, and 
lived there until a youth of fourteen years. His 
parents then removed to Ohio, whence they came 
to this county in 1836. They settled at Danville, 
where the father established a brick kiln, and also 
operated as a contractor and builder, and among 
other work constructed a dam across the Vermil- 
ion for the mill built by Amos Williams, who was 
one of the most prominent millers in this part of 
the State. Fred assisted his father in his labors, 
and in 1838 was engaged in hauling stone for the 
abutments of the Wabash Railroad, which was 
being built by the State. He also that year for a 
lime carried the mail from Danville to .loliet, a 
distance of 110 miles with about seven offices be- 
tween. There was not a bridge between the two 
places, and the trip occupied two days. Many a 
time he made it with not a thing in the mail bag. 
A large number of people in this region were then 
suffering from ague, and not able even to get out 
and cut the feed for the horses, so the mail-carrier 
had to do it himself. Young Tilton was thus in 
the employ of Uncle Sam until the fall of 1840, 
and then, settling upon a tract of land in Middle 



484 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Fork Township, about ten miles north of Danville, 
began farming on his own account. 

In due time our subject bydilligent labor was in 
a condition to establish a home of his own, and in 
May, 1846, took unto himself a wife and helpmate, 
Miss Affa K. Ilorton. Shortly afterward they re- 
moved to North Fork Township, where Mr. Tilton 
rented land of Alvin Gilbert, and as soon as other 
laud in that region came into market he purchased 
160 acres. One of the first tasks to which he set 
himself on his new farm was to plant a grove of 
forest trees, and as the result of this he has now cut 
from this his own fire wood for the last five or six 
veais. Ac one time he was the owner of 720 acres 
of laud, all of which he brought to a state of cul- 
tivation. Finally he turned his attention to stock- 
raising, which yielded him handsome profits. lie 
has seen the time when a large hog dressed sold for 
§1 to $1.25, and a small one at seventy-five cents, 
and under these circumstances Mr. Tilton, like 
many of his neighbors, naturally met with some 
difficulty in making both ends meet. 

.Mr. Tilton, in reviewing a career which has been 
remarkably successful, acknowledges that tie has 
been greatly assisted by his intelligent and sensible 
wife, who stood by him through sunshine and storm, 
and by her careful management of her household 
expenses, proved a most wise and efficient help- 
mate. 

As the farm of our subject grew in dimensions 
and value, so also the household circle enlarged, 
and eight of the ten children born to him and his 
estimable wife are still living: Mary, the eldest 
daughter, is now the wife of Wesley Blackford; 
they live in Butler Township, and have two chil- 
dren; George was first married to Miss Mary Judy, 
who died after becoming the mother of two chil- 
dren. He was then married to Miss Florence 
Clemens, and lives on his 160-acre farm given him 
by his father, lying east of the homestead. Sarah 
is unmarried and remains with her parents; Charles 
occupies a 120-acre farm given him by his father; 
.lames is cultivating eighty acres of his own land; 
Alice is a milliner by trade and does business at 
Potomac; Jane is the wife of Perry Fowler, of 
Red Lake Falls, Minn., and the mother of one child; 
Jesse G. is at home with his father. The children 



of Mr. Tilton have been carefully trained and edu- 
cated, and thoroughly fitted for their future sta- 
tions, as the representatives of one of the first fam- 
ilies in the township. 

Mrs. Affa K. (Ilorton) Tilton was born in Haber- 
sham County, Ga., April 16, 1824, and is the 
daughter of David Ilorton, who was a prominent 
local politician, and remained in Georgia during the 
Confederate days. His daughter came north with 
her future husband, Mr. Tilton, riding 600 miles 
on horseback and being on the road twenty-one 
days. She lived with her aunt in Blount Township 
until her marriage; her father is still living in 
Georgia, and is quite well advanced in years. 
Aliial F. Tilton, the father of our subject, was 
born in New Hampshire late in 1700, and when 
leaving his native State, removed first to Vermont, 
and later to Canada. In the Dominion he married 
Miss Cynthia Thompson, of Massachusetts, and 
they reared a family of ten children, six sons and 
four daughters. Finally coming West, he settled 
in Danville, this county, at an early day, but after- 
ward moved to Middle Fork Township, and began 
farming. He departed this life in 1866. His wife 
had dierl in 1838. Mr. Tilton is an Independent in 
polities, but of late years has voted the Prohibition 
ticket. He served as Township Supervisor two 
years, also officiated as Township Trustee, and has 
occupied other positions of trust. He is a man 
uniformly esteemed and respected by his fellow- 
citizens, and is considered a representative of the 
best elements of his community. A lithographic 
view of Mr. Tilton's residence appears elsewhere in 
this volume. 



-*§#+- 



&ENRY COTTON, familiarly known through- 
) out Westville and vicinity, as "Uncle 
Harry" and -'The Squire," is one of the 
most popular men of the place, and an 
especial favorite with the "boys." There is not a 
more genial or companionable individual in this 
region, and he has the faculty of preserving, under 
all circumstances, that equable temperament and 
serene countenance, which is one of man's best 
gifts. He occupies himself as a general merchant 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



485 



and withoul being wealthy is in comfortable cir- 
cumstances, enjoying a fair income and a modest 
home. He was one of the pioneers of this section 
and lias been prominent from the start, serving as 
Postmaster and occupying other positions of trust 
and responsibility. 

Our subjeel was born in Decatur County. Ind.. 
.March 19. 1822. His father. Robert Cotton, was 
born in the vicinity of Beardstown, Ky., and emi- 
grated to this i n ty in the fall of 1822, during 

the period of its earliest settlement and when few 
white men had ventured onto the frontier. Henry 
was then an infant of six months and is therefore 
one of the oldest living settlers of the county. 
Mrs. Hannah (Howard) Cotton, the mother of our 
subject, was a native of the same place as her hus- 
band and was there reared and married and became 
the mother of two children in the Blue Grass State. 
I pon leaving Kentucky they removed to Switzer- 
land County. Ind.. and not long afterward to De- 
catur County, whence they came to this county. 
The Cottons trace their ancestry to the stanch obi 
Puritan stock of .Massachusetts, where John Cot 
ton, one of its first representatives in this country. 
settled at a very early date and figured conspic- 
uously in public affairs. 

The father of our subject only lived twoyears after 
coming to this county, dying, when a young man. 
in 1824. He left his widow with a family of seven 
children of whom Henry was next to the youngest. 
He, like his brothers and sisters, grew up amid the 
wild scenes of pioneer life at a time when wild ani- 
mals abounded in this region, deer being especially 
plentiful, and wolves howled around their cabin 
door at night. Frequently the broad and unhab- 
ited prairie covered with wild dry grass, was lighted 
up by a conflagration, started perhaps bysome un 
wary traveler dropping a spark from his pipe. 
when the smoke and flames would sweep perhaps 
for miles destroying animal life to a great extent 
and threatening that of human beings. Every 
level-headed settler made it his first business to 
protect himself from this catastrophe by plowing 
around his dwelling and thus destroying the food 
or the flames which could he forestalled in no 
other way. 

The education of tin 1 Cotton children was con- 



fined to a few months instruction each year in a 
log school-house, with puncheon floor, seals and 
desks made from unplaned slabs, the window 
panes of greased paper, a huge fire-place extending 
nearly across one end of the building and the chim- 
ney built outside of earth and sticks. The system 
of instruction corresponded with the time and 
place, little being required Of the teacher except to 
lie able to read, write and ••cipher." Henry Cot- 
ton, however, availed himself of these meager ad- 
vantages and in 1844 began teaching and followed 
this during the winter season for two or three year-. 
In the meantime on the Kith of January. 1845, lie 
was married to Miss Elizabeth (Jetty, a descendant 
of the well-known Getty family of Pennsylvania, 
from which the town which gained historic fame 
during the Rebellion was named. 

I'pon reaching manhood, our subject, leaving the 
farm took to the river and followed the life 
of a flatboatman during which he made eighteen 
trips to and from New Orleans. It was upon one 
of these trips that he met his future wife at Yin- 
cennes. Ind.. where in due time they were married 
and began housekeeping, residing at Yiiieenues 
eight years. When not on the river Mr. Cotton 
occupied himself as a carpenter. Upon comma to 
this county, he began farming in Danville Town- 
ship and was on the highway to prosperity, having 
comfortable means and last but not least, a family 
of four interesting children. This happy state was 
broken in upon by the notes of war. ami in response 
to the call of President Lincoln for 300,000 men 
for three years, our subject enlisted July 9, 1862, 
in Company G, 125th Illinois Infantry. He was 
mustered into service at Danville, where the 
company remained drilling for a time, then was 
ordered to Cincinnati. Ohio, and from there to 
Louisville, Ky. They drilled also at the latter 
place and then proceeded to Gallatin, Tenn., where 
during the arduous duties assigned him. Mr. Cotton 
was over-heated and suffered so long thereafter 
from illness that he was obliged to accept his hon- 
orable discharge in February, 1863. 

In the tall of tin' year above mentioned Mr. 
Cotton changed his residence to Knox County, 
Ind.. where he sojourned ten years. His next re- 
moval was to Clay County, this State, and from 



I si; 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



there he returned to this county in 1882 and en- 
gaged in mercantile business at Westville. On 
April 30, 1883 his store and stock was destroyed 
by fire but he rebuilt and in time attained to his 
old footing financially. He was appointed Post- 
master of Westville under President Arthur and 
served three years. For tour years he has been 
Justice of the Peace and has discharged the duties 
of this office with credit to himself and satisfaction 
to all concerned. 

Mr. Cotton cast his first presidential vote for 
Henry Clay in 1844, being a member of the old 
Whig party. Upon its abandonment he cordially 
endorsed Republican principles and has since given 
his undivided support to this party. Socially he 
is a prominent member of Kyger Post, G. A. R. at 
Georgetown. He is the father of six children, the 
eldest of whom, Robert I)., died Aug. 13, 1888 and 
left two children. William I., the second son. was 
also married, became the father of two children and 
died Feb. 2'.). 1884; John H. died Sept. 30, 1888; 
Mary J. died in infancy; George Elmer is a well- 
to-do farmer of McLean County, this State, and the 
father of one child; Ellen, the youngest of the fam- 
ily, is at home with her parents. Both Mr. Cotton 
and his estimable wife are members in good stand- 
ing of the Christian Church. 



AWRENCE V. MANNING, the veteran 
threshing machine man of Sidell Township, 
established himself at this business in Ver- 
million County, Ind., as earl}- as 1863 and with 
the exception of eight years spent at Fairmount 
has since been engaged therein. He has worn out 
several machines, at first using horses, but as time 
passed on availed himself of the modern improve- 
ments in connection with this business and now 
has one of the latest and most improved machines 
in use, the Hubert Thresher, which is operated by 
a 12-horse power engine, with the Shrieves Stacker. 
This ha-s a capacity of 3,300 bushels of oats in 
nine hours, as demonstrated by Mr. Manning, who 
has performed with it some of the biggest day's 
work in this line on record in Vermiliou County. 



Personally, the subject of this notice is a gen- 
tleman of fine appearance, large, symmetrical and 
well developed, and with mental powers equal to 
his stature and muscular system. As a business 
man he has uniformly displayed superior judgment, 
: investing his capital wisely and has thus acquired 
a handsome property. Politically, he is a strong 
Republican and one of the most prominent members 
of his party in this section. A native of Tomp- 
kins County, N. Y., he was born June 24, 1836, and 
is the son of Charles and Harriet (Austin) Manning, 
also natives of that county. The Manning family 
is of Scotch and English blood and crossed the 
Atlantic at an early day, settling in New England, 
where the paternal grandfather of our subject was 
born. Both he and Grandfather Austin were early 
pioneers of Tompkins County, X. Y. Secretaiy 
Manning belonged to the same family. 

The father of our subject learned the carpenter 
trade early in life and was married in Tompkins 
County, N. Y., whence he removed in 1839 to Ber- 
lin, this State, where he began working at his trade, 
but died that same year, leaving his widow with 
three children — John, Jeremiah and Lawrence Van 
Cleark. The latter was but three years old at the 
time of his father's death. The mother was mar- 
ried a second time to J. M. Rogers at Springfield 
and removed from there in 1845 to Vermillion 
Count}', Intl., settling in Parisville, where Mr. 
Rogers prosecuted his trade of cooper and finally 
became owner of a farm. Of this marriage there 
were born five children. 

The early life of our subject was spent on the 
farm of his stepfather in Vermillion County, Ind., 
where his time was filled in with hard work and no 
education whatever, he being seventeen years old 
before he could read or write. At this time he 
started out for himself without a dollar, and when 
the clothing on his back would not have brought 
this sum if put up and sold to the highest bidder*. 
He had, however, been trained to habits of industry 
and honesty and it was his good fortune to enter 
the employ of one Mr. Lewis, a school teacher for 
whom he worked in summer and under whose in- 
struction he attended school winters, working nights 
and mornings for his board. By faithful applica- 
tion to his books he learned the common branches 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



487 



and the methods of transacting general business. 
He saved what he could of his earnings and in due 
time was enabled to buy a team. 

At the age of twenty years our subject was 
married to Miss Armilda J. Swisher who was born 
in Danville, this county, and is a daughter of John 
and Elizabeth (Hathaway) Swisher. Mr. Swisher 
was a farmer by occupation and his family con- 
sisted of seven children, namely: Armilda, Cerilda, 
Alex. Orilla, Savilla. Thomas and Lawrence. Mr. 
and Mrs. Manning after their marriage settled on 
the J. M. Rogers' farm where they lived two years, 
then removed to Daniel Schutze's farm where they 
lived seven years. In 1869 Mr. Manning pur- 
chased eighty acres of land which was improved 
and considered the best farm in that region of 
country and which formed the nucleus of his pres- 
ent homestead, which embraces 200 acres. He 
labored early and late in tilling the soil and carry- 
ing forward the improvements upon it until 1874, 
then having contracted a painful disease, he left the 
farm and removing to Fairmount engaged in the 
hardware and agricultural implement business in 
which he made large sales, but found difficulty in col- 
lecting and thus suffered a loss approaching §2.. Mm. 
Withdrawing from this venture he turned his atten- 
tion to live-stock and subsequently shipped thou- 
sands of dollars worth. In the meantime he also con- 
ducted a restaurant one year and had been operat- 
ing his threshing machine as before stated. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Manning there have been born 
ten children: the eldest. Elizabeth, is the wife of 
Will Sanders, a farmer of Sidell Township and 
they have two children — Adelbert and Bessie. 
Ella married George Reese, a farmer of Fairmount 
Township and they have two children — Nellie and 
Fred. The other children — Grant, Sherman. Mar- 
ion, Lilly, Eva. Fanny, Louis and Oscar arc at 
home with their parents. In 1K,X7 Air. Manning 
Erected a handsome and commodious residence, two 
stories in height, 32 x 34 feet and which is finished 
and furnished in modern style and forms a mosl 
attractive home. He believes in extracting all the 
enjoyment possible from life and in giving to his 
children the advantages which shall make of them 
good and useful citizens. He allows education, art 
and music to occupy an important pari of his home 



life and gives his chief attention to the comforts 
and happiness of his family. Botli he and his esti- 
mable wife are members of the New Light Church 
at Danville, in which Mr. Manning has officiated 
as chorister, possessing much musical talent and 
having a clear, strong voice for singing. 

While keeping himself well posted upon political 
matters Mr. Manning has little ambition for the 
emoluments of office, although serving as School 
Director in his district a number of years and he is 
at present a Trustee. His home is one of the most 
hospitable in this region and no man is more kind 
or attentive in time of sickness or trouble among 
his neighbors. He possesses considerable skill as a 
physician and is frequently called upon instead of 
i he regular practitioner, having excellent judg- 
ment and quite an extensive experience in treating 
various ailments. 

bENRY F. CANADAV. The family of 
! this name has been prominent in this county 
since its pioneer days when they lirst came 
(§5^ within its limits and from a wilderness 
built up good homes, acquiring valuable property 
and taking no unimportant part in its advance- 
ment, socially, morally and financially. The sub- 
ject of this notice lias a fine estate on section 34 in 
Elwood Township, and which in all its details gives 
evidence of the supervision of a well-regulated 
and intelligent mind — the mind of a man possess- 
ing energy and enterprise in a marked degree. 
He was born at Vermilion Grove, this county . Dec 
12, 1840, and is consequently approaching the fif- 
tieth year of his age although he would pass for a 
man many years younger. His life is a fine illus- 
tration of temperance and the correct habits which 
form the basis of good citizenship. 

The father of our subject was Fred Canaday, 
late of Elwood Township who entered land within 
its limits, about 1821-22, and built up a valuable 
homestead upon which he spent his last years. He 
was born in New Market. East Tenn., and left his na- 
tive State in the fall of 1820, coming to this county 
and settling in the wilderness among the Indians 



488 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



and wild animals. His father, Henry Canaday, 
brought his family North that same fall and settled 
near the present city of Terre Haute whence he 
came to this county the following spring. Henry 
brought with him over $4,000 in gold and silver, 
carrying it in a box in the front part of his wagon as 
he traveled overland with a team. During that 
journey they camped upon the present site of In- 
dianapolis when there was nothing to mark the 
spot of a future great city. The wagon was drawn 
by a six-horse team driven by one Robert E. Bar- 
nett and in attempting to make a short turn if was 
tipped over. The precious box burst and the 
money was spilled out into a little creek. They, 
however, after much labor succeeded in rescuing it 
from the mud and water and proceeded on their 
journey. 

The Canaday family for several generations had 
been born and reared in the Quaker faith and had 
the natural abhorrence of slavery peculiar to that 
peaceable and liberty-loving sect and they deter- 
mined to get away from the slave country. Henry 
the grandfather of our subject, upon coming to 
this county entered several hundred acres of land 
which he sold to the settlers as they slowly came 
in. He was recognized the county over as one of 
its benefactors and here spent his last days. 

Mrs. Charity (Haworth) Canaday, the mother of 
our subject was, like her husband, a native of New 
Market, Tenn.. where they were married one day 
and the next day started on horseback for Vermil- 
ion Count}-. Seven of the ten children born to 
this pair are still living — Jane, Mrs. Patterson, is a 
resident of Vermilion County; Mary A., Mrs. Isaac 
Larrance, lives in Topeka. Kan.; Henry F., is the 
next in order of birth; Isaac lives in Vermilion 
County; Sarah, Mrs. George Ankrum. lives in 
Ridge Farm; John sojourns in Vermilion County. 
The mother died while still a young woman, in 
1840. and Frederick Canaday was subsequently 
married to Miss Anna Haworth, in 1841). He 
died Nov. 6, 1886. 

The subject of this sketch completed his studies at 
Vermilion (irove Academy under the instruction 
of (Jen. John C. Black. From his youth up he 
has been familiar with farming pursuits and chose 
these for his vocation. After the outbreak of the 



Civil War he entered the Union army as a member 
of Company A, 25th Illinois Infantry, in which he 
served two years and was in many of the import- 
ant battles which followed; viz: Pea Ridge, Spring- 
field, Mo., Stone River, Crab Orchard and subse- 
quently served two years in Company E, 12th 
Kansas Mounted Infantry, being in the Red River 
campaign and various other engagements. Aft°r 
the war closed he returned to the peaceful pursuits 
of agriculture. 

When ready to establish domestic ties of his own 
our subject was married Sept. 26, 1875. to Miss 
Maggie S. Brewer. This lady was the daughter of 
John Brewer, deceased, late of Parke County, Ind., 
and was born in Gurnsey County, Ohio. She 
came with her parents to Vermillion Count}', Ind., 
when a small child and later they removed to Parke 
County. Our subject and his wife are the parents 
of three children, only one of whom is living. Gov- 
ern II., who was born June 3, 1886. 

The farm of our subject comprises 1 10 acres of 
choice land and he also has an interest in his fa- 
ther's old homestead. He cast his first Presidential 
vote for Abraham Lincoln and continues a stanch 
supporter of the Republican party. He has never 
sought office but as an ex-soldier receiving an 
honorable discharge, is a member in good standing 
of the <;. A. R., and also a member of the Grand 
Woodmen of America. Mrs. Canaday has been a 
member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 
for the past twenty years. 

John Brewer, the father of Mrs. Canaday. was 
born in Pennsylvania and was the son of Jacob 
Brewer. Jr., also a native of the Keystone State. 
The paternal great-grandfather was Jacob Brewer, 
Sr., who spelled his name "Brower" and who was a 
native of Amsterdam, Holland, and the son of 
S.wybrant Brower, a millionaire of Amsterdam. 
John Brewer married Miss Minerva, daughter of 
John Priest and his wife, Mary A. Mercer, the lat' 
ter a daughter of John Jacob Mercer. The last 
named was a native of German}' and emigrated to 
the United States in 1770. His grandfather was 
Gideon Mercer, a very wealthy man who spent his 
entire life in the Fatherland. John Jacob married 
Mi>s Elizabeth Gower, of Ilagerstown, Md., and 
they had one child — Mary Ann, who married 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



489 



John Priest in 1804. These families represented 
a wide and eminently respectable following who 
welt' people generally well-to-do and prominent 
and influential citizens. Both of Mrs. Canadav's 
grandparents on the father's side were descendants 
of King Philip III. 



f OHS E. BOLDEN. When the Eraancipa- 
| tion Proclamation of Lincoln was made, it 
! Droke the shackles of 3,000,000 of human 
' beings. These slaves had remained in ig- 
norance for generations, and their masters had con- 
sidered that learning was dangerous to a colored 
man. When their freedom became one of the logi- 
cal sequences of the great Rebellion, the question 
arose, Will they make good citizens? Statesmen of 
all shades of opinion have finally come to the con- 
clusion that slavery is wrong, and that in all races 
there are men who have made a failure in life, but 
that the negro would in time assimilate with his 
while brother. Those who have so willed, and 
have grasped their new condition with intelli- 
gence — other things being equal — have solved the 
problem of life as well as a majority of other races. 
The man whose name appears at the head of this 
biography is one of those who. born in slavery, has 
made for himself an honorable place among men. 

John E. Bolden is a blacksmith at Ridge Farm, 
where he enjoys a good patronage. He was born 
in Bedford County. Va., March :!, 1836, his father 
and mother being also slaves. Mr. Bolden was 
reared on a plantation by William Iludnel. who 
sold him in 1863 to one Charles Miller, at Blacks- 
burg, Montgomery Co.. Va. During Gen. Stone- 
man's raid, in February. 186.5, the subject of this 
sketch ran away from slavery, anil was taken in by 
Company M., 12th Ohio Cavalry. He remained 
with this company, doing his duty well, until June. 
1865, when he went to Fast Tennessee for the pur- 
pose of entering the United States Army in a col- 
ored regiment, but he was too late. He then en- 
gaged at work at his trade, in Rheatown, Tenn., 
where he continued to labor until 1870, when he 
came to Ridge Farm, and has there since worked 



industriously at his trade, owning both his shop 
and residence. This property he has accumulated 
by steadfastly minding his own business, working 
hard and being economical. 

On Feb. 6, 1865, Mr. Bolden was married to 
Ann E. Oble. jusl a few days before he ran away. 
He left his young wife in Virginia, and while in 
Tennessee he sent for her. He is the father of 
twelve children, seven of whom are living — Laura 
A., Vinnie A., John II. W., Florence I.., Mabel D., 
Joshua W. and an infant girl. Laura married 
Frank Davis, the barber of Ridge Farm. Mr. Bol- 
den has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church here for fourteen years, and his wife wor- 
ships at the same church. Ho is a member of the 
colored .Masonic Lodge at Danville, and is a man 
who is highly respected by all his acquaintances 
for his many sterling qualities. The dreams of 
Garrison, Wendel Phillips. Garrett Smith and John 
G. Wintrier are fully illustrated as realities in the 
person of the subject of this sketch. They had 
always maintained that the colored man would 
some day take his place among the men of the 
earth, and their predictions have come true, of 
course, the color line still exists in some portions 
of this great country, but the time is fast approach- 
ing when it will be obliterated. 



*>^5^^5<^-<- 



\f OlIN BLAKENEY. This genial old pi . 

| neer of Vermilion County, although ap- 
proaching his three-score and ten years 

I presents the picture of a green old age. the 
culmination of a well-spent life, during which he 
has marked his course uprightly, lived at peace 
with his fellow-men and gained in a high decree 
their unqualified esteem. The picture of the sturdy 
oak. which has withstood the storms of time and 
maintained its strength and honor, may be well 
compared to the life of Mr. Iilakeney. He has al- 
ways been willing to ••live and let live," bas helped 
a fallen brother whenever in his power, and has 
been satisfied in the accumulation of sufficient of 
this world's goods to insure him against wan tin his 
declining years. He owns and occupies a comfort- 



490 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



able home comprising seventy-seven acres of good 
farming land, lying on sections 4 and i> in George- 
town Township. 

A native of the Blue Grass State, our subject 
was horn in Bourbon County April 20, 1820, and 
lived there until a lad of nine or ten years. Then 
leaving Kentucky he came with his parents to Ver- 
milion County, 111., in September, 1829, and com- 
pleted his education as it had been begun, in a log 
school-house. His father, John Blakeney, was a 
native of Pennsylvania, and the mother, who in her 
girlhood was Sarah Oliver, was born in Virginia. 
The Blakeney family was noted for its strong men. 
who were almost without exception finely devel 
oped physically, and followed agricultural pursuits. 
The parents of our subject spent their last years in 
Georgetown Township. John Blakeney, Sr., lived to 
be seventy-seven years old, and the mother was six- 
ty-five years oltl at the time of her decease. They 
were the parents of twelve children, namely: Mar- 
tha, William, Hezekiah, Nancy, John, Thomas, 
Surah J., Polly A., Melinda, Hugh, James and 
Angeline. 

Young Blakeney grew up amid the wild scenes 
of life on the frontier, assisting in the development 
of his father's farm, and also followed the river 
transporting produce from Danville to New Or- 
leans. He remained a bachelor until approaching 
the twenty-eighth year of his age, and was then 
married Feb. 10, 1848, to Miss Angeline, daughter 
of Edward and Mary (Ashby) Bowen, of Bourbon 
County. Ivy. Mrs. Blakeney was a mere child when 
coming to Illinois in 1829. Her father secured a 
tract of land in Georgetown Township, Vermilion 
County, where he spent the remainder of his years, 
and died at the age of seventy-four. The mother 
died when comparatively a young woman and 
when Mrs. Blakeney was but a child, leaving four 
children: Angeline, Nancy, John and James 
Henry. 

Mrs. Blakeney, after her mother's death, was 
taken into the home of her maternal grandfather, 
with whom she remained until his death, then re- 
turned to her father, who was twice married after 
the death of his first wife. Of his second union 
there were born six children and none by the third. 
Mrs. Blakeney still retains a faint recollection of 



her native county in Kentucky. Of Iter union witli 
our subject there were born ten children, namely : 
James H., Martha J., Wesley, Mary C, who died 
when one year old; Francis, who also died at the 
age of one year; Alwilda, who died at the age of 
three; Lincoln, who died when a promising lad of 
fourteen years; Thomas W., who died at the age of 
eight years; Lura, who died when one year old. 
and an infant who died unnamed. 

Both our subject and his estimable wife are 
members in good standing of the Christian Church. 
Mr. Blakeney, politically, was a Whig until the 
abandonment of the old party, and is now a strong 
Republican. 

James II. Blakeney, the eldest son of our sub- 
ject, married Miss Charlotte Bennett, and is a resi- 
dent of Summit Grove, Ind., and the father of tun 
children, Nellie and Hazel; Martha J. married John 
Lacy, who is a farmer of Vermilion County, this 
Slate. They have four children — Hardy. Elbert, 
Goldie and Minnie; John married Josephine Hinds. 
and the}' have one child, a son, Freddie; they are 
residents of Georgetown Township. Mr. Blakeney 
has lived on his present farm for the long period 
of thirty-two years, and has naturally become one 
of the old landmarks, whose name will be held in 
kindly remembrance long after he has been gath- 
ered to his fathers. 



— m&n- 




ILLIAM F. BANTA, Ji: . proprietor of the 
Ridge Farm Flouring Mill and dealer in 
grain and hay, occupies a leading position 
among the business men of Ridge Farm, among 
whom he has been known from boyhood. He was 
born in El wood Township, Dec. 9, 1857, and is the 
son of James II. Banta, a well known and prominent 
citizen, who is represented elsewhere in this work. 
Our subject remained with his parents on the 
farm until twelve years old, then the family re- 
moved to Ridge Farm. He received a limited ed- 
ucation, but by keeping himself posted upon cur- 
rent events, is at once recognized as an intelligent 
and well informed man. He served an apprentice- 
ship at the miller's trade. and followed this business 




larmw £wh>) dtAj^L 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



493 



until 1882, when he purchased the mill property 
which he now owns and which is operated under 
bis supervision by other parties. The building was 
put up in 1871 by Davis & Co and was formerly 
operated by burr machinery. It is now equipped 
with a full set of rollers, operating by the gradual 
reduction process, and in which is utilized Nor- 
dyke, Marmon & Co's system of milling, together 
with the Eureka Separator & Smith's Purifier. A 
Burroughs engine of seventy-five horse power 
drives the machinery, and the boiler is of steel 
from the Atlas Engine Works of Indianapolis. 
This boiler is 16 inches by 11 feet in dimensions 
and contains sixty-two flues. The mill has a ca- 
pacity of I"" barrels in twenty-four hours. It 
turns out the very best of flour, the Peerless brand 
being especially fine and pure. The Ridge Farm 
Mills is steadfastly growing in popularity, and the 
proprietor evidently possesses in an eminent degree 
the secret of success. 

Mr. Banta, in connection with his milling opera- 
tions, owns and runs the elevator at Ridge Farm. 
besides a large steam hay press. He usually ships 
about 700 car-loads of grain annually and 300 cars 
of baled hay. He gives employment to a number 
of men and has been no unimportant factor in ad- 
vancing the business interests of his town. He has 
without question inherited from his ancestors those 
qualities of character which are inseparable from 
the successful business man and the useful citizen. 
I [e is not married. 



\|) AMKS SANDUSKY. It is now considered 
no small honor to have lived during the 
pioneer days of Central Illinois, and he who 
looked upon the wilderness ere the feel of 
white men had made their permanent inroads into 
this region, is viewed with more than ordinary in- 
terest. To those hardy spirits are the people of 
to-day indebted for the great advantages which 
they enjoy, the prosperous farms and villages 
which have arisen from the wilderness and the ad- 
vance of civilization, which was led by the adven- 
turous pioneer. To this region came the Sandusky 



family at a very early date, and they have left 
their ineffaceable mark not only by their industry 
and perseverance, but in the implanting of those 
moral principles which form the basis of all good 
society. Their children were reared to habits of 
industry and sentiments of honor, while they ex- 
tended to high ami low that cordial hospitality 
which is especially prized where people are neces- 
sarily dependent upon each other for many of the 
conveniences and comforts of life. 

The subject of this notice and his estimable wife 
form no unworthy offshoots of their respective an- 
cestra] trees, which have grown and flourished and 
the names of which will descend to coming gene- 
rations. They endured all the hardships and pri- 
vations of life on the frontier, labored arduously 
in the building up of a homestead and reared a 
family of intelligent children, all but two of whom 
have fled from the home nest and taken their 
places as honored members of society. The two 
remaining it is hardly necessary to say form the 
light and joy of the household. 

.lames Sandusky was born in Bourbon County, 
Ky., July 17, 1817, and has thus more than num- 
bered his three-score years and ten. His father, 
Isaac Sandusky, was likewise a native of the Blue 
Grass Stale, where he attained to manhood and was 
married to Miss Euphemma McDowell, a maiden of 
his own neighborhood. Later he served in the 
war of 1812 and was under Gen. Harrison at the 
battle of Tippecanoe. He was a resident of Ken- 
tucky until the fall of 1827 and then coming to 
Vermilion Count}'. 111., settled on a tract of land 
near Brooks Point and built up a farm from the 
wilderness, where he and his estimable wife spent 
the remainder of their days. 

In the Sandusky family there were eleven 
children, who were named respectively: Sarah 
E., Mary A., Julia A.. Josiah, James, our sub- 
ject, Henry Clay. Ann Eliza, Stephen A. Douglas. 
Thomas, Susan A. and Laura. James was a boy of 
ten years when his parents removed to Illinois. In 
preparing for the removal the father had purchased 
large numbers of cattle, horses and sheep, to bring 
with him. The journey was made overland in the 
primitive style, the travelers camping and cooking 
by the wayside and sleeping in a tent at night. 



494 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



During that journey, our .subject saw a cooking 
stove for the first time, and it was viewed not only 
by himself but by many others with great curios- 
ity. This article was purchased by his father from 
Rafe Lytton of Cincinnati, Ohio, and brought to 
Vermilion County, being the first of its kind in 
this region. 

Young Sandusky prior to the removal to the 
Prairie State had been married in Woodford 
County, Ky. Dec. 6, 1846 to Miss Mary Ann, 
daughter of James Green, a native of Woodford 
County, Ky. Her paternal grandparents were 
natives respectively of England and Germany. 
After coming to America they were married in 
Virginia, whence they soon afterward removed to 
Kentucky, settling in Woodford County, where 
they spent their last days. James Green upon 
reaching man's estate chose for his wife Miss Polly 
Hudson, whose family had figured conspicuously 
in the early history of the State and whose paternal 
grandfather, Raleigh Hudson of Scotch-Irish blood, 
did valiant service in the Revolutionary War. 
The Hud sons invaded the soil of Kentucky at a 
time when Indians were plentiful and the forest 
abounded with wild animals. The mother of Mrs. 
Sandusky was first married to William Campbell 
and they became the parents of six children. Of 
her marriage with James Green there was born one 
child only, a daughter, Mary Ann, in Woodford 
County. They were wedded in the fall of 1847 
and the following spring emigrated to Illinois and 
settled upon land owned jointly by Mr. Green and 
our subject. Mr. Green departed this life in 1845 
ami the mother died at the home of our subject 
April 14, 1870. 

Eleven children likewise came to bless the union 
of James Sandusky and bis excellent wife. The 
eldest born. Sarah E., became the wife of Benjamin 
Girard of Georgetown Township and they have 
nine children — Emma, Delia, Mary, Julia, James, 
Jessie, Euphemma. George and Dottie. Mary A. and 
Julia A. are deceased; Josiah P. married Miss 
Emma Boughton and they have four children — 
Ettie, Fred, James Gould and Grant; James I. 
married Miss Mary Engleman and is farming on 
his father's farm in Georgetown Township; they 
have two children — Clinton and Mattie; Henry C, 



a resident of Georgetown Township, married Miss 
.Mary Pratt and they have two children — Floyd E. 
and Annie. Ann Eliza married Thomas Bennett 
of Georgetown Township and they have one child, 
Bertie; Stephen A. D. is a resident of Catlin Town- 
ship; Thomas is sojourning in Lyons County, Neb.; 
Susan T. and Laura II. K. are at home with their 
parents. 

As will be seen by referring to the sketches of 
Josiah, William and Abraham Sandusky, as well as 
that of James S. Sconce, the Sandusky family came 
originally from Poland where they were closely 
allied to royalty. In their native country their 
name was spelled •'Sodowsky." The city of San- 
dusky, Ohio, derives its name from one of the 
earlier representatives of this family, who settled 
in northeastern Ohio, where the Indians had suffered 
numerous wrongs at the hands of the white man. 
In a spirit of revenge they vowed to put to death 
the first white person who should venture into what 
they esteemed their domain. This unsuspecting 
individual proved to be an Indian trader by the 
name of Sodowsky. an ancestor of our subject and 
who was one of their best friends. They carried 
out their purpose but when learning his true char- 
acter deeply lamented the cruel deed. In order to 
partially atone for it they gave his name to the 
embryo town which had begun to grow up. As 
the whites came in the more modern name was grad- 
ually adopted. 

The Sandusky's, as far back as the records go. 
have been mostly engaged in agricultural pursuits 
making a specialty of live stock and being very 
successful. The father of our subject brought in 
the first drove of good cattle from Kentucky to 
Illinois, in the driving of which young James as- 
sisted. He also brought in the first (lock of sheep 
which ever graced the prairies of Vermilion 
County, driving them from the Blue Grass regions 
in the fall of 1827. Their ox-team was likewise 
the first driven from Kentucky to this county. 
Thus it will be seen the Sanduskys have borne no 
unimportant part in opening up this portion of 
Central Illinois. 

Mr. Sandusky voted for William II. Harrison in 
1840 but in 1856 felt that he had reason to change 
his political views and identified himself with the 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



495 



democracy of whose principles he has since been a 
strong supporter. He has never sought political 
preferment and has never held office with the ex- 
ception of serving two terms as School Director. 
The horses on Mr. Sandusky's farm are from a 
stock of horses that have been in the Sandusky 
family for nearly a hundred years, brought to 
Kentucky by his forefathers and from there to Illi- 
nois by bis father. A portrait of Mr. Sandusky is 
shown in this work and represents a worthy member 
of an honored family. 

jjp^ ERGEANT T. W. BLAKENEY. The per- 

^^4 sonal appearance of the subject of this 
llt/li) notice must invariably attract attention in 
a crowd, he being fine looking and of com- 
manding presence, witha countenance indicative of 
the most estimable traits of character and the bear- 
ing which signalizes a gentleman. lie is the off- 
spring of a fine old family of Irish origin, and 
noted for great strength, courage, endurance, hon- 
esty and patriotism. 

The paternal great-grandfather of our subject 
was born in Ireland and crossed the Atlantic in 
time to assist the colonists in their struggle for in- 
dependence. He was a man of more than ordinary 
intelligence; one who loved liberty, and whose 
sympathies were warmly enlisted in the American 
cause. At the, close of the war the government 
owed him $1,400 for his services as a soldier. This 
he refused to accept, however, claiming that an 
Irishman could afford to do this much for the sake 
of citizenship and independence. He was married 
and became the father of a family, and his son. 
John, fought all through the war of 1812. Later 
he served in the Black Hawk War. True to the in- 
stincts of patriotism which had distinguished his 
ancestry, the subject of this sketch, soon after the 
outbreak of the great rebellion, proffered his ser- 
vices as a soldier of the Union army, and, like his 
ancestors, gave his support to the cause of freedom. 
Mr. Blakeney is a native of this county, and was 
born in Georgetown Township. July 19. 1842. His 
father, William Blakeney. was born in Bourbon 



County, Kentucky, and married Miss Susan Ellis, a 
native of Greene County, Ohio. The latter is the 

oldest woman pioneer of the county, having < ie 

hither when a young lady, with her parents as early 
as 1821. She is now seventy four years old, while 
Mr. Blakeney is seventy-six. The latter came to 
this county in 1S2'.). He traveled over the 
State on foot, visiting the lead mines at Galena, 
and fought in the Black Hawk War in 1832. 
He was a splendid specimen of manhood phys- 
ically, being of powerful frame and very 
active. He was acknowledged as the strongest man 
west of the Wabash, and could outrun any man in 
this section, either white manor Indian. 

To the parents of our subject there was born a 
family of twelve children, eight of whom grew to 
mature years, are still living and have families of 
their own. Those named are as follows: John P., 
who died young; Sarah; William Anderson, who 
died in childhood; Thomas W., our Subject; Rach- 
ai'l. Nancy, Wright E., Martha, Mary,tSusan, and 
two infants who died unnamed. Thomas W. was 
born July 19, I w 4 2 and had a pioneer expe- 
rience in common with the other bo\ T s of George- 
town Township, attending upon his studies in a log 
school-house, and becoming at a very early age fa- 
miliar with farm pursuits. Like his forefathers he 
grew up with almost perfect health and a muscular 
frame, remaining with the family and assisting in 
the labors around the homestead until the outbreak 
of the Civil War. Then in response to the call of 
President Lincoln for •• :!00.000 more" he enlisted 
at Catlin, as a Union soldier in Company K. 125th 
Illinois Infantry, under command of ('apt. George 
W. Cook. He was mustered in at Danville, and 
drilled on the old fair grounds. At the outset he 
was elected Corporal, and after leaving Danville 
they repaired first to Cincinnati, < >hio, and then to 
Covington and Louisville. Ivy. Later they moved 
On to Perryville, where our subject first saw the 
smoke of battle in an active engagement, one 
month lacking five days, from the time of his en- 
listment. Soon afterward he was in the battles of 
Chickamauga and Mission Ridge, and in the former 

was wounded in the thigh by the explosion of a 

shell, although not seriously hurt. He accompa- 
nied his regiment on the Knoxvillc campaign and 



496 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



participated in the siege of Atlanta. While charg- 
ing up Kenesaw Mountain lie was seriously wound- 
ed, and to this day carries five buckshot received at 
that time. This division of the army was engaged 
fifty-two days around Atlanta, and after the fall of 
the city the regiment of our subject was assigned 
to the command of Gen. Sherman and entered upon 
the famous march to the sea. In the meantime at 
Atlanta, on account of bravery and gallant ser- 
vices, Mr. Blakeney was promoted to Sergeant- 
Major, which rank he held until the close of the 
war. After leaving Atlanta he went up through 
the Carolinas to Washington, being present at the 
grand review June 22, 1865, and was there mus- 
tered out and received his honorable discharge in 
that same month. 

Upon leaving the army Mr. Blakeney re engaged 
in the peaceful pursuits of farm life, making his 
Inline with his father until his marriage. This most 
important and interesting event of his life was cel- 
ebrated Oct. 22, 1868, the bride being Miss Matilda 
Brooks, and the wedding taking place at her 
home in Catlin. The newly wedded pair resided 
in Georgetown Township, this county, a number of 
years, then removed to Beadle County, Dak.. 
where Mr. Blakeney purchased 320 acres of land 
and improved a farm, which he still owns. After 
a three years residence in that place they returned 
to this county and settled at Westville, where they 
have since remained. 

In addition to serving as Township Assessor, Mr. 
Blakeney travels for the Bible house of Chandler 
Bros., of Rockford, and is considered one of their 
most successful salesmen. While in Dakota he be- 
came a charter member of the T. O. Howe G. A. R. 
Post at Altoona, Beadle County, and religiously, is 
with his estimable wife a prominent member of the 
Christian Church at Westville. He takes a great 
interest in the Sunday-school work and has for 
years served as Superintendent, never missing a 
single appointment for the last ten years. Politi- 
cally he is a strong Republican. 

Mrs. Blakeney is the daughter of John and 
Louisa (Black) Brooks, a sketch of whom may be 
found elsewhere in this volume. They were among 
the first settlers along the eastern line of this county. 
Benjamin Brooks, the paternal grandfather of 




Mrs. Brooks, settled at Brooks Point at a very early 
day. The Point was named in honor of Benja- 
min Brooks. His wife, Matilda Manville, was the 
first white woman coming into the county. To our 
subject and his estimable wife there were born 
three children, the eldest of whom, Mabel N., died 
at the age of eleven years and six months; Lou P. 
is the only child surviving and lives at home with 
her parents. A son, Brooks, died at the age of 
three years. 

- — •j^a^j- — 



SA ANKRUM, late of section 26, Harri- 
son's Purchase, Elwood Township, was 
born at Yankee Point, this county, March 
10, 1837, and died Jan. 25, 1886. His 
father. David Ankrum, was a pioneer of this 
county and a prominent man of his time. He came 
here when land was cheap, and consequently im- 
proved his opportunities, and when he died was 
well-off in this world's goods. 

Asa Ankrum was one of the best citizens of this 
county, and by frugality, coupled with good judg- 
ment, he left his family above want. He received 
his education at the common schools incident to 
the early days of Illinois. He spent all his younger 
days at home with his father on the farm, where 
he worked hard, thus aiding his father in getting 
the competence of which he was possessed. On the 
1st of February, 1865, he married Rhoda C. Men- 
denhall, whose father, James Mendenltall, removed 
to Hamilton County, Ind., at an early day, and lo- 
cated in this county in 1857. Her father was born 
in Greene County, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Ankrum 
became the parents of ten children, five of whom 
are living: Ollie C, Ira A., Meda M., Minnie J., 
and Oris B. Mr. Ankrum was an ardent Repub- 
lican, but he never sought official honors. He 
deemed it his duty to support a party which has 
done so much for intelligence and industry. He 
was not connected with any church, but his purse 
■was always open to aid air/ enterprise which sought 
to support the gospel or aid the poor. In 1880 he 
erected an elegant three-story house, which contains 
thirteen rooms and three halls, finished in eleyant 
style throughout. It is well furnished witli every- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALEUM. 



PJ7 



thing calculated to produce comfort. At the time 
of his death, Mr. Ankrum owned over 220 acres. 
but was somewhat in debt, which was liquidate! I by 
his widow and sons since. They have built a 
large barn, purchased implements, wagons and 
carriages, and have money loaned and interest 
coming in. They have also met with some losses 
since the father's death, among which may be men- 
tioned the burning of a tenant house. On the 
whole, the father left his interest in prudent hands. 
Mrs. Ankrum's father, James Mendenhall, was 
born near Kenia, Greene Co., Ohio, whence he re- 
moved to the State of Indiana, settling in Elwood 
Township in 1857, as before indicated, and in 
in every move lie made he bettered himself. He 
married Rebecca Campbell, and the}' have five 
children living: Priscilla. Mrs. Patten: Ira; Ryan C, .-, 
Mrs. Ankrum; and Jane, Mrs. Elliott. Three daugh- 
ters died after attaining their maturity: Sarah, Mrs. 
Reeve; Lydia. Mrs. Newlin; Almeda, Mrs. Thomp- 
son. Mr. Mendenhall was a prominent farmer, in 
which avocation be exhibited a great ileal of inter- 
est, and he held the office of School Treasurer for 
several years. He died in 1878, while his wife 
passed away April 5, 1886. They were consistent 
members of the Friends' Church, and were good 
people in all things. 

tl; AMES J. HEALY is an excellent example 
for young men just embarking in the Held 
,-JL of active life, of what may be accomplished 
(§gj//' by a man beginning poor, but honest, pru- 
dent and industrious. In early life he enjoyed but 
few advantages, for his school days were limited, 
and he had neither wealth nor position to aid him 
in starting. He relied solely on his own efforts 
and his own conduct to win for him success. He 
is a careful, conscientious man. ever adhering to 
the dictates of his own conscience to guide him. 

Mr. Healy is the manager of the large general 
merchandise store in Indianola, known under the 
firm name of Pattison & Healy. He was born in 
Bos'on, Mass.. November, 1855, where his father, 
IV. rick Healy. was a mechanical engineer on the 



Pittsburg, Cincinnati & Sc. Louis Railroad. His 
mother, Mary Tracey, was a native of Canada and 
was reared upon a farm. The father is now resid- 
ing in Chicago, while the mother is dead. They had 
eight children, five of whom grew to manhood, as 
follows: James Joseph, William, Thomas, Dennis 
and Elizabeth. The subject of this sketch began 
his life work as a brick carrier in Chicago, his 
wages being fifty cents a day. He was thrown en- 
tirely upon his own resources while very young, and 
had he not been naturally gifted with a buoyant dis- 
position he perhaps would have fainted b\ the way- 
side. Being conscious of the necessity of an edu- 
cation he attended the evening schools at Chicago. 
About this time he became connected with the 
Chicago Post as a newsboy, mid while thus en- 
gaged he one day happened to draw the attention 
of a gentleman from St. Joseph. Mo., who per- 
suaded him to go to that city, for he perceived the 
intelligence of the lad and knew he would some day 
become an able man. 

In Missouri the boy was treated kindly by his 
newly-made friend and his family. He was enabled 
to take a commercial course at the St. Joseph Col- 
lege, after the completion of which he returned to 
Chicago and engaged as a book-keeper for a South 
Water Street linn, where he had ample opportuni- 
ties for learning the ways of the world, and to gain 
an insight into business. After a three-years' en- 
gagement with this firm he accepted a position with 
a retail grocer and wholesale liquor dealer of Chi- 
cago, and for four years faithfully attended to the 
affairs of that concern in the capacity of book- 
keeper. His firm seeing his bright and capable 
abilities, induced him to accept the position of 
commercial traveler which he did. acquiring many 
friends and gaining steadily in the esteem of his 
employers. Having gained the warm friendship of 
Mr. Pattison while in Chicago, it was but natural 
that he should make the acquaintance of his sister, 
Emma, to whom he was united in marriage, sin- 
is the daughter of Elijah and Mary (Cox) Patti- 
son, the latter of whom is now sixty-sis years old 
and living in Vermilion County, where she was 
born, being one of the oldest of the Living natives 
of this county. .Mr. and Mrs. Healy made their 
home in Chicago for about two years', and although 



498 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



beiii; perfectly temperate in his habits, yet Mr. 
Healy found there was a strong prejudice against 
liquor dealing, and that social advantages were de- 
nied him, that by right were his. He therefore con- 
cluded in abandon the business, though by so doing 
he relinquished a good situation. 

In 1882 the firm of Pattison & Healy was 
formed and they engaged in their present business, 
at first mi a small scale, but which since lias steadily 
increased until it is now paying well. On Sept. 16, 
1885 he was appointed Postmaster of Indianola, 
and has proved himself the best incumbent of that 
office his town has ever had. He resigned on March 
20, 1889, a move which was much regretted by all 
regardless of politics. He is Secretary of the Build- 
ing and Loan Association, and also Secretary of the 
Masonic lodge here. Politically, lie is a strong 
Democrat and an officer of the Democratic club. 
He is serving as Collector of Taxes in Carroll 
Township, and in all these positions he lias acquit- 
ted himself with singular fidelity and honesty of 
purpose. Mr. and Mrs. Mealy are the parents of 
one child, Anna May. 

. ^ .---b4t^-^. fj. .„ — 



~()HN HUMRICHOUS, founder of the vil- 
lage of Humrick, is recognized as one of the 
leading farmers and stock-raisers of Klwood 
Township, a self-made man — one who began 
life at the foot of the ladder, and by hard work and 
good management has arrived at a position very 
near the top. Unlike many men his struggles and 
sacrifices have not made him cold or avaricious, 
but on the contrary he is accounted as one of the 
most hospitable and public-spirited men of his 
community. Success has attended his efforts and 
he is now in possession of a line property lying in 
the southeastern pai't of the township on section 
2 1. Here lie has all the modern improvements as- 
sociated with the well regulated country estate, 
besides a snug bank account, which will insure his 
declining years against anxiety and want. 

A native of York County, Pa., our subject was 
born Dec 3»>, 1823, and is the son of .lohu Hum- 
richous, who was born in what was then the King- 



dom of Hanover, and who came to the United 
Slates alter his marriage, about 1818. His wife, 
formerly Elizabeth Little, was a native of his own 
province, and to them there were born twelve chil- 
dren, eleven of whom lived to mature years, and 
of whom our subject was the sixth in order of 
birth. The latter, like his brothers and sisters, only 
enjoyed very limited school advantages, attending 
about six months in all, paying therefor three cents 
per day. 

The father of our subject died when John was in 
the sixteenth year of his age, and he then had to 
look out for himself as well as the family. He 
worked out by the month and assisted his mother 
until after her second marriage. Later he learned 
the carpenter trade, which he followed ten years. 
He left his native Stale in 1851, proceeding to 
Dayton, Ohio, where he sojourned two years. His 
next stopping place was at Horse Shoe Lend, on the 
Little Vermillion River in Indiana, and from there 
in 1856 he went to Bloomfield, 111. The year fol- 
lowing he traveled through Kansas and .Missouri, 
but finally returned east as far as Vermillion 
County, Lid., and resided in Newport Township 
until the fall of 1864. He then came to Klwood 
Township, this county, settling where he now lives, 
and thereafter gave his attention almost exclu- 
sively to farming pursuits. 

At the age of twenty -six years, in May, 1850, 
our subject was married to Miss Susannah Keller, 
a native of his own county in Pennsylvania and the 
daughter of John Keller, deceased. This union re- 
sulted in the birth of eleven children, only live of 
whom are living: John A. married Miss Malinda 
Menges, is a resident of Klwood Township and the 
father of three children — Ada, John and Jonathan ; 
Susie is the wife of Charles Waggaman, of Klwood 
Township, and they have two children, John and 
Myrtle; Laura married Charles Brown, of Vermill- 
ion County. Ind; they have no children; Emma is 
the wife of Robert Slaughter, of Bethel, this county, 
and they have two children, Artie and an infant 
unnamed; Melissa is the wife of George A. Collier, 
and lives with her father; she has one child, John 
William. 

The property of our subject embraces over 400 
acres of line land, to which he has given his main 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



499 



attention, having no desire for the responsibilities 
of office or the anxieties of a public life. He has, 
however, served as School Director and .Justice of 
the l'eace, and is recognized as a citizen of more 
than ordinary intelligence. Socially, he belongs to 
the Masonic lodge of Ridge Farm, and with his 
wife is a member in good standing of the Cumber- 
land Presbyterian Church at Bethel. 




OSES L. L ARRANGE is a wealthy pio- 
neer of Elwood and is a man who is very 
prominent in the affairs of his township. 
He owns 340 acres of land, unparalleled 
for its fertility, on section 25, range 12, where he 
carries on in a successful manner general farming. 
Mr. Larranee was born in Jefferson County, 
Tenn., on May 9, 1818. His father, John Lar- 
ranee, was a native of North Carolina. He came 
to Edgar County in 1827 settling in Elwood Town- 
ship, two miles north of where Moses L. now re- 
sides. The land was then in its wild state, but he 
had his choice of nearly the whole county, and lie 
chose well. He entered 240 acres of land for 

which he paid the Government price, and there 

erected a cabin, made of round logs and with one 
room. The floor was constructed of logs split in 
two, with the flat side up; clapboard roof and 
doors of the same material. They lived happily 
for one year in this house anil were determined to 
make a comfortable home though they were ob- 
liged to suffer privations innumerable in order to 
do it. In those days stoves could be procured 
only by the rich, and in the cabin of the pioneer 
they were an unknown luxury. The good mother 
cooked in a long handled skillet, by the lire-place, 
and diil her baking in an old fashioned brick oven. 
When Moses was eighteen years old, his father 

went to Chicago and bought a > k-stove, which 

was a curiosity to the hoy, as this was the first one 
he ever saw. They lived m a frugal manner, 
never complaining, but happy in the enjoyment 
of good health, and that in the future they would 
reap their harvest. The mother of Moses L. was 
Ruth, the daughter of John Mills, a pioneer of 



this county. She was the mother of nine children, 
five of whom are living, namely: Moses L., Leroy, 
William, Isaac, and Lanty. Those deceased are 
Edith, Jane, Richard, Jonathan and an infant. 

Moses L. Larranee received his early education 
in the old school-house with the greased paper win- 
dows, stick and clay chimney, slab benches and 
wall desks, of the pioneer days of Illinois. The 
boys of those days were fortunate if they secured 
three months' school, as their parents were, of 
course, unable to pay a teacher for a longer term. 
He was married Nov. 1, 1838 to Nancy, daughter 
of Aaron Mendenhall, who came from North Caro- 
lina to Greene Count}', Ohio, during the year 1812. 
His father, Richard Mendenhall was killed by the 
Indians during that war. Aaron purchased a farm 
from the Government in 1K24, settling in Carroll 
Township, where Silas Baird now lives. Mr. and 
Mrs. Larranee are the parents of thirteen children, 
nine living and grown up. The following is a 
record of the children now alive. Their names 
are: John. William, Betsey, Richard. Emily, Char- 
ity. Lydia. David, and Paris. John married Mary 
Baum,they have six children — Ella, Frank, Henry, 
Rosa, Cass, and Cephas; William first married 
Ella Patterson, by whom he had four children, 
two of whom are living — Charles and Cassius. Ilis 
wife died and he married Betsey Frasier; Betsey 
married Carroll Fellows and they have seven chil- 
dren — Sylvanus, Cyrus, Louisa, Charley, Oliver, 
Alice, and Jane; Richard married Jane Wheeler, 
and they are the parents of seven children — Allen 
J., Bert, Maude, Frederick, Art, Thomas, and 
Samuel: Emily married John Canaday, they have 
live children — Cora. Grace, Charity J., Florence 
and Flora; Charity married Frank Thompson, who 
have two children — Odbert and Golden; Lydia 
married William Xier. they have two children — Ida 
and Mark: David married Caroline Tuggle, and 
they are the parents of three children, two of whom 
are living — Moses L. and Morton M.; Paris mar- 
ried Martha Snyder, they had one child — Viola, 
who is deceased. 

Mr. Larranee at this time owns 3 10 acres of land 
and has given 600 acres to his children, 180 acres 
of which he entered from the Government. Ho 
belongs to the Republican party and has never 



500 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



sought official honors. He is a member of the 
Friends' Church at Vermilion Grove. Mr. and 

Mrs. Larrance began life with nothing; have 
worked hard and by good management they are 
now enjoying a comfortable fortune, and they de- 
serve it. 




TLLIAM SANDUSKY. The Sandusky 
Bros., William and Harvey, are two of the 
most wealthy and prominent men in this 
count}-, and have distinguished themselves as suc- 
cessful live-stock breeders, in which business thej' 
have engaged for many years, the latter bringing 
the first car load of thorough- bred Short-horn cattle 
to this county in tile spring of 1862. They were 
purchased from the celebrated breeder of the great 
trotter '■ Maude S.," P. A. Alexander, who was at 
that time in company with Jerry Duncan and James 
Hall, forming the most illustrious trio of breeders 
at that time in America. 

The subject of this notice is a gentleman largely 
endowed by nature with some remarkable qualities, 
possessing sound common sense and a line judg- 
ment, broad and liberal-minded in his views, an 
ardent lover of national liberty and a strong be- 
liever in the Republican theory of protection for 
America and all its citizens. His native place was 
Bourbon County, Ky., and he was bom Nov. 19, 
182G. When he was a mere child the family left 
the Blue Grass State, being transported to Ohio 
(via Cincinnati) and Indiana, whose houses were 
mostly log cabins, and passing through Indianapo- 
lis, their outfit consisting of three wagons, two 
drawn by four horses each and one by an ox team. 

The father of our subject had visited the West 
prior to this time and started out for permanent 
settlement in the fall of 1829. William was edu- 
cated in a log school house and grew up amid the 
wild scenes of life on the frontier, as Central Illi- 
nois was then considered the far West. The first 
time he went to Chicago he rode on a load of pro- 
dine hauled by two yoke of oxen, which were fed 
on a spot near the present site of the Commercial 
Hotel. The youth of that period were at an early 



age inun-d to labor, and young Sandusky, like his 
comrades, grew up strong and healthful and soon 
after reaching his majority began to lay his plans 
for a home of his own. He was married in April, 
1848, when twenty-two years old to Miss Mary E., 
daughter of Samuel and Sarah (Weaver) Baum, 
further mention of whom will be made in the 
sketch of Frank Baum on another page in this 
volume. 

The earliest records of the Weaver family indi- 
cates them to have been of Scotch-Irish descent, 
who upon emigrating to this country settled in 
Maryland. Michael Weaver, the paternal grand- 
father of Mrs. Sandusky, served as a soldier in the 
Revolutionary War and was a very wealthy man. 
He was born in Maryland, whence he removed to 
Pennsylvania and from there to Ohio, after which 
he resided in Brown and Clermont counties. He 
set out for Illinois in 1828, in which year the par- 
ents of Mrs. Sandusky also came to this State. 
The grandfather was a peculiar man in many re- 
spects, possessing a high sense of honor and justice, 
benevolent and hospitable, and was so extremely 
conscientious that he would never accept more 
than six per cent, for his money, although he could 
have loaned it sometimes at forty per cent. Noth- 
ing pleased him better than to assist those who 
would try to help themselves, while he was decid- 
edly averse to speculation of any kind, lie would 
never charge more than twenty-five cents per bushel 
for his corn under any circumstances, as he declared 
that he could raise it for that and it was worth no 
more. He lived to be a centennariau and Mrs. 
Sandusky gave him a reception on the anniversary 
of his one bundretb birthday, which was made the 
occasion of a very cheerful gathering of friends and 
relatives and will be long remembered by those 
who participated in it. 

To the parents of Mrs. Sandusky there were 
born eleven children, viz.: Oliver, Mary P., Susan, 
Catherine, Francis. Charles, Emeline, Samuel, Wil- 
liam and Angeline. After the death of the mother 
when Mary E., the wife of our subject, was a 
maiden probably of seventeen years, Mr. Weaver 
was married the second time and became the father 
of four more children. 

After their marriage Mr. Sandusky and his young 



— ■ T '— —?••■ 




m^ I mirf- ^i* n • 



Residence or J. M. Current, Sec. 19.( T.iSrR 13.) VanceTownship. 




Residence of C.T. Caraway, Sec. 29. ( T.I9.-R.12.) Cat lin Township 



: 




■**w-=fe?:'*:-," .Tv W^i .i: »:xv>r^w^iv-'!s?sw-->'- 



L^_ -.^~«tet.^^.-»J-^ ^ Mf -•■>.-' -• ■ r. i,-^.: : 



^■gaaa^»J 



Residence of A .D. Owen,Sec.5.(T.23.-R.U,) GrantTownship. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



503 



wife settled on the farm where they have since 
lived, and expended their lie.st efforts in the con- 
struction of a homestead. As may be supposed it 
bears but little resemblance to its original condi- 
tion, being then but a tract of wild land, with no 
improvements to speak of. One of the first tasks 
to which Mr. Sandusky set himself was the planting 
of an orchard, the trees of which have now be- 
come almost of giant size. Gradually he erected 
the various buildings needed for the general pur- 
poses of agriculture, and for a number of years 
labored early and late in the cultivation of his 
land bringing about the comforts and conven- 
iences essential to the happiness of a home. Al- 
though almost uniformly successful, he at one time 
met with a loss of $30,000 through one of the 
Presidents of the Exchange Bank of Danville. He 
has handled thousands of beef cattle, also thorough- 
bred Short-horns and has now a very fine herd — 
thirty head of registered animals. 

As a lover of the equine race Mr. Sandusky is 
now paying special attention to thorough-bred run 
ning horses, of which he has ten or twelve fine 
animals, including the trotting stallion, " Wilful 
Boy," a standard-bred three-year old of great 
speed and value. Mr. Sandusky was at one time 
the owner of 220 acres of land upon which 
he operated largely as a general farmer and stock- 
raiser. He keeps himself well posted, not only 
upon matters connected with agriculture, hut of 
national interest and is thoroughly opposed to se- 
cret orders. He cast his first vote for Abraham 
Lincoln with whom he was well acquainted, and 
frequently heard him relate some of his character- 
istic yarns. The Republican party finds no more 
sincere or earnest follower than Mr. Sandusky, al- 
though he is no office-seeker and has mingled very 
little in public affairs. 

The five children born to our subject and his ex- 
cellent wife are recorded as follows: Sarah J. died 
at the age of two years; Caroline is the wife of 
James Snapp, a farmer of Carroll Township; she 
has three children, two by a former husband and 
one by Mr. Snapp. Rochester, who has inherited 
his father's love for fine horses, is an expert in this 
line and remains at the home farm; Addie is the 
wife of .1. T. McMillen, a lumberman of Danville; 



she has four children — William, Nell, Rochester 
and Edmund. Caroline and Addie were both 
students of Illinois Female College and Miss Belle 
attended the Female Seminary at Morgan Park, 
near Chicago; she is now at home with her parents. 
Rochester was graduated from Bryant &, Stratton's 
Business College. 

Josiah Sandusky, the father of our subject, is one 
of the wealthiest men in this county, owning 1,000 
acres of land in Carroll Township and dealing ex- 
tensively in live-stock, including line road and 
trotting horses. He was born Sept. 11, 1837, in 
Kentucky and is the son of Abraham Sodowsky, 
whose forefathers were natives of Poland, whence 
originated the name which has since been Ameriean- 
i/.ed into its present form. Abraham Sodowsky 
was born in Bourbon County, K'y., March 29, 1793, 
and married Miss .lane McDowell, also a native of 
that county and horn Dee. 1(1, 1792. The family 
were among the earliest settlers of that county, lo- 
cating there when Indians were still plentiful. 

The earliest records of -this family take us back 
to one Sodowsky, a descendant of the Royal family 
of Poland and a distinguished citizen who was 
finally banished from the realm for some pari 
which he had taken in political affairs. We find 
the forefathers of our subject were first represented 
in America in 1756 and they gained favor with 
the Colonists on account of their high bearing n.nd 
strict integrity. One married a sister of Gov. 
Inslip and operated largely as an Indian trader, 
lie was finally murdered by the Indians in the 
vicinity of Lake Erie. He was a hunter and a 
trader and his death was the result of a mistake, 
as the savages had been imposed upon by the 
whites and in the fury of their revenge attacked 
the first white man tiny met, not recognizing who 
it was at the time, as he had been their best friend. 
They regretted their deed greatly and in order to 
partly atone for it named the Ba}' in his honor, 
also the two towns which afterward sprung up and 
are now familiarly known as Upper and Lower 
Sandusky. The McDowell family were likewise 
early settlers of America and pioneers of Kentucky. 
The paternal grandparents of our subject were 
married in Bourbon County, that State, and emi- 
grated to Illinois in 1837, settling on the farm now 



504 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



occupied by Josiah Sandusky. The old cabin still 
stands near its original site, having' for its compan- 
ion the stately residence erected by Josiah Sandusky 
in 1872. Light children were bom of this union 
the father of whom was successful in accumulating 
a good property and died in 1865. His wife had 
passed away the year previously ; Josiah, the father 
of our subject, was the youngest of their family. 
He grew up a sturdy and healthful youth, honest 
and industrious and acquired a practical education 
in the common school, finally succeeding to the 
management of the farm of 500 acres which was 
given him by his father. Upon this he and his 
brother Abraham operated together and the parents 
wore cared for by them until their decease. Grand- 
father Sandusky was a first-class business man and 
lii- sons wisely submitted to his counsels during 
his lifetime. Religiously, he was a strong Presby- 
terian and very kind to the poor and unfortunate. 
His death was greatly mourned, not only by his 
immediate family, but by the entire community. 
Harvey was the only one of the children to retain 
the Polish name of Sodowsky, the rest adopting 
the Anglicised pronunciation. On the 18th of 
December, 1873, Josiah Sandusky was wedded to 
Miss Susan Moreland, daughter of Thomas and 
Catherine (Hedges) Moreland who were of English 
ancestry and coming to Illinois in 1857 settled in 
Carroll Township. 

Mrs. Susan Sandusky was born in Bourbon 
County, Ky., and was a child of six years when 
her parents came to this county. She attended the 
Sisters' school at St. Mary's, near Terre Haute, be- 
came a musician and finely accomplished lady. In 
1872 the father of our subject erected an elegant 
brick residence at a cost of $20,000, which, with 
its surroundings made one of the most beautiful 
homes in the county. Later he added 500 acres to 
his farm. The Sandusky family has always been 
noted for its dealings and successes in the live- 
stock business and the father of our subject usu- 
ally keeps a herd of fifty to sixty head of thorough- 
bred cattle, numbers of which he exhibits at the 
State and county fairs and is in the habit of carry- 
ing off the blue ribbons. He has sold cattle for 
breeding purposes to parties in nearly every State 
in the Union. He also is a iover of fine horses, 



keeping about thirty-five or forty head of road 
and trotting thorough-breds, many of them being 
very valuable and never having had a bridle on 
them. He has a one-half-mile track and employs 
a competent trainer to take charge of the stables. 
Several of his horses have shown a record of 2:19. 
In addition to his stock operations the elder 
Sandusky has swine, poultry and Merino sheep, 
bred from the best strains and has probably done 
more than any other man in the county to raise 
the standard of its live stock. He is a Republican, 
" dyed in the wool," having cast his first Presi- 
dential vote for Abraham Lincoln, but meddles 
very little with public affairs and has kept aloof 
from the oflices. 



€»* %» 



^p^IDEON T. BAUM, one of the well-known 
'If ,— , Baum family of Carroll Township, is rec- 
A^^Ji ognized as a very industrious and enter- 
prising young farmer and has a beautiful home on 
section 29. Here with his estimable and amiable 
wife he has built up what might be likened to a 
little paradise, and is apparently surrounded with 
all the good and desirable things of life. His nat- 
ural proclivities are such as have gained him the 
esteem and confidence of his fellow-citizens and he 
thus occupies a good position socially as well as 
financially. 

The father of our subject was Charles Baum. a 
sketch of whom will be found on another page in 
this volume. Gideon T. was born Oct. 12, 18(10, 
at the old homestead in Carroll Township, and was 
the fourth son and fifth child of his parents. His 
boyhood days were spent in a manner common to 
that of farmer's sons and when reaching the twenty- 
fourth year of his age he was married Nov. 13, 
1884 to Miss Clara, daughter of Elijah and Susan 
(Jones) Lucas. 

The father of Mrs. Baum is a native of George- 
town, Ky., and her mother of Ilarrodsburg. that 
State. The paternal great-grandfather was of 
English descent and closely allied to royality; her 
mother's people were from Maryland. The Lucas 
family removed from Kentucky in I87G and the 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



505 



parents of Mrs. Baum are now living retired at 
Archie, in Sidell Township. Mr. Lucas is sixty- 
eight years of age and liis good wife is ten years 
his junior. They are the parents of four children, 
and the eldest, George, is a resident of Hume. 
Charles makes his home in Archie; James likewise 
remains with his parents; Clara was born at Ilar- 
rodsburg, Ky., where she lived until a girl of 
eleven years then came with her parents to Ill- 
inois. They li rst settled near Georgetown and the 
father occupied himself at farming until retiring 
from the active labors of life. 

Mr. and Mrs. Baum after their marriage settled 
on the farm which they now own. and which 
embraces 215 acres of fertile land. The residence 
had been put up the summer previous to their 
marriage. The two children born of this union 
are a daughter and a son — Lulu Weaver and Karl 
Lucas. Mrs. Baum is a member in good standing 
of the Baptist Church. Our subject, politically, 
supports the principles of the Democratic party. 



*s±m 



/^W ] YRlS CHARLES BAUM, the fourth "Char - 
(ft^-, lie" '" the Baum genealogy, and a member 

^^^y of the popular and well-known family of 
that name in this county, is a sober, industrious, 
intelligent young man, and rapidly becoming 
wealthy. He has a charming home, a very attrac- 
tive and accomplished wife who possesses rare 
inusicr.l talent, and, in short, is apparently sur- 
rounded by a large portion of that which makes 
life desirable and satisfactory. His well-regulated 
farm is pleasantly located on section 2!) in Carroll 
Township, and comprises 250 acres of choice land 
thoroughly developed. 

Of Charles W. and Catherine (Weaver) Baum, 
the parents of our subject, a sketch appears else- 
where in this volume. Cyrus C. was the second 
son and third child in a family of six. and was 
born in Carroll. Feb. 18, 1853. llis boyhood and 
youth were spent in a comparatively uneventful 
manner, first at the common school and then at the 
graded school in [ndianola, while during the vaca- 
tions he employed himself in a useful manner 



around the homestead. From boyhood up he has 
been temperate and of correct habits, and upon 
reaching his majority, his father presented him 
with a large tract of land, which he traded for his 
present farm in 1884 To this latter he has given 
his undivided attention for the last five years, to 
what good purpose its present condition indicates. 
In 1876 Mr. Baum was united in marriage with 
Miss Emma, daugher of Allen and Alma (iilkey. 
who were both natives of Kentucky. 'I hey left 
the Blue Grass regions at, an early date, and set- 
tled in this county during its pioneer days. Of 
this union there was born one child, a daughter, 
Lelia, who is now a bright girl of ten years, and 
is cared for with a mother's affection by the pres- 
ent wife of our subject. Mrs. Emma (Gilkey) 
Baum departed this life Oct. 5, 1880. 

Our subject contracted a second marriage. Nov. 
28, 1887, with Miss Josie, daughter of Josephus 
Baum. a native of Clermont County, Ohio. The 
maiden name of her mother was Sarah Beall, and 
she was a native of the same count}' as her hus- 
band. Mr. Baum was a blacksmith by trade, and. 
befoie leaving Ohio, lived at Point Isabel, and in 
Bainbridge, Ross County. He came to Illinois in 
1875, and settled at Ridge Farm, where he is -nil 
engaged at his trade and is now probably fifty-nine 
years old. His good wife is ten years his junior. 
They are the parents of seven children, viz: Al- 
bert, Josie, Jessie, Lelia. Maggie, Charles and 
Minnie. 

Mrs. Josie (Baum) Baum was born at Point 
Isabel, Clermont Co., Ohio, Sept. 6, 1869, and was 
a young maiden of fifteen years when her parents re- 
moved to Bainbridge. Two years later they came 
to Illinois, and she completed her studies in the 
High School at Ridge Farm. She received a care- 
ful home training from an excellent mother, and 
apparently takes a loving pride in the adornment 
of her home ami making it the dearesl spot on 
earth to those immediately in its precincts. She is 
a tasteful performer on the piano, and the home 
circle is often enlivened by music and the pleasant 
intercourse of friends. 

Mr. Baum. politically, like his father and 
brothers, gives his unqualified supporl to the 
Democratic party, although he meddles very little 



50 G 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



with public affairs, preferring to give his time and 
attention to the improvement of his farm and the 
comfort and happiness of those by whom he is 
connected by the most sacred of earthly ties. 




HOMAS HOOPES, The old pioneers, who 
f(f!SS\ are fast passing away, are naturally looked 
upon with that interest and respect with 
which mankind is prone to regard those things 
which, when once departed, can never be recalled. 
These thoughts involuntarily force themselves 
upon the mind in contemplating the career of the 
subject of this sketch, who was the first settler at 
Hoopeston, and in whose honor it was named. He 
came to this county, and invested in land Aug. 9, 
L853. Returning to Ohio, he remained there until 
April 8, 1855, when he with his family removed to 
this county, and endured his full share of the hard- 
ships and privations of life in a new settlement, 
operating as a tiller of the soil a series of years, and 
is now enjoying the fruits of his labors amid the 
comforts of a pleasant and well-ordered home i».i 
the southeastern part of the village, which has been 
the object of his fostering care. He retired from 
the active labors of life in June, 1882, and occupies 
a tasteful and commodious brick residence at the 
corner of Penn and Fourth streets. He is the 
owner of a good property, which he accumulated 
solely by his own industry and perseverance. He 
owns 2,233 acres of fine land, contracted to young 
men, and upon which they pay a low interest. He 
also controls 5,180 acres in his own name, making 
the total of his land holdings 7,413 acres. 

Mr. Hoopes was born on the 26th of June, 1806, 
in a log cabin in the woods of what was then Jeffer- 
son County, but is now the southeast corner of Har- 
rison .County, Ohio, His father in 1810 removed 
to a point seven miles distant in the same county, 
and there our subject sojourned until 1846. He 
pursued his studies mostly at home under the in- 
struction of his mother, and also attended a pri- 
vate school. He remained a member of the 
parental household until reaching his majority, 



soon after which time occurred the death of his 
father, and the property was divided. Thomas, in 
1 829, purchased a two-thirds interest in the estate, 
and carried on the improvements, which had been 
begun, clearing the land of the remaining timber 
upon it and preparing the soil for cultivation. 
There being six children in the family, the share 
of Thomas, estimated to be $334.04 in value, was 
accordingly one-sixth of the estate, and in con- 
tracting to buy out the other heirs, subject to the 
mother's life interest, he was obliged to go into 
debt. The task before him, he was aware, required 
more than an ordinary amount of courage and per- 
severance, but nature had generously endowed him 
with these qualities, and from that modest begin- 
ning he succeeded in building up the ample prop- 
erty of which he is now the owner. 

Our subject continued on the old farm until the 
summer of 1846, and on the 30th of July that 3'ear, 
was united in marriage with Miss Anna Gray, of 
of the same county. Shortly afterward they re- 
moved to the vicinity of Marion, Ohio, where Mr. 
Hoopes purchased a farm of 803 acres on what 
was familiarly known as Sandusky Plains, and 
added 100 acres three years later. It was nearly 
fenced and has been largely devoted by our subject 
to pnsturage. Mr. Hoopes began the improvement 
of his property, and in 1850 put up one of the 
first brick houses in that locality, lie devoted his 
land mostly to grazing, and gathered together a 
large Hock of sheep. He also took in cattle to 
feed, and continued this course profitably for a 
period of nine years. His property naturally in- 
creased in value, and became the source of a com- 
fortable income. 

In 1853, however, Mr. Hoopes decided to see what 
lay beyond, and accordingly disposed of his interest 
in the Buckeye State, and after residing for a year 
in Marion Village came here to buy, moving 
here with his family in 1855. There were then 
but few settlers in Grant Township, this county, and 
frequently the traveler would go from fifty to 100 
miles without passing a farm, a large proportion of 
the land still belonging to the Government. Mr. 
Hoopes at once bought of W. I. Allen 480 acres, 
upon which he established a homestead, and was 
uniformly successful in his labors as an agricultur- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



507 



ist and a stock- raiser. He later purchased ad- 
ditional land, and in due time became the owner 
of 7,413 acres; besides this he sold several thousand 
acres at different times. The first house which he 
put up was a frame structure of fair proportions, 
located at the top of a hill on the old "Chicago 
Road," lying north of the present site of the town. 
He occupied this with his family for a number of 
years, and added other buildings as time passed on. 
He still continued sheep-raising, and frequently 
pastured large droves of cattle for other men. 
From the first he made it a rule to keep out of 
debt, live within his income, and meet his obliga- 
tions as they became due. Mr. Hoopes, in 1863, 
disposed of his flocks of sheep on account of the 
difficulty in getting help to look after them, and 
at the same time laid aside many of the cares 
which had been his for many years. Since that 
time he has taken life more easily. On the 4th of 
July. 1871, the track of what is now the Danville 
& \ incennes Railroad was laid across what is now 
Main street, and the year following the Lake Erie & 
Western began running its trains. Mr. Hoopes, 
always a man of wise forethought, judged that 
here would be a good site for a town, and accord- 
ingly commenced haying out a portion of his farm 
in town lots. He did not undertake town-making, 
but laid out his land after it had been started. 
Thereafter he engaged in selling these lots and 
looking after the interests of the embryo village. 
The town was named Iloopeston by one of the 
prospectors of a railroad. Mr. Hoopes afterward 
sold 1,000 acres to the firm of Snell & Taylor, who 
had a part of the land platted, and sold town lots. 
In 1873 Mr. Hoopes purchased a house a short dis- 
tance west of that which he now occupies, and 
moved into it. occupying it until 1882, when he 
erected his present residence. In connection with 
his dealings in real estate, he still continued the 
general supervision of his farm, but employed 
agents to carry on the work. In the fall of 1874 
he started for the Pacific Slope, arriving in Califor- 
nia October 28, and sojourned there until the 27th 
of March, 1875. In the meantime he traveled 
over a large portion of the country with his wife, 
the latter being in delicate health. 

Mr. Hoopes cast his first vote in 1828 for a 



defeated candidate, being then identified with the 
old Whig party, but upon its abandonment cor- 
dially endorsed the principles of the Republican 
party, whom he has since for the most part given 
his support. In local affairs, however, he is not 
bound by party ties, but aims to support the man 
best qualified for office. During his long residence 
in this county, he has pursued that upright and 
honorable course which has gained him the confi- 
dence and esteem of his fellow-citizens, striving 
always to be not only just, but also generous, as he 
has had opportunity. 

Mrs. Anna (Cray) Hoopes was born in Harrison 
County, Ohio, July 25. 1810, and was the daughter 
of Thomas and Hannah (Eckley) Gray, who spent 
their last years in Fulton County. 111. To our sub- 
ject and his estimable wife there were born no chil- 
dren. Mrs. Hoopes departed this life on the 29th 
of April, 1886, greatly mourned by her husband, 
and regretted by all who know her. She was a de- 
voted wife, a lady possessing all the Christian vir- 
tues, and who was the uniform and efficient helper of 
her husband during his toils and struggles, and his 
cheerful, faithful companion amid the hardships 
and difficulties which they encountered. Her name 
is held in kindly remembrance by all who knew 
her. 

Nathan Hoopes, the father of our subject, was 
born in Chester County, Pa . May 5. 1765. and was 
the son of Daniel A. Hoopes, a native of the same 
county. He lived there until reaching man's es- 
tate, and was married to Miss Elizabeth Gardner. 
Soon afterward they removed to Ohio, and settled 
in the woods of what was then Jefferson County, 
about seven miles from where the town of Mount 
Pleasant grew up. He put up a log cabin and be- 
gan felling trees, and preparing a portion of the 
soil for cultivation. 1 1 is first property consisted of 
only thirty acres, and at this little homestead oc- 
curred the birth of his son Thomas. 

Later the father of our subject disposed of this 
property, and purchased 160 acres of land, where 
he opened up a good farm, and upon which he 
spent his last days, passing away in the spring of 
1828. The household circle was completed l>\ the 
birth of seven children, six of whom lived to 
years of maturity, namely : James and Joseph. 



.-.08 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



who were residents of Morgan County, Ohio, 
until their death; Sarah. Mrs. Nathan Williams, of 
Harrison County, Ohio; Thomas, our subject; Ann, 
the widow of George W. Scott, living in Camp 
Chase; and Mary, Mrs. W. Spurier, who died in 
Harrison County, whither she returned from Mor- 
gan County. The mother survived her husband 
only six years, her death taking place at the old 
homestead on May 12, 1834. She was a member 
and minister of the Society of Friends. Mr. 
Hoopes, our subject, is not a member of any 
society. 

Mr. Hoopes owns large tracts of land, also buys 
any tract a young, but honest and industrious man 
may desire, lets him have it and pay a very low 
rate of interest, instead of rent, and avoids double 
taxation; thus helping many young men to start, 
simply for the purpose of doing what good he can. 
If he is proud of anything, it is of that, to be con- 
sidered a philanthropist. 



HA G.JONES. Here and there, like a bright 

light on the hill top, we find a character which 
\ convinces us ttiat the world is by no means all 
bad, and the subject of this notice may most prop- 
erly be placed in this category. Not only is he the 
wealthiest fanner in Elwood Township, but its old- 
est living settler, and one who is known far and 
wide for his kindly character, and as looking upon 
the mistakes and wrong-doings of his fellow-men 
with charity. He had long been known as the 
poor man's friend — one never seeking popularity — 
but he has sought to help those who have tried to 
help themselves, and has set before his fellow-men 
an example worthy of their imitation. He is In- 
occupation a farmer, and lias for many years been 
engaged extensively in stock-raising. His large 
possessions are the accumulation of a lifetime of 
industry, good management, and the prudent econ- 
omy which has been the rule of his life. 

A native of Eastern Indiana, our subject was 
born near Liberty, fifteen miles from the present 
flourishing city of Richmond, .Ian. 11, 1826. His 



father. Aaron Jones, long since deceased, was a na- 
tive of New Jersey, and removed with his parents 
to Fayette County. Pa., when quite small. The 
paternal grandfather of our subject was a soldier 
in the Revolutionary War. The wife of Aaron 
Jones was Phebe Watkins, a native of Fayette 
County, Pa., who became the mother of eleven 
children, all of whom lived to mature years, and 
three survive, those beside our subject being Will- 
iam and Henry. The former occupies the old 
homestead near Quaker Point, just across the line 
in Indiana, and the latter lives in Fremont County, 
Minn. 

Aaron Jones brought his family to this county 
in October, 1827. settling at Quaker Point, where 
he rented land two or three seasons. He then en- 
tered a tract from the Government about one mile 
east of Quaker Point in Vermilion Township Ver- 
million Co., Ind. The first house the Jones fam- 
ily occupied was a double log cabin with a stick 
and clay chimney, a puncheon floor and the roof 
made of clapboards held down with knees and 
weight poles. Some of the pioneer bedsteads of 
that day consisted of poles fastened in the wall and 
resting on a fork in the middle of the floor. The 
nearest trading points were Newport and Eugene. 
•'Father Jones," as he was familiarly called, was a 
very hospitable man, and entertained many a trav- 
eler under his humble roof. People came as far as 
eight miles to the Shaw and the Eugene mills, and 
sometimes would have to wait a week for their 
grinding. Many of them put up with the Jones 
family, and were never charged a cent. It was 
common to drink whisky in those days, and "Uncle 
Aaron" always had plenty of it in his house — tlie 
genuine article, made from his own grain. Not- 
withstanding this he was a temperate man himself, 
and never allowed liquor to get the better of him. 

The early education of our subject was conducted 
in "Hazel Brush College." a log cabin erected in 
the same manner as the dwelling heretofore de- 
scribed. His boyhood and youth were spent in 
a similar manner to that of other sons of the 
pioneer farmer, during which time he assisted in 
tilling the soil, and upon approaching manhood 
began to lay his plans for the establishment of a 
home of his own. He was twentj-nine years old, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



509 



however, before securing unto himself a wife and 
helpmate, and was then married in July. 1855, to 
Miss Ruth Connor. This union resulted in the 
birth of seven children, four of whom are living 
— Emeline, George, Rozella and Seymour. One 
daughter, Indiana, was married to John Patton, 
and died, leaving five children — Jennie. Neal, May, 
George and Lucretia. Kmeline married William 
Arrissmith, of Pilot Township, this county, and 
they have four children — Lilly, Ira, James and 
Bertha; George married Miss Annie Phillips, lives 
in Bethel, and is the father of one child, a son, 
Claude; Rozella married Charles Busby, of El- 
wood Township, and lias two children. Mrs. Ruth 
(Connor) Jones departed this life at the home- 
stead, Aug. 9, 1869. 

Our subject contracted a second marriage, Nov. 
24, 1871, with Mrs. Rhoda J. Rice. This lady was 
the widow of James M. Rice, and the daughter 
of James F. Weller. of Elwood Township. Of 
their marriage there have been born four chil- 
dren, all sons, Pearl, Frank, Bertie and Arthur. 
Mrs. Jones is a member of the New Light Chris- 
tian Church. Our subject, politically, votes the 
Republican ticket, and has been quite prominent 
in local affairs, officiating as Road Overseer ami 
Highway Commissioner, and is at present School 
Trustee and a member of tin' village Council. He 
is the owner of 1,600 acres of land, most of it in 
Elwood Township. His agricultural operations 
have been conducted with thoroughness and skill, 
and his home is one whose inmates are sur- 
rounded with all the comforts and many of the 
luxuries of life. 



ffi HENRY BANTA. Until within a few 
years back the subject of this notice was 
one of the leading business men of Elwood 
Township. He came to this county in L853 
settling near Pilot Grove where he carried on farm- 
ing until 1869. He then came to the Ridge where 
he has since lived. He for some time owned and 
operated the Ridge Farm Flouring .Mill and built, 
the elevator here in 1871. He dealt in grain ex- 



tensively and at the same time interested himself 
in the various enterprises calculated to build up 
the town. He is a man of excellent business capa- 
cities and strong qualities of character, one whose 
influence has been sensibly felt, both in the business 
and social circles of his community. 

Our subject was born in Bourbon County, Ky. 
Aug. 11. 1831. and is the son of Abraham Banta, 
now deceased. The latter was born in Bourbon 
County, Ky., whence our subjeel removed to 
Nicholas County with his parents when quite 
young. They settled on a farm two and one-half 
miles west of Carlisle on the old Lexington and 
Maysville pike. The maiden name of the mother 
of our subject was Dorcas Hedges. His paternal 
grandfather, Henry Banta, served as a soldier of 
the Revolutionary War. The parental household 
included eight children, live of whom are living, 
viz.: Seythia A., Mrs. Fulton; J. Henry, our sub- 
ject; Margaret, Mrs. Campbell; William F. and 
Elizabeth, twins, the latter of whom also married a 
Mr. Campbell. The deceased were Andrew J.. 
Sarah. Mrs. Collins and Annie M.. Airs. Bogard. 

Young Banta commenced his education in a loo- 
cabin in Bourbon County. Ky. The temple of 
learning was a very primitive affair, with greased 
paper for window panes, split log seats, puncheon 
floor and clapboard roof held in place by weigh! 
poles. His childhood and youth passed in a com- 
paratively uneventful manner until his marriage 
which occurred in April. 1852, his bride being 
Miss Mary J. Russell. This lady was born in St, 
Louis. Mo., and was the daughter of Andrew Rus- 
sell, deceased. Of this union there were born ei^ht 
children, namely : James A.. Nancy K.. William F. 
Sarah A., Margaret E., Annie I).. Andre ,v J. and 
John II. 

One of the leading characteristics of Mr. Banta 
is his steady opposition to the manufacture and 
sale of intoxicating drinks. While serving as 
Mayor of Ridge Farm in 1888 89, he vetoed Hie 
whisky license ordinance passed by the Council, 
and has left no stone unturned in using his influ- 
ence to put down the liquor traffic. He has been 
a. member of the Town Council several years which 
fact is sufficient indication of the estimation in 
which he is held by his fellow citizens. He is not 



510 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



connected with any religions organization but so- 
cially is a charter member of Lodge No. 032 A. F. 
& A. M., at Ridge Farm. His estimable wife is a 
member in good standing of the Cumberland 
Presbyterian Church. Mr. Banta, with the excep- 
tion of inflammatory rheumatism, is usually in 
good health and well preserved. In March, 1889, 
he took a trip to Hot Springs. Ark., aiM the treat- 
ment he received there was very beneficial. 

The ancestors from whom our subject sprang were 
first represented in this country by one Epke Jacob 
Banta, a farmer from Harlingen, East Friesland. Hol- 
land, who with his wife and five sons, emigrated from 
Amsterdam in the ship " OeTrouw," which sailed 
Feb. 13, 1639 for the New World. The account 
of its passage and its voyagers may be found in 
the "Documental History of New York, volume 3, 
pages 52 and 53 and volume 1 1, page 90." Epke 
Jacob Banta was appointed one of the court of 
Oyer and Terminer at Bergen, now a part of Jersey 
City in 1079. See " Winfield's History of Wood- 
ford Count}', page 100." 

In 1095 four of the five sons spoken of above — 
Seba, Cornelius, Hendrick, and Dirck, with six other 
persons, purchased from the proprietors of East 
Jersey a tract of land extending in breadth from 
the Hudson River to Overpeck (English neighbor- 
hood) Creek, and in length about two miles and a 
quarter from north to south. (Sec deed recorded 
at office of Secretary of State, Trenton, N. J.) 
The third son, Hendrick Epke Banta, married Mary 
Lubbertse Westervelt, at Bergen, Nov. 17, 1678, 
and there were born to them six children. He 
became a man prominent and well-to-do in his 
community and was elected a Deacon of the Re- 
formed Dutch Church at Ilackensack, N. J., at its 
organization in September, 1080. 

Hendrick Banta, Jr., upon reaching manhood mar- 
ried Geertruy Terhuyne, Jan. 26, 1717, and they had 
four children, the eldest of whom was also named 
Hendrick. This latter and his wife, Rachel Brou- 
wer, removed about the year 1753 to Somerset 
County, N. J., where he was an Elder in the Church 
at Millstone. Later he removed to the northern 
part of the county and was elected an Elder in the 
Church at Bedminster at its organization, Oct. 25, 
1758. In 1768 he removed with a colony to 



Adams County, Pa., settling near the present site of 
Gettysburg and was a conspicuous member of the 
Church at Conewayo. Ten years later he became 
one of the pioneers of Madison County, Ky., set- 
tling near Boonesboro, but subsequently removed 
to Mercer Count}', and finally to Shelby County. 
In the latter he settled near Pleasureville on what 
was known as the Dutch Tract where he died in 
1805. 

Of this latter family there were born six children 
of whom the fourth, Abraham, the father of our 
subject, was born April 7, 1805. There was only 
one family of the name who came to America and 
their descendants have been people uniformly re- 
spectable and well-to-do. The subject of this 
sketch has inherited some of the peculiar traits of 
his ancestors and besides being totally averse to 
liquor in any shape, never had tobacco in his mouth 
and never smoked a cigar. He has done what he 
could to advance those principles in which he con- 
scientiously believes, and his record has been that 
of an honest man and a praiseworthy citizen. 



<*l WILLIAM BARCLAY HA WORTH, late of 
\jsJ/l Vermillion County, Ind., departed this life 
V^ near Ridge Farm, 111., Oct. 12, 1807. His 
widow, Mrs. Irene Ilaworth, retains possession of 
the property left her by her husband, and is a lady 
held in high esteem in her community. She was 
born in Wayne County, Ind., Dec. 12, 1827, and is 
the daughter of Seth Mill, deceased, who was a na- 
tive of Ohio, and who came to this county with his 
family in 1828. They settled on what is now 
known as the Thomas Brown place, where they 
lived seven years, then removed to the Aaron 
Glick farm, two miles east of Vermilion Grove, 
where the father died Aug. 19, 1840. 

On the 10th of August, 1845, Miss Mills was 
to married William B. Ilaworth, and they at once 
settled across the line at Quaker Point, in Vermillion 
County, Ind., where Mrs. Ilaworth lived until 
1875. She then removed to Vermilion Grove, her 
present home. Of the thirteen children born to her 
and her husband, nine lived to mature years, and 




W 'lie) W:"\ I 



'■■ 



d>. 



nM^y Q)^J^uid^ 




§> t&. ^cnsLtfla*" 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



515 



eight are .still living, viz: Maria, Susan, Henry M., 
Zimri L., Mary E.. Sarah. Laura M., and Eva J. 
One son. Seth. married Miss Martha J. Rees, and is 
now deceased. Of the two children born to them 
only one is living, Anna L; Maria married Amos 
Cook,. of Yankee Point; Susan is the wife of 
Thomas L. Commons, of Wichita, Ivan., and has 
has five children — Arthur N., Adella, Walter. 
Pearl, and Oren. Henry married Laura Hendricks, 
and lives at Quaker Point. Ind.; they have five 
children — Kenneth E., Maria. Alice, George and 
Myrtle; Zimri married Miss Sybil Rees, lives in 
Elwood Township, and has two children — Mary 
and Albert C; Mary married Ezra Cook, of Yankee 
Point, and lives in Elwood Township; they have 
five children — Bertha, Nora, Flora, Seth and Ethel. 
Sarah married Josiah Marsh, of Frankfort, Ind., 
and they have one child. Charlie; Laura married 
Newton Morris, of Elwood Township, and they have 
two children — Orpha 1). and Barclay D.; Eva mar- 
ried Levi" Saunders, of Elwood Township, and they 
have three children — Oetavia, Elton and Estella. 

Mr. Haworlh was a member of the Society of 
Friends, to which Mrs. Ha worth and her family also 
belong. The mother of Mrs. Hawortb was in her 
girlhood Rebecca Canaday, a native of Jefferson 
County. East Tenn., and born June 2-'i, 1806. The 
parental family included five children: Irena, 
Henry, Aaron, Lucinda B. (deceased) and Annie 
M. The mother died June 18, 1888, in Elwood 
Township, Vermilion Co., 111. She was a life- 
long member of the Society of Friends. 

«ot «i ? » 3 »' ll '' i , 'x' * «■' 

19 JR C 




OILMAN B. DOUGLASS stands in the 
front rank of the enlightened, enterprising 

agriculturists, who are active in sup- 
porting the immense farming and stock- 
raising interests of Vermilion County. He owns 
one of the largest and finest improved farms in all 
Catlin Township, beautifully located on section 2. 
where he has a very pretty home, rendered still 
more attractive by the number of shade and fruit 
trees with which lie has adorned the grounds. 

Our subject comes of worthy New England an- 



cestry on the father's side, ami of good Pennsyl- 
vania stock on the maternal side of the house. His 
father, Cyrus Douglass, was born in Vermont, and 
his mother was a native of Tioga County. Pa. 
They were married aboul three miles north of Dan- 
ville, in this county, and settled soon after about 
three miles and a half south of that city, where 
they lived for a long term of years, being very 
early pioneers of that township. In L865, they 
retired to Fairmount to spent their last years free 
from the cares and labors that had beset their eaih 
life, whereby they had won a competence. She 
did not long survive the removal from her old 
home, where her married life had passed so pleas- 
antly and peacefully, but Dec. 15, 1866, closed her 
eyes to the scenes of earth. The father lived four- 
teen years longer, and then, Dec. 20, 1880, he was 
summoned to the life beyond the grave. He had 
served under Capt. Morgan L. Payne in the Indian 
War of 1831-:.'. He and bis wife were the parents 
of thirteen children, nine sons and four daughters, 
all of whom lived to grow up. with the exception 
of i.me son, who was injured and died when about 
nine years old. 

Our subject was the second child of the family 
in order of birth, and was horn in Danville Town- 
ship, Oct. 11, 1827. He was reared to man's estate 
in the place of his nativity in the pioneer home of 
his birth. He gleaned his education in the primi- 
tive schools of the early days, was bred to a farm- 
er's lifeon the old homestead, and has always given 
his attention to agricultural pursuits. He remained 
under the parental roof till 1851, and then, buoyed 
with the hopes and ambitions of an energetic 
young manhood, he took his departure from the 
scenes of his boyhood and youth, and crossed the 
continent to Oregon to see something of the world 
and to better his prospects in life if he could. He 
Stayed in Oregon but a short time, and then made 
his way to California, where he remained some time 
engaged in mining. In October, 1853, he gathered 
together his gains, having a great desire to see his old 
home once more after experiencing the rough life 
of a miner for two years, and embarked on a 

vessel that took him by the Nicaragua route, and 
thence made his way by New York City to Illinois 
and Vermilion County. On his return he resumed 



516 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



farming, and followed that peaceful vocation some 
years. But life in the wild West still held a fasci- 
nation for him, and in the summer of 1864 lie 
made another trip toward the setting sun, journey- 
ing across the plains to Idaho and Montana. That 
time he was gone from here about two and a half 
years, and was variously employed as a miner and 
at different occupations. .Since his second return 
from the far West Mr. Douglass has been engaged 
continuously in farming, and has met with more 
than ordinary success in that pursuit. He owns 
410 acres of as choice land as is to be found in 
this part of Vermilion County, has it under perfect 
cultivation, has erected good buildings, including 
a substantial, well-appointed residence, and made 
other valuable improvements. 

The marriage of our subject with Miss Anna 
Downing, a noble, true-hearted woman, who has 
devoted her life to the interests of her husband 
and children, took place in Danville Township, 
their union being solemnized in the month of Sep- 
tember. 1855. Mrs. Douglass is the daughter of 
Ellis and Louisa (Hathaway) Downing, natives 
respectively of Virginia and Kentucky, and now 
deceased. Her parents began their married life in 
Kentucky, and from there went later in life to In- 
diana, and were pioneers of Logansport, where he 
died. The mother afterward came to Catlin Town- 
ship, and made her home here till death. Four 
children were born of her marriage, two sons and 
two daughters, Airs. Douglass being the eldest of 
the family. She was born near Washington, in 
Mason County, Ky., Dec. 25, 1825. She is the 
mother of five children, as follows: Samuel; Eliza, 
the wife of George W. Cook; Allen who married 
Maggie Byerley ; Belle B., the wife of Charles Lu- 
cas; and George W. 

Mr. Douglas is a man whose frank geniality, tact 
and readiness to oblige, have won him many fast 
friends, and with his wife, who is of an amiable, 
charitable disposition, he stands high in the social 
circles of this community. He is a man of wide 
and varied experience and information, a good con- 
versationalist, and is accordingly a pleasing com- 
panion. He is a good financier, and also an able 
manager, having his affairs under good control; he 
possesses in a large degree those characteristics 



without which success in life is unattainable. He 
has mingled somewhat in the public life of the 
township, has proved an efficient school officer, 
and has held some of the minor offices with credit 
to himself, and to the benefit of the community. 
lie is an esteemed member of Catlin Lodge, No. 
285, A. F. A- A. M. He is a loyal and faithful citi- 
zen, having the best interests of his country at 
heart, and is in his politics a pronounced Democrat 
of the Jacksonian type. 

Elsewhere in this volume the reader will notice 
a portrait of Mr. Douglass, and beside it is fittingly 
placed that of his wife, who has been at his side a 
faithful companion for more than thirty years. 

7=> yT7R^ 1 -> 



^pT MOS COOK, a representative farmer of 
(jjgjy|! Elwood Township, is a hardworking, typi- 
cal Quaker. He is a native of Elwood 
Wjj Township, and was born Dec. 15, 1845. 

His father, Daniel Cook, was one of the early set- 
tlers of Vermilion County, and a man whose repu- 
tation for everything that constitutes a model man. 
was of the very best. The mother was Hannah 
Hester, a daughter of Thomas Hester, also a pio- 
neer of Eastern Illinois. The elder Mr. and Mrs. 
Cook had four children, three of whom are living: 
Amos, Ezra and Daniel, all born in Elwood Town- 
ship. Daniel was born on Feb. 27th, 1855. He 
married Electa Powell. They have one child, 

Alice, and are living on section 10 of Elw 1 

Township. Mary died after she had married and 
become the mother of two children. 

Mr. Cook enjoyed but limited advantages for 
securing an education, as the common schools of 
his boyhood had not attained to the perfection of 
the public schools of the present day. He im 
proved well, however, his opportunities, and re- 
grets that he co'kl not have secured better educa- 
tional privileges. On Nov. 3d, 186;). Mr. Cook 
was married to Maria, daughter of Bartley Haw- 
ortli (deceased). They have no children. The 
brother of the subject of this sketch, Ezra Cook, of 
Vermilion Grove, was born in October, 1848. in 
Elwood Township. He received a common-school 



I'oRTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



517 



education and has always worked on a farm. He 
owns seventy acres of land, where he carries on a 
general farming and stock raising business. He 
has been very prosperous and has accumulated a 
competence. He was married in September, 1875, 
to Mary E. Haworth. They are the parents of six 
children, five of whom are living: Bertha L., Nora 
A., Flora B., Seth IL. and Ethel M. His wife was 
born in Edgar County. 111., and reared in Vermill- 
ion County, Ind. Ezra never has sought office, 
and politically, he belongs to the Prohibition party. 
He and his wife are leading members of the So 
ciety of Friends, as were also their parents. 

Amos Cook owns ninety-two acres of land, most 
of which is under a perfect state of cultivation. 
He prosecutes a general farming and stock-raising 
business. The stock on his farm is of the very 
best blood, and he spares no pains to obtain the 
best, among which may be mentioned graded Bel- 
gian horses, Short-horn cattle and Poland-China 
hogs. Mr. Cook is considered by his neighbors a 
model farmer, and a survey of his farm will corro- 
borate that estimate. He is thorough in all his 
work, and leaves nothing undone that should be 
done, and everything connected with his place 
seems to be in perfect order. 

Mr. and Mrs. Cook are members of the Friends' 
Church, where they regularly attend divine wor- 
ship, and of which they are birth-right members. 
Mr. Cook has never held any office, nor does he 
want one, bat he votes and works for the Prohibi- 
tion party as a matter of duty and principle. He 
has never lived outside of Elwood Township. 



— V 



#~# 



^p^EOROE W. CANADAY. A ng the 

if <^*' steady-going men of Carroll Township none 
>^4 are more responsible and hard-working than 
he with whose name we introduce this sketch. He 
pursues the even tenor of his way quietly and un- 
ostentatiously, and is a fine representative of that 
responsible and reliable element which is so essen- 
tial to the well-being of evei\ community. He is 
the owner of two medium sized farms, has a good 
home and a pleasant family, including a group of 



children which he and his excellent wife may be 
pardoned for looking upon with much pride. 

The son of a pioneer, our subject was born in 
Georgetown Township near Concord, Nov. 18, 
1842, being the youngest of three children, the off- 
spring of Boater and Ellen ( Weidener) Canaday. 
who were married in Ohio, and came to this county 
about 1835. They settled in Georgetown Township, 
where they spent the remainder of their days. The 
father, however, only lived until 1845. leaving bis 
widow with three children — William R., Sarah J., 
and George W., our subject. She was married the 
second time and became the mother of six more 
children. 

Mr. Canaday spent his boyhood and youth amid 
the quiet scenes of rural life, learning to plow, sow 
and reap. He says, "I have been plowboy thirty- 
eight years." He attended the schools at Concord, 
and grew up to a healthful ami vigorous manhood, 
with stout muscles and feeling fully equal to the 
demands of the future. When twenty-five years 
old he was married, in 1867, to Miss Mary -lane, 
daughter of George "W. Smith, who is now living 
three miles south of Georgetown. The young peo- 
ple commenced the journey of life together in El- 
wood Township, and frorn that time on have 
worked with a mutual purpose to make for them- 
selves a home and leave a good record to their 
children. In the fall of that year, thinking he 
would do better beyond the Mississippi, Mr. Cana- 
day went into Worth County, Mo., and purchased 
a farm of 100 acres, driving to it in a wagon. For 
seven years thereafter he prosecuted farming on that 
land, performing a great deal of hard labor with 
encouraging results. 

Mrs. Canaday finally became homesick, and the 
family, including three children, in 1874, returned 
to this county, making the journey overland in a 
wagon. Mr. Canaday purchased a small tract of 
laud — seventy-two acres — near Ridge Farm, which 
lie -till owns, and in 1881 purchased the 120-acre 
farm in Carroll Township, which he now occupies, 
and to which he gives his principal attention. 
Their three eldest children, Emma E.. Florence and 
Cora, were born in Missouri. Ollie and frank are 
natives of Illinois. Our subject and bis estimable 
wife belong to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church 



518 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



at Concord, and Mr. Canaday, politically, votes the 
straight Democratic ticket. He has served as School 
Director in his district, and believes in the educa- 
tion of the young as the best means of insuring 
good citizenship. 

Mrs. Canaday was born in Georgetown Town- 
ship Sept. 24, 184"), and is the only child of her 
father by his first wife, who in her girlhood was Mary 
Jane Smith. After the death of his first wife Mr. 
Smith was married a second time, and became the 
father of seven more children. Ave living and two 
dead. 

-SSRig* 




'RANK A. BALM, one of the most popular 
(a} men of Carroll Township, was born and 
reared within its precincts, and is the off- 
spring of an old and well-known family, the son of 
Samuel Baum, whose great-grandfather was born 
in Poland, from which lie tied during the troubles 
of that unhappy country, and for some time after- 
ward made his home in Germany. Later he came 
to America, prior to the Revolutionary War. and 
married an English lady by the name of Barbara 
McDonald, a relative of the daring and gallant 
young McDonald, fighting under Gen. Marion in 
that war. The senior Baum was later appointed 
on the reserve corps for special duty and the pro- 
tection of the early settlements. After the close of 
the war he settled in Bucks County, Pa., where the 
nine children of the family were reared, among 
whom was the grandfather of the subject of this 
sketch, Charles Baum, Sr. 

The year following Wayne's treaty with the In- 
dians Charles Baum and his family sailed down the 
Ohio River to the mouth of Bullsink Creek, near 
where the town of Chilo now stands. Here they 
commenced the first settlement made in the Ten i 
tory of Ohio. Grandfather Charles Baum upon 
reaching manhood married Miss Susan Moier, of 
Germantown, Ky. They became the parents of ten 
children, viz: Samuel, John. M. D.; Mary, Mrs. 
Weaver; Sarah, Mrs. Van Treese; Charles; Cather- 
ine, Mrs. Patterson; Susan. Mrs. Sandusky; Eliza- 
beth, Gideon N. ; and Eliza, Mrs. Carter. 

Samuel Baum was the eldest sou of his parents 



(who came to this county with their children in 
1839), and while a resident of Ohio, was married 
to ;; daughter of old Michael Weaver. The latter 
came to this county in 1827, and settled one 
miles northeast of the present site of Indian- 
ola. There were then but five log houses on the 
Little Vermilion, two of which were purchased 
by a Baum and a Weaver. The latter gentleman 
lived to be one hundred years old, the oldest man 
on record in Carroll Township. He was the father 
of seven children, of whom Sarah, the wife of Sam- 
uel Baum, was the eldest. She was a native of 
Ohio, and after her marriage became the mother of 
tw o children there, Elizabeth and Oliver P. After 
their removal to Illinois there were born six more 
children — Susan, Catherine, Charles M., Samuel, 
William and Angeline. The first wife died, and 
Samuel Baum married a second time to Mrs. Polly 
Matkins, widow of William Matkins, by whom she 
became the mother of two children — Theodore and 
Mary. Of her marriage with Mr. Baum there 
were born four children: Frank, the subject of this 
sketch; America, Winchester C. and May. Grand- 
father Baum was perhaps as generous a man as 
ever set foot in Carroll Township. He possessed 
the character and attributes of a true Christian, and 
was one of the pillars of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. 

Uncle Sam Baum, as he was familiarly termed, was 
a large, powerful man, six feet one inch in height, 
ami weighing 300 pounds. He was born in Ohio, 
and reared amid the wild scenes of pioneer life, 
growing up good-tempered and jovial, and follow- 
ing farming pursuits. He took the first produce 
which he raised in Carroll Township to Chicago, 
driving five yoke of oxen. His sole earthly pos- 
sessions upon coining to this county were a horse, 
bridle and saddle, and at the time of his death, in 
March. 1861, he was the owner of 1,500 acres of 
good land, besides personal property. During the 
latter years of his life he belonged to the Repub- 
lican party, and died at the age of fifty-six years. 

The mother of our subject came to Illinois with 
her father in 1831, he settling three miles east of 
Indianola. She was then but thirteen years old. 
Alii r a time they moved to Louisville, Ky., where 
they sojourned three years, then returned to this 



PORTRAIT AM) BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



519 



county, and the mother died about 1883 at the age 
of sixty-two years. She was a woman of many ex- 
cellent qualities, and in religion a Presbyterian. 

The subject of this sketch was born Nov. 15, 
18ol,in Carrol! Township, where he was reared on 
a farm, and at an early age became familiar with 
agricultural pursuits and stock-raising. He was 
bright and courageous, and at an early age as- 
sumed unusual responsibilities for a boy. which had 
the effect of making him self-reliant and little in- 
clined to ask favors of anyone. His father died 
when he was a lad of eleven years, but prior to this 
Frank had been engaged helping his father in pur- 
chasing cattle two or three years. With the demise 
of the head of the family the household circle was 
broken up, but Frank remained with his mother on 
the Baum homestead until two years after his mar- 
riage. The above mentioned event in the life of 
our subject was celebrated Nov. 18, 1873. the bride 
being Miss Eliza, daughter of Dr. McIIaffie, one of 
the earliest physicians in Carroll Township. Mrs. 
Baum was born in Indianola. and was a child at 
school with her husband. In 1875 they moved on 
to the part of the father's estate which fell to cur 
subject, and to which the latter subsequently added 
by the purchase of land. There were born to them 
five children: Harry, Joseph, Beratice ; Samuel, who 
when sixteen months old; and Benjamin F. 

Mr. Baum has given his attention largely to the 
live-stock business, and has fed all the cattle his 
farm could sustain. He has never sold any other 
grain besides wheat, lie shipped his cattle to New 
York, Buffalo, and Chicago, and began operations 
in this business when a youth of seventeen years. 
He has made two trips to the Far West, and is a man 
who keeps his eyes open to what is going on around 
him, embracing every opportunity for useful in- 
formation. He is at present interested in the breed- 
ing of Clydesdale horses, and is a life member of 
the Scotch and American Clydesdale Associations. 
He has also bred Short-horn cattle considerably. 
His son. Harry, a bright boy of fourteen, is said to 
be the best posted youth in the county in connec- 
tion with this industry. When thirteen years old 
he passed a successful examination for a teacher's 
certificate, and in 1888 was again examined and 
ranked the highest of any applicant. Mr. Baum 



thoroughly believes in education, and has given to 
his children the best advantages in his power. 

The farm of our subject embraces 160 acres of 
land, well improved and very fertile. Mr. Baum 
put in the first tile ever laid in Carroll Township, 
of which he has five miles on 120 acres. Being 
thrown upon his own resources early in life, he has 
had a stern battle with the world, and is of that in- 
dependent and outspoken disposition which might, 
with one unacquainted with him. seem abrupt, but 
at heart he is genuine gold, with sympathy for the 
unfortunate, and a fine appreciation of those senti- 
ments of honor, which is the leading characteristic 
of every true man. He is one who naturally es- 
pouses the cause of the persecuted and down-fallen, 
and has more than once wrested a friend from trou- 
ble and disaster. 

Politically. Mr. Baum is a decided Republican, 
and has very clear ideas in regard to the protective 
system of that party. When assailed upon this 
point he is always enabled to cause the most hot- 
headed Democratic free-traders to stop and think. 
He has been for some time Township Trustee, and 
is Clerk of the Board of School Directors of In- 
dianola. He was remarkably fortunate in the selec- 
tion of a wife and helpmate, Mrs. Baum being a very 
estimable and intelligent lady, one who has greatly 
assisted her husband in his labors and struggles, and 
very nearly approaches the ideal of the self-deny- 
ing and devoted wife and mother. Although not 
wealthy, they have accumulated sufficient to shield 
them from want in their old age, and. what is 
better, they enjoy the esteem and confidence of 
hosts of friends. 



#■<*- 



W ;:: 



>ILLIAM BROWN has been eminently suc- 



sful as a farmer and a citizen. He 
esides on section 32, Elwood Township, 
where he owns a good farm. He was born in But- 
ler County, Ohio, on Jan. 4. 1813, and in his time 
has seen a great many changes in the affairs of this 
country, by which he has profiled. 

His father, Samuel Brown, was born on Lhe 
••beautiful Juniata" River in Mifflin County Pa. 



520 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



His wife, whose maiden name was Polly Hearn, is 

also a native of Pennsylvania, but was reared to wo- 
manhood in Kentucky. She and her husband reared 
ten children. five of whom are living: William; Mar- 
Margaret, Mrs. Ross; C. Perry, Mary. Mrs.A. Shurk; 
and Sidney. Mrs. Tenbrook. William came with his 
parents to Parke County, Ind., in 1824, where they, 
settled in a country that was in a wild state. Game 
of every kind, and especially wild turkeys, was 
abundant. They were not obliged to go hunting 
for turkeys, but could sit in their doors and shoot 
them as they passed. The early settlers of that county 
for the first few years of their residence there 
were providentially supplied witli the best of meat 
by reason of the plentitude of wild game. The 
Brown family built their first house of round logs, 
and in its construction not a sawed board was used. 
The roof was constructed of clapboards which were 
split out of straight-grained timber. The doors 
had wooden latches and hinges, and no nails wsre 
used in building them, wooden pegs taking their 
place. The bedsteads were made by boring holes 
in the wall and inserting therein poles. The win- 
dows were constructed by cutting a hole in the side 
of the cabin and using greased paper in the place 
of glass. All the hardships that could be imagined 
they underwent, and at one time the water was so 
high in that country that the mills were obliged to 
stop grinding, and in most instances the dams were 
washed away, and in consequence the Brown family 
for a month and a half were destitute of flour or 
meal, and the whole section of country was obliged 
to use boiled corn instead. This was in the latter 
part of the winter of 1825-26. The river at Mon- 
tezuma inundated the valley and covered the tow- 
pal h of the old canal. William was present in 
Montezuma and heard Gen. Howard make his last 
speech just prior to his embarking on a steamboat 
on his journey as Minister to Texas. 

William Brown came to Vermilion county in 
March, 1856, where he has since lived. In August, 
1848. he married Lizzie, daughter of Salmon Lusk. 
Mr. and Mrs. Brown are the parents of eight chil- 
dren, six of whom are living: Salmon 11., Commo- 
dore P., John L., William O. Edgar D., and Benj- 
amin F. Salmon married Alice Coe, and is living 
in Ridge Farm. They have one child, Herbert. 



Commodore married Klla Campbell. They are 
living in this township and have one child. Mr. 
Brown owns 700 acres of land in Edgar and Ver- 
milion counties, and 320 acres in Lyon County, 
Kansas, independent of which he has given to his 
children an aggregate of 1280 acres. He is engaged 
largely in raising graded Short-horn cattle and 
Clydesdale horses, and as a stock-raiser he has pros- 
pered. 

Mr. Brown is devoted to home and cares little 
for popular applause. His wealth has been gained 
mainly by sticking to the motto of minding his 
own business, and this has been the key-note of his 
success. He never seeks office, leaving that to oth- 
ers. In his day he has done a great deal of hard 
work, and knows all about chopping wood, hauling 
logs, etc. He has the old gun that his uncle car- 
ried during the war of 1812, which has been the 
cause of the death of more than one Indian, and 
has slaughtered tons of wild game. His father 
disliked an Indian, as the redskins killed the most 
of his relatives. William's brother. Perry Brown, 
still lives in Parke County, Indiana, when' he is one 
of the wealthiest real estate owners in that part of 
the country. 



•^^^> 



3*£W5**«- 




* ARTIN HAYWARD is one of the well- 
\\ educated farmers of Vermilion County. 
He owns a most excellent farm on section 
20 of Elwood Township, where he is en- 
gaged in general farming and stock-raising. He 
believes in the principle of getting the best, acting 
intelligently, and using energy, and bj T this sign he 
has conquered. 

Mr. llayward was bom in Clarke County, Ohio. 
Mav 5, 1836. His father, Charles Hayward. of 
Warren County, Ind., is a native of Baltimore, Md., 
being bom there April 17, 1811. He is a man of 
iron constitution, and as active as many men are at 
forty. He has worked for many years alternately 
as carpenter and joiner and farmer, and is now en- 
joying the reward of his labors in earlier years. 
He settled on wild land in Warren County, Ind., in 
1840, the year Gen. Harrison was elected Presi- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



521 



dent. Martin well remembers the enthusiasm that 
was coupled with that campaign. He saw one 
cabin drawn by twenty yoke of oxen, also Buckeye 
log cabins with coon skins, live coons, and hard 
cider in abundance. 

Mr. Hay ward received his learning primarily at 
the common schools, afterward attending Oberlin 
College, and the Fanners' Institute at Lafayette, 
Ind. He taught school for six winters in all. three 
terms of which were in that county and of six 
months each, beginning in the falls of 1858-59-62. 
He also taught two winters in Warren County, Ind.. 
in the township where he was reared. He was very 
successful as an instructor and disciplinarian. Since 
he abandoned the profession of teacher he has been 
engaged in agricultural pursuits. 

Mr. Hay ward's mother was Emily E. Vickers, a 
native of ( ilarke County, Ohio. She was the mother 
of four children, three of whom are living: Mar- 
tin; Celia K., Mrs. Kirkpatrick; Ruth, Mrs. Roming. 
The youngest boy, James W., was a soldier in the 
Union Army, in the 2d New York Cavalry, or. as 
it was otherwise known, the "Ira Harris Light Cav- 
alry." He was a bugler and served from the fall 
of 1801 until the spring of 1861, when he was 
taken prisoner on the Rappahannock, and placed 
by the rebels on Belle Isle. This island was sit- 
uated in the river nearly opposite Richmond, and 
was destitute of any conveniences whatever to 
protect its defenseless inhabitants from the elements. 
1 [ere he contracted a cold, from the effects of which 
lie died in the summer of 1865, at the old home- 
stead in Indiana, and so passed away another victim 
of the barbarities incident to the late Civil War. 

On the 13th day of February, 1860, Mr. Hay- 
ward married Marietta Hollingsworth, whose father. 
John, is a resident of Tippecanoe County, Ind. 
She is the mother of four children — Lillian. John 
H., Charles S. and William C. Lillian married 
John Baird. of Carroll Township, and has two chil- 
dren — Helen ami Bernice. Mr. Hayward came to 
Iroquois County, 111., in 1864, removing in 1872 to 
this county, locating on his present farm. He 
owns 180 acres of land, and is doing a general 
farm and stock-raising business. He is a thorough 
farm '.■ and does nothing by halves. 

With the exception of the eldest son, the family 



of Mr. Hayward belong to the Friends' Church. 
The son referred to was born before Mr. Hayward 
embraced the doctrines of the Quakers. Mr. Hay- 
ward is a stanch Republican, and is a firm believer 
in all its platforms. In all Vermilion County there 
is not a man who has a better record, or finer repu- 
tation as a man, than Martin Hayward. 

ffiOHN FLETCHER is one of the solid, sub- 
stantial and trustworthy residents of El- 
wood Township. He was born in Clinton 
County. Ohio, on May 20, 18 1 5. His father, 
Henry, was a native of England, and a son of 
John Fletcher, who in turn was a son of Henry 
Fletcher. 'Ihe latter was a wealthy officer in the 
English army and educated his son John — the 
grandfather of the subject of this sketch — for the 
army, but he joined the Quaker Church, and was 
driven by his father to Ireland, where he was given 
sixty acres of land in that country. His son, Henry 
Fletcher, father of our subject, was obliged to leave 
Ireland or join the army, but being a Quaker, lie 
refused to become a soldier and came to America, 
locating in Philadelphia. This was in 1793. He 
was on the ocean eleven weeks and four days where 
they drifted about, the ship being in charge of a 
drunken captain and mate. The people on hoard 
the boat were reduced to a gill of water a day and 
to a very small amount of food. But they finally 
reached land in safety. 

The father of the subject of this sketch, after 
landing, lived three years in Philadelphia, and in 
1796 he emigrated to the Sciola Valley, Ohio, 
where he worked on a farm for one season, return- 
ing to Pennsylvania and there remaining until 
1804, when he went to Warren County. Ohio, and 
dug a mill race on Csesar Creek. lie bought 200 
acres of military land in Clinton County, Ohio, 
and then retraced his steps to Pennsylvania, re- 
maining there until 1806, when he returned to 
Ohio and improved his land. The Indians were 
numerous but peaceable, in the main. 

[n 1806 the father of the one of whom we write 
this sketch, married Mis. Sarah ( Duncan) Taylor. 



522 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Tliey had four children of whom John is the 
youngest, and only one living. The others were: 
Mary. Hannah and Sarah. The sisters all lived to 
lie over seventy years of age. John Fletcher came 
with his parents to this county in the fall of 1836, 
settling on the old homestead, where he now lives, 
lie was married in October, 1*35 to Rachael Ruth. 
They had seven children, six of whom are living: 
Sarah J., Henry. Mary A.. John W., Amanda and 
.lames. One son. William, died in his twenty- 
third year. Mrs. Fletcher died Oct. 5, 18G2 and 
her husband was again married on Nov. 1st, 18G6 
to Mrs. Lydia Hawoi'th, widow of Eli Haworth, 
and daughter of Garrett Dillon, the latter a pioneer 
of Elwood Township, and a native of Greene 
County. Tenn. 

Mrs. Fletcher was horn Dee. 5. 1815 and was the 
mother of nine children by her marriage with Mr. 
Haworth. Six of these are living: Samuel. Julia. 
Mahala, Mary, William P., and Charles F. Her 
grandfather, Peter Dillon, removed from North 
Carolina to Greene County. Tenn.. during the Re- 
volutionary War. ami was a prominent citizen in 
both States. The grandfather of Mr. Fletcher on 
his mother's side. Samuel Duncan, was a soldier in 
the Revolutionary War and participated in the 
battle of the Cowpens and others. He had holes 
shot in his clothes and buttons taken off by bullets, 
but was not wounded. He was known as the 
" lighting Quaker," and he sustained his reputation 
well. He was a teamster, and the Tories captured 
three of his horses, when he mounted the remaining 
one, and joined the American forces, afterward re- 
capturing one of his horses. 

Mr. Fletcher has held the office of School Trustee 
for twent3'-eight years, and has served on the 
Junes a great many times. He has also tilled the 
positions of Highway Commissioner and School 
Director but has never sough, office. He was the 
treasurer of the fund which was raised to procure 
substitutes for those drafted during the late war. 
He was very patriotic during the Rebellion and 
had he not been so old, would have joined the 
army. A record of his children's families is as 
follows: Sarah J., married John Armstrong, of 
Noblesville, Ind., and they have one child. May. 
Henry married Mahala Haworth; they are living | 



in Flwood Township with six children, John. 
Albert. Marcus M., William. Lydia and Ola; Mary 
married Larkins Lewis of Carthage, Mo., and the)' 
have two children, Laura and Rachael; John 
married Martha Price; they live in Cherokee, Kan., 
and have eight children. Mary, Minnie, Amanda. 
Oliver, Lennie, Grace. William and Irene; Amanda 
married Lemuel V. Cupp, of Carthage. Mo., and 
the} - have five children as follows: ( )ra, Maud. Carl. 
Ethel, Pearl; James married Martha K. Ankrum. 
He lives with his father with two children, Robert 
A. and Allie. 

Mr. Fletcher has always been a strong anti- 
slavery man having voted for William Henry 
Harrison in 183G and again in 1810. His Repub- 
licanism began with the date of the birth of that 
party ami he never has omitted an opportunity to 
forward its interests. He had the great pleasure 
of voting in 1888 for Benjamin Harrison. Mr. 
Fletcher began life poor, but is now wealthy, living 
in ease and comfort which no one begrudges him 
and his estimable wife. He is a man of more 'han 
ordinary intelligence, and well beloved by all his 
neighbors. 

NDREW J. DARNALL. one of the lead- 
ing merchants of Indianola and Ridge 
/ ifc Farm, is an extensive dealer in drygoods, 
boots and shoes, clothing, hats and caps. mid, 
in fact, everything that is kept in a well-regulated 
general store. He resides at Ridge Farm, but car- 
ries on his extensive store in Indianola, doing a 
very large business in both places, and by his 
methods of dealing he has gained the respect and 
confidence of all his patrons and neighbors. 

Mr. Darnall was born in Edgar County, III., on 
the 8th of November, 1833. His father and 
mother, Aaron and Mary (Doke) Darnall, came 
from Kentucky at an early day. They were mar- 
ried at Cattish Point. The mother died when An- 
drew was seven years old, leaving three children 
— Daniel. Andrew J. and Thomas, the latter dying 
while in infancy. Daniel is a brick manufacturer 
at Petersburg, III. The subject of this sketch at- 
tended the common schools in his boyhood, and 




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



525 



worked on his father's farm. When be attained 
his majority, he engaged with William Bailey tor 
three years and a half as clerk, at IWooinfield. III. 
His first wages were §12.50 per month. In com- 
pany with William Sniiek, he bought his employer's 
entire stock, and continued the business under the 
firm name of Sniiek & Darnall, when, in June. 
L863, Mr. Darnall sold out his interest in the 
business and went to Ridge Farm, and there, 
under the firm name of A. J. Darnall & Co., oper- 
ated a general sti ire. dealing in all kinds of mer- 
chandise. After awhile he bought out his partner 
and ran the business alone, finally selling out en- 
tirely in 1884, but after some time lie formed another 
co-partnership, styled Darnall A- Hustead. Hecame 
to [ndianola in the fall of 1885, locating here and 
inaugurating his present successful business. 

Mr. and Mrs. Darnall are the parents of two 
boys and one girl — Ilarlev. .Manfred and Minnie. 
Mrs. Darnall is a member of the Baptist Church, 
and one of the leading members of the society. 
The Democratic party finds in the subject of this 
sketch an ardent supporter, and one who never 
flags in his devotion to its principles, lie has never 
sought office, finding in his own business plenty 
to do. but always takes great care in his choice of 
candidates, generally voting for the man whom lie 
believes to be the best fitted to fill the position to 
which he aspired. He is eminently a No. 1 busi- 
ness man, and, commencing with nothing, he lias 
ascended the scale of prosperity until he now finds 
himself in the proud position of independence. In 
all that the words imply, he is a self-made man. 
and. as such is regarded by all his acquaintances. 
His neighbors are always ready and willing to 
vouch for him as an upright, conscientious and 
able citizen. 

. orx> . 



* oiio ' 

(Ziyi AHTIX 1J UGH. Among the self-made and 
successful men of Carroll Township proba- 
II 1 bly none have distinguished themselves in a 
more marked degree lor industry and perse- 
verance than the subject of this notice. He occu- 
pies a most attractive rural homestead, embellished 
with an elegant brick residence, which with its sur- 




roundings indicates the existence of cultivated 
tastes and ample means. A finely executed view 
of his home appears in this volume and will attract 
the admiring attention of the many readers. His 
family at home consists of five very brighl and 
intelligent daughters, and he has another daughter 
who is married and a resident of Sidell Township. 
The family met with a deep affliction in the loss of the 
beloved wife and mother, who departed this life 
Sept. 7. 1 887, at the age of fifty-three years. She was 
lady possessing all the womanly virtues, wholly 
devoted to her family, a faithful wife and mother 
and one who was held in the highest esteem by the 
entire community. 

A native of Marion County, Ind.. our subject 
was born five miles northwest of Indianapolis, 
March 2, 1831, and was reared to manhood in the 
suburbs of the capital city. He began working on 
the farm when a boy of eleven or twelve, holding 
the plow when he could scarcely reach the handles. 
His early education was conducted in the subscrip- 
tion schools of his native county, and his life 
passed in a comparatively uneventful manner amid 
the quiet scenes of rural life until he obtained his 
majority. Then starting out for himself he worked 
for $13 per month on a farm about three months, 
then began operations for himself on rented land 
l\ inn six or seven miles northwest of Indianapolis, 
lie was fairly successful in his new venture, and in 
L859 was united in marriage with Miss Catherine 
I'.aum. daughter of Samuel Baum, one of the well- 
known pioneers of this county. The young people 
began the journey of life together in Carroll 
Township, and in 1859 took up their abode at the 
present home of our subject. Here he has effected 
fine improvements, putting up the dwelling in 
1881 and adding from time to time the other build- 
ings necessary for the prosecution of agriculture 
and stock-raising after the mostapproved methods. 

The seven children born to Mr. and Mrs. Pugh 
were named respectively. Elizabeth •!.. Charles (who 
died when one year old). Wilmetta, Maude. Win- 
nie, Lulu and Helen; Elizabeth became the wife of 
Mr. Thomas Howard, and they live at the home- 
stead; Wilmetta married Mr. (uist Rowand, one 
of the leading horse-breeders of Sidell Township, 
and they have one child. Dale; Maude. Winnie, 



52fi 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Lulu and Helen are at home with their father. Mr. 
Pugh identified himself with the Methodist Episco ■ 
pa] Church at Indianola in 1881, and since the 
death of his wife, for whom he sorrows with more 
than ordinary grief, has been especially faithful 
upon his attendance upon his religious duties, lie 
has very little to do with public affairs, but keeps 
himself posted upon current events and uniformly 
votes the straight Republican ticket. He has per- 
formed jury service at different times and for 
eight or ten years has been a member of the School 
Board of his district. 

The parents of our subject were Enoch and 
Charlotte (Martindale) Pugh, the father a native 
of North Carolina and born a short distance from 
the city of Raleigh. The paternal grandfather, 
Jacob Pugh, was also a native of North Carolina, 
and the great-grandfather was born in Scotland. 
The latter upon leaving his native soil went into 
England, where he sojourned for a time, then emi- 
grated to America, settling in North Carolina about 
the time of the Revolutionary War. His sympa- 
thies were decidedly in favor of the Colonists, and 
lie met his death in a fray between the tories and 
patriots, he fighting with the latter. 

The father of Martin Pugh left his native State 
with his parents early in life to make his home in 
the woods of Marion County, Ind.. when few peo- 
ple had migrated to that region, and when Indians 
and wild animals were plentiful. In due time he 
became owner of 160 acres of land, which he lived 
upon and cultivated until his death in 1860, when 
about fifty years of age. His wife, the mother of 
our subject, was born in South Carolina and emi- 
grated with her parents to Marion County, Ind., 
when a young girl. She died at the early age of 
thirty-five years, leaving seven children, namely: 
Martin our subject. Dorcas A., Jacob, Alexander, 
Jane. Thomas Jefferson and Clarinda. 

Mr. Pugh was married a second time, to Miss 
Susan Smith, and to them there were born four 
children, who lived to mature years: Charlotte, 
Joel, John and .Mary. Martin, our subject, first 
opened his eyes to the light, March 2, 1831, and is 
consequently past fifty -eight years of age. His 
praiseworthy manner of living and his correct 
habits have been the means of preserving his fac- 



ulties in an admirable manner, physically and men- 
tally. In 1887 he identified himself with the Metho- 
dist Episcopal Church at Indianola and is one of its 
most efficient workers. Self-made in the best sense 
of the word, he has made for himself a worthy 
record and feels indebted to no man for his posi- 
tion socially and financially. As one of the rep- 
resentative men of this county he stands second to 
none in point of sterling integrity and those qual- 
ities which go to make up the responsible citizen 
and useful member of the community. 



OIIN WILLIAM MILLER is a prominent 
ligure in church circles in Vermilion County. 
His handsomely located and commodious 

W country seat is situated one-half mile south 
of Sidell, on a farm which comprises 152 acres. 
He also leases a farm of 160 acres. He has been 
identified with this community as a dealer and 
shipper of horses and mules for a long time. His 
operations have been mainly in the southern por- 
tion of Vermilion County, but he occasionally ex- 
tends his field of operation into Edgar and Cham- 
paign counties, where he has formed a large ac- 
quaintance and made many friends. 

Mr. Miller was born in Warren County, Ind., 
near West Point, April 13, 1848. His father, 
Abraham Miller, was a native of Kentucky, of 
German extraction, and a farmer by occupation, 
but through misfortune lost his farm. He was 
married in his native State, and became the father 
of four children. His second union was with Miss 
Mary Biggs, who was born near Darlington, Ind. 
The second wife died soon after coming to Indiana, 
after becoming the mother of three children — Ce- 
lecta, wife of Joseph Cuppy, a butcher of Bloom- 
ington, 111.; John William, and Mary Jane. The 
father ended his days at the home of his son Will- 
iam, dying in 1873, at the age of seventy-four 
years. 

Mr. Miller passed his boyhood da}s in Indiana, 
where poverty prevented him from getting the ed- 
ucation he desired. At the age of eleven he began 
to work on a farm for his board and clothes. He 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



527 



worked as a day-laborer in a grain warehouse at 
Lafayette, Ind., for three years. In the fall of 
1869 he came to Carroll Township, where he com- 
menced work at cutting corn At this time he met 
his future wife, Rebecca J. Morse, who was working 
by the week for his employer. In eight weeks after 
making her acquaintance they were married, the 
ceremony occurring Dec. !), 1869. She is the 
daughter of Joseph and Catherine Marsh, the for- 
mer a native of Vermilion County, and is said to 
be the first white child born in this county. Her 
mother was born at Georgetown. Vermilion County, 
and was one of the first native girls of said county. 
Her father's ancestry dates back to the early history 
of Pennsylvania, while her great-grandfather was 
a Quaker, and was present at William Penn's 
famous treaty with the Indians. Mrs. Miller's 
father, Lieut. Marsh, served under Gen. Scott in 
the Mexican War. He also enlisted in the War of 
the Rebellion, hut, being crippled, was not ac- 
cepted. He lived to be a man of seventy-four 
years of age, dying April 31, 1887. His wife is 
still living at Sedalia, Mo., and is active and vig- 
orous. They were the parents of fourteen chil- 
dren, of whom eighl arc now living — Cynthia A., 
Rebecca J., William, Esau, Mary E., Jesse C, James 
and Ida G. Emma died at Sedalia. Mo.; she was 
the wife of James Larkins, and left one child. 
Cynthia resides in Missouri, and is married to a 
farmer by the name of John Wyley; they have 
three children: John M. is a dealer in lime, and is 
married. Esau is at Sedalia, Mo., where he lives 
with his wife, whose maiden name was Ida Bennett; 
they have two children. Mary E. is the wife of 
Millard Perry, who is residing in Sidell Township, 
being one of the leading stockmen there; his sketch 
appears in this 1 k. Jesse C. is building a tele- 
graph line in Texas; James is operating his mother's 
farm at Sedalia. Mo., where Ida <■. is also living. 
At the time Of his marriage. Air. Miller had 
$1 in money, while his wife's assets amounted 
to twenty five cents, and from this small beginning 
they have marched along, meeting every obstruc- 
tion in the highway of life with industry and in- 
telligence, and so have succeeded. After marriage 
Mr. Miller left his bride at Lafayette and started 
out, walking twenty-live miles in order to get a 



job of work. After laboring a while he returned 
for his wife. They rented a farm in Warren 
County. Ind.. working for one-third of the profit. 
The first year they made just enough to buy a cow. 
Mr. Miller came back to Vermilion County, and 
in partnership with his father-in-law, Mr. Marsh. 
rented a farm, continuing to work in this manner 
for six or seven years. The farm was located in 
Vance Township, and at first fortune seemed to be 
against him. He paid $4 per acre rent, and the 
first being a wet season, crops failed. He pur- 
chased seventy head of hogs, and calculated to fat- 
ten them on soft corn, but they were seized with 
cholera, and all died but three. This left him $250 
in debt. Although completely used up financially, 
he was not discouraged. His landlord was unre- 
lenting, and demanded the last cent of the rent due. 
Mr. Miller prophesied that he would sometime see 
him a day-laborer, and it came true. The next 
year he rented a farm close to Catlin. and made 
enough to pay back his former landlord, and from 
this on he continued to prosper. He first purchased 
a small farm unimproved, broke it and sold it. lie 
then purchased a lot of young cattle and began to 
renton a larger scale. He bought a farm of eighty 
acres, but sickness came upon him, and for three 
years he was an invalid. He had mortgaged his 
farm for $2,000, at ten per cent interest, and he re- 
alized the fact that he must lose his farm, and 
against the advice of his doctor started out ami 
began to trade horses, anil although at first he was 
scarcely able to ride a mile, he gradually grew 
stronger, and the dark clouds of adversity began to 
disappear. In this way he managed to raise the 
mortgage on his farm, selling it the following fall 
at a nice advance. At this time he intended to re- 
linquish farming, but availed himself of an oppor- 
tunity to buy a good farm. In the meantime, his 
health growing better, he managed to keep on top, 
and has accumulated a comfortable fortune. 

He is the father of twelve children: William E.; 
Franklin died when he was three months old; John 
D.; Edgar L.; Mabel died when three months old; 
Cloyd ('.. Clemme Thomas; Emma I. died when 
she was one year old; the remaining children died 
while vei - 3 r young. William E. is at home, and has 
charge of the farm, assisted by his brother John D.: 



528 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



the remainder of the children are also living- at 
home. Mr. Miller is a Prohibitionist, and omits no 
opportunity of aiding the cause of temperance. lie 
is serving a second term as Counsellor of the 
Modern Woodmen of Sidell, and is also an Odd 
Fellow, but he takes greater interest in Sabbath- 
schools and churches than in anything else, he and 
his wife being members of the Cumberland Presby- 
terian Church, where he has served as Deacon for 
several years. He organized the first Presbyterian 
Sunday-school in Sidell Township. Mr. Miller has 
plainly demonstrated that a horse buyer can prose- 
cute his calling and yet be a sober man and total 
abstainer. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are among the 
very best citizens of Sidell. 

A fine lithographic view of Mr. Miller's beauti- 
ful and commodious residence appears in an appro- 
priate place in the Album. 



AMES P. COOK. This gentleman deserves 
honorable mention among the younger mem- 
bers of the farming community of George- 
town Township. A native of Catlin Town- 
ship, he was born March 27, 1855, was reared at 
his father's homestead, and acquired his education 
in the common school. His boyhood and youth 
were spent in a comparatively uneventful manner, 
he in the meantime becoming familiar with the 
pursuits of farm life, acquiring those habits of in- 
dustry and being imbued with those high moral 
principles which have made him a man among 
men, and one of the most highly esteemed citizens 
of his township. He remained a member of his 
father's household until twenty-two years of age, 
and then, ambitious to establish a fireside of his 
own, was married, Sept. 5, 1877, to Miss Ina 
O'Neal, the wedding taking place at the bride's 
sister's home in Georgetown. 

The young people began the journey of life on 
the farm which they now occupy, and where they 
have one of the neatest homes to be found in the 
township. Both have sprung from good families, 
and are laboring with a mutual purpose to make a 
record which shall be worthy of emulation. They 



enjoy the acquaintance of hosts of friends, who are 
watching their career with kindly interest. The 
dwelling is surrounded with all the evidences of 
taste and refinement, while the farming operations 
of Mr. Cook are conducted with that thoroughness 
and good judgment which can scarcely fail of suc- 
cessful results. The farm is ninety-two acres in 
extent, lying on section 6, in Georgetown Town- 
ship. The residence is near the limits of Westville. 

The parents of our subject were Samuel and 
Melvina (Graves) Cook, who were natives, respect- 
fully, of Ohio and Kentucky, and further mention 
of whom is made in the sketch of Samuel Cook on 
another page of this work. The mother died in 
1 8G7, at the early age of thirty-three years, Ieavine- 
five children, namely: George W., James P. (out- 
subject), Mary, Maggie (who died at the interest- 
ing age of fifteen years), and Charles F. The eld- 
est son is a resident of Catlin Township, is married 
and the father of three children; Mary married 
John Wherry, a farmer of Catlin Township, and is 
the mother of two children; Charles F. is farming 
in Georgetown Township. 

The father of Mrs. Cook was three times mar- 
ried, and there were bom five children by the first 
union and tive by the second. Mrs. C. was the 
third child of the second wife, and was born in 
Danville Township, Vermilion County, March 23, 
1857. The family removed to Georgetown Town- 
ship a few years later, of which she has since been 
a resilient. Of her union with our subject there 
have been born four children — Lillian Gertrude, 
Stella F. and Lena J. (twins), and Herman. Mr. 
Cook politically votes the straight Democratic 
ticket, and both he and his wife are prominently 
connected with the Christian Church. 



^i^H^S 



NNIAS BRANIIAM. This gentleman is 
particularly distinguished as having been 
11 an old soldier with a good army record. 
After laying aside the implements of war 
he turned his attention to the peaceful employments 
of rural life and has gained quite a reputation 
among the horsemen of the county as being a good 




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



529 



judge of this animal and quite skilled as a doctor 
in this line. He had considerable experience in the 
army as a veterinary surgeon and is the owner of 
some fine horses, among them ''Sam, the Canadian." 

The subject of this biography was born near 
Bloomington, in Monroe Co., Ind.. on the Bean 
Blossom River, in the township of the same name, 
Jan. 27, 1830. His parents were Livingston and 
Susannah (Meade)l!ranham, the former a native of 
East Tennessee and the latter of North Carolina. 
The paternal grand-parents were natives of Vir- 
ginia and of Irish ancestry while the Meades trace 
their origin to Holland. The parents of our sub- 
ject were married in Last Tennessee whence they 
removed to Indiana in the latter part of 1829. set- 
tling in Monroe County. The father carried on 
farming in Monroe and Owen counties and died 
near Spencer in the latter county in the year 1865 
at the age of seventy years. He served in the 
Black Hawk War in 1832. The mother survived 
her husband until 1875, and passed away at the ad- 
vanced age of eighty years. They were the parents 
of twelve children, viz: Jonathan, Sarah, William, 
James. Elizabeth, Annias, Amanda. Joseph, Mary, 
Milton, Elishaand Bud. who died in infancy. 

The education of our subject was obtained by an 
attendance at school three months, and upon 
approaching manhood he worked fourteen years by 
the month, from the age of thirteen until a man of 
twenty-seven. On the 5th of April, 1860, he took 
unto himself a wife and helpmate, Miss Esther E., 
daughter of Jacob and Esther R. (Kirby) Summet. 
The parents of Mrs. Branham were natives respec- 
tively of North Carolina and Halifax County. Va. 
They removed to Indiana in their youth and were 
married at Ellettsville, Monroe Co. to which Grand 
father Kirby had removed as early as 1824. There 
was born to them ten children, the eldest dying in 
infancy. The others were Jeremiah C, Alice O. Es- 
ther E.. William L.. Sally A.. Joel II., an infant 
who died unnamed, Emily and Mary I). Esther E. 
the wife of our subject was born in Monroe County, 
Ind.. April 1, 1839, and remained a member of the 
parental household until her marriage. 

Mr. and Mrs. Branham began their wedded life 
on a rented farm in Indiana. On the 3d of July. 
1861, our subject entered the Union Army as a 



member of Company I. 22d Indiana Infantry and 
was mustered into the service at North Madison, 
The regiment drilled there for a time, then repaired 
to St. Louis to guard the city, having for their 
weapons 10,000 chilis and no muskets for six weeks. 
Thence they were ordered to Jefferson City where 
they met the enemy in battle and subsequently 
were at Glasgow, where in the confusion and dark- 
ness of midnight a fight took place among the 
Union troops who through mistake attacked each 
other, killing several men and officers. 

This regiment next met the enemy in battle at 
Georgetown and followed up the rebel general. 
Price on his raid, fighting at Warrensburg. Mo., 
and capturing 1,400 rebels, next moving upon 
Raleigh, Springfield and Pea Ridge, Ark. Prior to 
this .Mr. Branham had been detailed as a teamster. 
Later they were ordered to Cape Girardeau, 
Mo., where they look the boats and landed at Ham- 
burg early in the morning. In the afternoon they 
participated in the battle of Corinth then moved 
on to Nashville, Tenn., and Perrysville and Crab 
Orchard, Ky. Next returning to Nashville, they 
fought on the way to Mumfordsville, Ky., and af- 
terward at Murfreesboro, Tenn., where our subject 
with 400 other teamsters was captured by the no- 
torious Texas rangers, but they were re-taken by 
the Union troops on the same day. 

Mr. Branham participated later in some of the 
important battles of the war. including the siege of 
Atlanta, during which time his term of enlistment 
expired. He received his discharge in that city am! 
was muste.ed out at Louisville, Ky. He returned 
to Indiana in the fall of 1864 and remained there 
till the spring of 1870. His next removal was t.. 
Chrisman. 111., where he carried on fanning for 
several years, then in 1875 purchased the farm 
which he now owns and occupies, and rents 120 
acres besides. From these various sources he rea- 
lizes a handsome income, which enables him to sur- 
round himself and family with all of the comforts 
of life and many of its luxuries. 

Seven children were bom to our subject and his 
estimable wife, the eldest of whom, Emily I-'., is a 
resident of Nebraska; Ellsworth, Kirby, Walter, 
Ollie, I.ossie and Frank, the baby, are all at home 
with their parents. The latter are consistent mem- 



530 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Dallas, 
and our subject as an ex-soldier, belongs to the G. 
A. R. Post at Ridge Farm, of which he is a charter 
member and in which be has held the offices of 
Senior Vice Commander, Sergeant and Officer of 
the Guard. He entered the army from a sense of 
duty and it is one of his dearest wishes that when 
he is consigned to mother earth it shall be done 
with the honors properly belonging to a soldier. It 
is hardly necessary to state that he is a true-blue 
Republican and believes in the "Union forever." 



v»/v\,*v*a£j2 , ©Si@ 



vgf^TSWW-'wv* 




ENRY C. HOLTON, M.D. There is no 
class of men of more importance in a com- 
munity than the physician and surgeon, and 
(,(®)) none who have intrusted to them more ser 
ious and weighty interests. He who has the deli- 
cacy, the honor and the fine judgment to hold these 
interests as they should be held, is worthy of, more 
than a passing notice. No man in the profession 
along the eastern line of the State probably has 
performed his duty with a more conscientious fidel- 
ity than the subject of this notice. Nature has 
endowed him with great gifts, and he has had the 
wisdom to make the most of his opportunities. 
Home-loving and domestic in his tastes, he is well 
qualified to preside at the bedside of suffering 
humanity, and to extend that ready sympathy which 
in most cases is more effective than drugs and nos- 
trums. 

Personally, Dr. Holton is a man of line presence 
and superior address, cultivated, affable and pleas- 
ant, and one who invariably commands respect 
wherever he is known. He is the eldest resident 
physician of Sidell, and one of those who has been 
largely interested in building up the town. Dur- 
ing his six years' practice here he has been re- 
markably successful. He is still young and in the 
midst of his usefulness, having been born Oct. 23, 
1853, at what was then Dallas, but is now Indianola, 
this county. He was reared in his native town, 
and received his early education in the common 
schools. At the age of seventeen years, and after 
the death of his father, he entered the Illinois 



University, where he took a year's course, and at 
the expiration of this time began teaching, which 
profession he followed for a period of ten years in 
the schools of Palermo and Indianola. In the for- 
mer place he began leading medicine under Dr. 
Martinie, with whom he remained two years, and 
afterward read with Dr. Worthington, of Indianola, 
two years. In the fall of 1881 heentered Jefferson 
Medical College at Philadelphia, where he pursued 
his studies until being graduated in 1883. He 
worked his way upward unaided, earning the 
money to pay his tuition and expenses. 

Dr. Holton entered upon the practice of his pro- 
fession at Homer, but as the town of Sidell began 
to grow up he determined tosettle at this place. In 
the meantime he practiced at Archie until 1887, 
and put up a fine frame residence there. Later lie 
he moved his office and barn from Archie to Sidell. 
He was married in the fall of 1883 to Miss Ura, 
daughter of A. L. Ames, a lineal descendant of 
Oliver Ames, well known in the early history of 
this country. The maiden name of her mother was 
Urania Howell. Her father was born in Vermont 
and her mother in New York State. After mar- 
riage they went to California, where their daughter 
Ura was born, and where they lived from 1852 
until 1859. Upon returning to Illinois the} set- 
tled in Belvidere, but later removed to Edgar 
Count}', where Mrs. Holton developed into woman- 
hood. Of her union with our subject there have 
been born three children, Max, Wade and Dean, 
who died at the age of five months. Mrs. Holton 
is a member of the Baptist Church at Palermo. 
The Doctor advocates the principles of the Repub- 
lican party, but has never been active in politics, 
preferring to give his best efforts to his profession. 
To this he is devoting all his energies, and is meet- 
ing with flattering success. He expends a large 
sum of money each year in prosecuting his re- 
searches into the science of medicine, and has one 
of the largest private libraries in the county. 

Dr. Holton is a charter member of Peace Dale 
Lodge No. 225, I. O. O. F., and has been through 
:ill the Chairs at Palermo, being likwise a charter 
member of this lodge. He is also a charter mem- 
ber of the Modern Woodmen's Camp at Sidell 
and officiated as the first Chief Consul. He was ap- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



53 1 



V 



pointed a delegate to the Grand Camp at Des 
Moines, but on account of professional duties was 
not able to attend. He is the Examining Physician 
for this camp, and operates in the same capacity 
for the Union Central Life Insurance Company of 
Cincinnati, also for the N. Y. Life Insurance Com- 
pany. He has an unusually fine collection of sur- 
gical instruments, and fully understands the use of 
them. 

The parents of our subject were Leonard C. and 
Helen L. (Dudley) Ilolton, the former a native 
of Chester, Vl., and the latter born in the neighbor- 
hood of Bennington, that State. They were mar- 
ried in Kentucky, to which State the, mother had 
1 removed and tajng]it-6^rro'oTwhen a young lady. 
Leonard Holton was Captain of a steamboat plying 
on the Ohio River, which he followed until 1845, 
when the whole family came to Illinois and settled 
near the present site of Indianola. Capt. Holton 
then engaged in merchandising, and assisted in 
laying out the town. It was found that there were 
two post-offices bearing the name of Dallas, so the 
name was changed to Indianola. The father died 
there in 1870, in the sixty- first year of his age. He 
was very active and energetic, and contributed his 
full quota to the building up of the town. The 
mother, after the death of her hnsband, removed to 

Danville, became identified with the public scl Is 

in the fall of 1871. and for fourteen years there- 
after was actively and prominently connected with 
educational matters. Then, on account of ill-health, 
she resigned her position and is now living in 
retirement at Danville. She has followed the pro- 
fession of a teacher in Vermont, Kentucky and 
Illinois, making of it an art and a science, and 
being uniformly successful. 

To the parents of our subject there were born four 
children: Abbie, Frank D., Henry C. and William 
James. Abbie became the wife of William Donne, 
an attorney-at-law of New York City. She died in 
1876. leaving one child, a daughter. Lulu, and the 
latter is now living with our subject's mother at 
Danville. Frank 1). married a Miss Shedd, and is 
mining for gold, silver and tin in the Black Hills 
in Dakota; he has two children — Leo Frank and 
Leonard. William .lames married Miss Lizzie 
Sanders of Danville, and operates as Chief Train 



Dispatcher for the Chicago & Western Indiana, 
with headquarters at Chicago; he has two children 
—Abbie and Frank. The Ilolton family traces its 
ancestry to England, and was first represented in 
America during the Colonial times. 



ffiW) IIARLES F ' H ULL. Some of the finest vehi- 
((( ip cles driven on the streets of Indianola have 
^^5 been turned out from the shop of this citizen, 
who is an expert mechanic, doing general black- 
smithing and manufacturing road vehicles. He be- 
gan learning his trade without a dollar of assist- 
ance and has placed himself in a good position, 
financially, by close application to business. He is 
a fine horse-shoer — in fact, understands all the de- 
tails of his line of business from beginning to end, 
and has hosts of friends who rejoice at his prosper- 
ity. 

The subject of this sketch is the son of Dr. 
James S. Hull, who is well remembered by the 
citizens of this county as one of its oldest and 
most reliable physicians. The latter was born in 
Ohio and was the son of a typical Pennsylvanian of 
Revolutionary stock. He followed his practice in 
Indianola for a period of eighteen years and is 
still living there, being now seventy-two vears 
old. while his wife is aged seventy. She also was 
horn in Ohio. They wen- married in Covington, 
Ind.. where they resided several yens before com- 
ing to this county. Five of their children lived t., 
mature years, viz: Francis Marion, Kissey. Mattie 
A.. Charles F.. our subject and Edwin M. 

Air. Hull was born June :i, 1856, at Covington. 
Ind.. and was a lad of eleven 3'ears when his 
father's family came to this county. He gave evi- 
dence of his mechanical genius at an early age and 
first learned the blacksmith trade.- He began work 
with Frank Miller, remaining with him nine months 
and then engaged with Mr. Hewes tor seven years 
finishing his trade with him. He then formed a 
partnership with T. F. Hewes and they operated 
together until 1887 when their stock was destroyed 
by lire, involving considerable loss. After this 
.Mr. Hull and Hewes established a shop at Sidell 



.-..". i' 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



and rebuilt the one at Indianola. The partnership 

was dissolved in the fall of 1888, Mr. Hull then re- 
suming the shop at Indianola. 

Our subject was married Dec. 1 1, 1883, to Miss 
Martha A., daughter of William and Mary A. 
(Bartler) Pollard. Her parents were natives of 
Yorkshire, England, and emigrated to America in 
185(5. They spent one year in Canada, then in 1857 
came to this county and the father put up one of 
the first steam sawmills along its southern line. 
They made their home in Carroll Township and 
Mr. Pollard built up a good business and was 
doing well when he unfortunately went security 
for a friend with the usual result — losing nearly all 
he possessed. He was drowned in Indianola July 
4, 1 886, at the age of sixty-six years. The mother 
is still living and is now sixty-nine years old. They 
were the parents of four children — Paul, John, 
Sarah and Martha A. 

.Mrs. Hull was born near Bradford in Yorkshire, 
England, and was quite young when her parents 
came to America, although she recollects many 
scenes and incidents connected witli her native 
place. Of her union witli our subject there have 
born two children — Clarence Elmo and Rosa 
Myrtle, aged (1889) four and two years respect- 
ively. The family residence is situated in the east 
part of town and forms a very comfortable home, 
which is the resort of many friends of our subject 
and his estimable wife. 

Mr. Hull, politically, is a sound Republican, but 
has had no time to assume the responsibilities of 
office, preferring to give his attention to his busi- 
ness affairs. He is a charter member of the Mod- 
ern Woodmen Lodge of Indianola and in religious 
matters belongs to the Baptist Church. Mrs. Hull 
finds her religious home in the Methodist Episco- 
pal Church. 

The paternal grandparents of Mrs. Hull were 
John and Ann Pollard, the grandfather a mill- 
wright by trade and a very fine mechanic. He was 
peculiarly trusty and faithful, and sojourned at one 
place for the long period of forty-five years. He 
was never ill a day in his life and died at the age 
of ninety-six years. His son, William, the father 
of Mrs. Hull, was born in Bradford, England, 
where he became a mechanical engineer and ope- 



rated various mills in the old country, being an 
expert. He was a prominent member of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, but his mind became 
impaired through illness and he ended his life by 
drowning. He had made three trips to America 
and spent his last days in "Carroll Township, this 
county. Mrs. Pollard is still living and is a genial 
and pleasant lady, making her home in Carroll 
where she has many friends. 




LEXANDER COLLIER is one of the 
early settlers of this country, who is now 
living in the enjoyment of the pleasant 
surroundings which are the result of his 
early privations in doing his share to build up this 
great Empire. In the career of Mr. Collier we 
find an excellent example for young men just em- 
barking in the field of active life, of what may be 
accomplished by a man beginning poor, but honest, 
prudent and industrious. In early life he enjoyed 
but few advantages. His school days were limited, 
nor had he wealth or position to aid him in start- 
ing in the great battle. He relied solely upon his 
own efforts and his own conduct to win for him 
prosperitj', nor has his been a success solely in the 
sense of accumulating wealth, but in doing goo:; 
to others and in winning their respect and esteem. 
He has ever strictly observed that most important 
factor in the successful public or business life of 
anyone — honesty. 

Mr. Collier owns 250 acres of land on section 
19, Elwood Township, where he resides. He was 
born in Washington County, Tenn., Nov. 12, 
1830. His father, Leonard Collier, was a native 
of Virginia, and located in Tennessee in 1820, 
where he became prosperous and influential among 
his neighbors. Alexander's education was received 
at subscription schools and under difficulties. The 
schoolhouse in which he attended school was but 
a rude hut, with no conveniences whatever to in- 
duce a child to seek knowledge, but, on the con- 
trary, the surroundings of the alleged sehoolhouses 
of those days were repulsive to the youthful mind 
and engendered hostility to learning. He came 




'^^^^^ ^. JZi/^-t^T^f 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



535 



to Vermilion County in the autumn of 1851, and 
has lived in this neighborhood since, except for 
four years, when lie resided just across the State 
line. His mother was Charlotte, daughter of John 
Slaygle. She was the mother of ten children. 
four of whom are living: John. George, Sarah 
(Mrs. Moore), and Alexander. Four of the other 
children lived to be women before they died, viz: 
Catherine, Eliza A., Nancy and Elizabeth. 

Mr. Collier married Elizabeth, daughter of Will- 
iam Jennings, Dec. 20, 1855. She was born in 
Greene County, Tenn., and her mother's maiden 
name was Sarah Jones. Both the parents are de- 
ceased. Mr. and Mrs. Collier are the parents of 
four children, three of whom are living: Francis 
M.. Phoebe J. and Sarah C. Francis married Dora 
Moore, of Missouri, and lives in tins township; 
they have two children — Josephine B. and Charles 
S. Phoebe J. married Eli Staid of this township, 
ami is the mother of three children — Bertie. Vora 
Belle and an infant. Bessie May; Sarah is the wife 
of James Van Dnyn; they have three children — 
Alexander. Coy and Addie Belle. 

Mr. Collier rents the most of his large farm to his 
children, who are engaged in stock-raising and 
general farming. He has never sought office, but 
has found that he has enough to attend to in 
strictly minding his own affairs. Mrs. (Oilier is a 
member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 
t<> which her husband is a liberal contributor. 

1*3^ AMUEL T. STEVENS, one of the sur- 
^^£ vivors of the 25th Illinois Infantry, and 
lv£-J^ now a P ros P erous farmer of Georgetown 
Township, is one of the most highly es- 
teemed citizens in this eommunty, being upright 
and industrious, greatly attached to his home and 
justly proud of his army record, which is creditable 
in the extreme. He was born in Vernon Town- 
ship, Jennings Co., Ind., near the town of Vernon, 
Nov. 4. 1834, and is a son of John and Jane 
(Thompson) Stevens, the former a native of Indi- 
ana and the latter of Kentucky. They were mar- 
ried at Brooks Point, Vermilion Co., 111., to which 



thej had come at a very early day, and subsequently 
took up their abode in Jennings County. Ind., 
where the father died when his son, Samuel was 
only live years old. The mother came hack to 
Brooks Point in 1853, and died therein 1873, when 
sixty-two years old. She was married three times 
after the death of her first husband by whom she 
had four children — Sarah II.. Samuel T., Francis 
M., and Nancy. By her second husband, William 
McCabe, she had three children. Her third hus- 
hand was William Brown and the fourth James 
Ogden. By the latter two she had no children. 

Samuel Stevens began to "paddle his own canoe" 
when a lad of twelve years. He learned the trade 
of a stone mason and plasterer, serving three years 
apprenticeship, but not liking the business aban- 
doned it and turned his attention to farming pur- 
suits, working out by the month. When about 
twenty years old he returned to Illinois and on the 
7th of June. 1861. enlisted at Indianola in Com- 
pany D, 25th Illinois Infantry. He was mustered 
into service at St. Louis, Mo., and fought the 
rebels at Pea Ridge, after which he went with his 
regiment after the rebel. Gen. Price, in the South- 
west. In June, 1862 they joined the Army of the 
Tennessee and fought at Corinth and Green River 
Bridge. At Louisville they recruited, after which 
followed the battle of Perryville. Oct 7, of that 
year. 

From Perryville. our subject went with his 
regiment to Nashville, Tenn., where they remained 
until the 26th of November, 1862, then entered on 
the Murfreesboro campaign. They fought with 
the rebels at Tullahoma and were next at Chatta- 
nooga, after which followed the battle of Chieka- 
mauga, Sept. 19, 20, 1863, whence they retreated 
to Chattanooga, and later engaged with the 
enemy at Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge and 
Tunnel Hill. Subsequently followed the Atlanta 
campaign, upon which they entered May 4. 1864, and 
while retreating through a peach orchard at Chicka- 
mauga. Mr. Stevens was struck by a missile on the 
left hip and knocked several yards. He suc- 
ceeding in getting to the ambulance and was taken 
to the hospital at Chattanooga, where he remained 
two weeks and was sufficiently recovered toengage 
in the light at Mission Ridge; he was also engaged 



536 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



in the Knoxville campaign wMcb was sent to the 
relief of Gen. Burnside, who was bottled up near 
Knoxville. 

Our subject was wounded a second time at Noon- 
day Creek, near Marietta, Ga., by a minie-ball 
which passed through his leg above the knee. He 
was taken a second time to the hospital at Chatta- 
oooga and later to the Cumberland hospital at 
Nashville, Tenn. The term of his enlistment soon 
expired and he was mustered out Sept. 5, 18G4, at 
Springfield, III. From that time until 1 8G8 he 
occupied himself in farming pursuits and in that 
year was married to Miss Hannah Gerard, who is a 
daughter of John and Mary (Fisher) Gerard, who 
(■••line from Indiana to this State and settled in 
1851 upon the land now owned and occupied by 
our subject. Of this union there have been born 
nine children, namely: Ulysses S. ; Ezra A., Lucy 
A., Mary .1.. Robert T., Willian F., Viola M.. 
Johnnie H., and Clarence E. Mr. Stevens, politi- 
cally, is a strong Republican, and he and his esti- 
mable wife are members of the Christian Church. 

A portrait of Mr. Stevens is shown elsewhere in 
this work. 



fl IMLLIAM HESTER. Those middle-aged men 
\rj// who are natives of this county, were born 
W"J under the most primitive conditions and 
spent their childhood and youth in the wilder- 
ness, amid the frequently thrilling scenes of pioneer 
life. They became inured to arduous labor at an 
early age, and thus acquired that independence of 
thought and character of which are made the best 
men of this period of the world. They also ac- 
quired the habit of viewing toil and danger undis- 
mayed, and were fully prepared for the later labors 
and struggles which developed the wilderness into 
the homes of an intelligent and prosperous people. 
Those who to-day are enjoying the blessings of 
civilization can scarcely realize what they owe to 
those men who assisted in bringing about the pres- 
ent order of things. 

A native of Elwood Township, this county, our 
subject was born May 17, 18:38, and is the son of 
Thomas Hester, who was born in Guilford County, 



N. C, and who removed with his parents to Clin- 
ton County, Ohio, when a lad nine years of age. 
He left the Buckeye State in 1835, coming to Ran- 
dolph County, Ind., settling near Winchester, that 
county, where he improved a farm from the heavy 
timber land in White River Township and where 
he sojourned ten years. Next he removed to Taze- 
well County, this State, where he lived six 3'ears 
engaged in farming. His next removal was to this 
county and he settled March 31, 1838, on the land 
now occupied by his son, our subject, on section 
24 in Elwood Township. He did his own black- 
smithing for about thirty years, and was a true type 
of the industrious pioneer who, by his sturdy indus- 
try and perseverance built up a good home and 
accumulated a comfortable property. 

The mother of our subject was in her maiden- 
hood Miss Mary Leonard. She also like her father, 
Ezekiel Leonard, was born in North Carolina and 
was of Irish ancestry. Grandfather Francis Hester, 
also a native of the above mentioned State, was of 
Scotch ancestry and followed the occupation of 
both farmer and shoemaker. To the parents of 
our subject there were born seven children, four of 
whom are living, and William is the youngest. The 
other three are Jesse, Rebecca, Mrs. Reece, and 
John. The others lived to mature years. They 
were Hannah, Mrs. Cook; Mary, Mrs. Larrance; 
and Robert. All at their decease left families. 

William Hester was reared to manhood at the old 
homestead where he now lives, and completed his 
education in Bloomingdale Academ}' under the in- 
struction of Prof. Hobbs. He taught school two 
winters, but with this exception has been engaged 
in farming pursuits all his life. He is a member 
of the Society of Friends and contributed gener- 
ously toward the erection of their fine new church 
and the Vermilion Academy building at Vermilion 
Grove. The academy is under the auspices of the 
Friends. 

Mr. Hester was married March 8, 18G0, to Miss 
.Maria, daughter of Ira Mills, deceased, who came 
to this county in 1821. This lady became the 
mother of two children one only of whom is liv- 
ing — Cassius M. She died Jan. 19, 18C3. Our 
subject contracted a second marriage March G, 
18G7, with Miss Rachel J., daughter of William 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



53", 



Stafford, of Vermilion Grove, and of this union 
there were horn three children, only two <>f whom 
are living — Rhoda J.. Mrs. Mills and Thomas \V. 
The mother of these children died June 15, 1885, 
and on the 7th of March, 1887, Mr. Hester was 
married to Miss Martha A., daughter of Joseph 
Hawkins, near Rardin. Coles Co. 

The land possessions of Mr. Hester aggregate 248 
acres and he makes a specialty of graded horses, 
Short-horn cattle, Poland-China swine and high 
grade Merino sheep. He uniformly votes the Re- 
publican ticket and keeps himself well posted upon 
matters of State and National interest. Like his 
honored parents he belongs to the Society of 
Friends. The mother of Mr. Hester died May ■_'. 
1867. and his father Nov. 10. 1875. They were 
most worthy and excellent people, living at peace 
with their neighbors and doing good as they had 
opportunity. 



-N- 






■ ViC^ 



-sr 




ILAS DICKSON. Few persons can sojourn 
very long in Indianola without becoming 
familiar with the name of Mr. Dickson, 
who is a son of one of the early pioneers 
of Vermilion, and one of the first children who, 
born in this county, have grown up with the coun- 
try. He is now past the meridian of life. He has 
inherited from a substantial ancestry those qualities 
of character which have made him an enterprising 
business man and placed him in an enviable posi- 
tion in his community. 

Mr. Dickson was born May 2">, 1830, in Carroll 
Township, and spent his boyhood and youth amid 
the scenes of pioneer life, becoming familiar with 
healthy ban! work and receiving his education in 
the common school. He remained a member of 
the parental household until a man of thirty-four 
years, anil was then married. Oct. 13, 1864, to Miss 
Frances Foos. The newly wedded pair settled 
down on a farm and for anumber of years thereaf- 
ter Mr. Dickson gave his attention to agriculture and 
the cattle business. In the latter he became inter- 
ested when only a boy. and since reaching manhood 
has driven hundreds of fat cattle to New York 



City, selling them to local butchers. He saw the 
first car-load of beef cattle that were ever shipped 
into that metropolis from Illinois, and about the 
time there was being agitated the advisability of 
shipping stock by rail. 

Mr. Dickson is an extensive land owner, having 
600 acres in Edgar County and a farm of 
eighty acres adjoining Indianola. To him and his 
estimable wife there have been born three children: 
Robert, Lena, and Albertus. The daughter is the 
wife of Edward Cannon, who is interested in an 
electric light plant in Portland, Oregon. The sons 
are at home with their parents. Mr. Dickson uni- 
formly votes the Democratic ticket, but with the 
exception of serving as a juryman several times, 
has never mingled much in public affairs. .Airs. 
Dickson is a member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. 

Mrs. Dickson is the daughter of Franklin and 
Amelia (Howe) Foos, the former of whom is the 
oldest living native of what was then Franklin, 
but is now Columbus County. Ohio. He was born 
July 4, 1803, and now makes his home in Danville. 
Mr. Foos and Michael Sullivan were school boys 
together. The mother was a native of Maryland 
and a distant relative of Flias Howe, the inventor 
of the sewing machine. One of the members of 
the firm of Foos .V- Co., of Springfield. Ohio, is a 
half brother of Mrs. Dickson's father. The mother 
died in November, 1M83, at the age of seventy-live 
years. She had a family of eleven children, seven 
of whom grew to mature years, viz: Louisa. Lydia, 
Joseph. Amelia. Lovina. Francis, and Ellen. Mrs. 
Dickson was born in Madison County. Ohio, in 
1841, and was a girl of ten years when she came 
with her parents to this county. She made the 
acquaintance of her future husband in Indianola. 

David Dickson, the father of our subject, is now 
a gentleman of eighty three years. He traveled all 
over this Shite from north to south and from east 
to west at a very early day. when it was the ex- 
treme frontier and there were but very few settle- 
ments within its limits. He was born in Lewis 
County. Ky.. and married Miss Margaret 
Waters, a native of Stafford Court House, Ya., 
and closely allied to the V. F. V.'s. Her ancestors 
came from Scotland, while the Dicksons were of 



538 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



English origin, and upon coming to this country 
settled in Maryland. Subsequently they removed 
to Kentucky. The paternal grandfather of our 
subject, whose name was Means, was of Irish de- 
scent, and at an early day settled in New Jersey, 
whence he removed to Pennsylvania, and then to 
Kentucky during its pioneer days. He was the 
representative of a very large and influential 
family. 

Mr. Dickson came to Illinois a single man and 
was married in Vermilion County. He took up 
land and settled near Paris in 1824, when it was a 
mere trading place. He became the father of four 
children: Silas, Robert. Permelia, and Jemima. 
Robert died unmarried at the age of thirty-three 
years; Permelia became the wife of Dr. Ralston, 
and resides in Danville; Jemima, Mrs. Varner, lives 
in Edgar County. The mother died in 1887. 



EN.IAMIN F. LEACH. In the subject of 
this notice there is easily recognized a man 
/^jYjjij of high social qualities, well educated, cul- 
^>=?£' tivated in his tastes, one who is public- 
spirited and takes a warm interest in educational 
matters. He was in former years occupied as a 
teacher, but of late has been interested in agricul- 
tural pursuits, and is the Grain Weigher of Hum- 
rick. He was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, 
Sept. 23, 184(1, and is consequently a man in the 
prime of life and in the midst of his usefulness. 

By reverting to the family history of our subject 
we find that he is the son of William and Mary 
( Monroe) Leach, natives of Culpeper County, Va., 
and the parents of fourteen children, of whom 
live are living, as follows. Sarah A., now Mrs. 
Parker, is a resident of Gently County, Mo.; Will- 
i mi M. lives in Phillips County, Kan.; Henry C. 
resides in Washington Count}', Ark., as does also 
his sister, Mary O. Mrs. Carney. Benjamin F., our 
subject, came with the family to this county in 
( letober, 1852. They met with a great affliction in 
the death of the father, which occurred less than a 
year later, June 23, 1853. The mother and sons 
carried on the farm as best they could until all the 



children were able to take care of themselves. 
Mrs. Leach finally went to Neosha County, Kan., 
where her death took place in 1873. 

Mr. Leach, our subject, has been familiar with 
agricultural pursuits since his earliest recollections, 
and followed them exclusively with the exception 
of the time occupied as a teacher. His early ad- 
vantages were necessarily limited, but he made the 
most of his opportunities for observation and in- 
formation and came out a bright and intelligent 
young man of more than ordinary abilities. When 
twenty-four years old he was married, in Elwood 
Township, March 31. 1875, to Miss Alma J., 
daughter of Darius Baldwin, one of the early 
settlers of Danville Township, and now deceased. 
The four children born of this union were named 
respectivel}-, Albert W., Richard B., Mary E., and 
Nellie C. 

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Leach took 
up their residence in Elwood Township, where our 
subject confined his attention to the development 
of his farm and lived there until February, 1886; 
then, retiring from the more arduous duties of 
farm life, he took up his residence in Hum rick and 
now busies himself with lighter employments. He 
has officiated as Tax Collector of the township 
three terras; was Highway Commissioner one term, 
and is at present Justice of the Peace. He finds 
his religious home in the Cumberland Presbyterian 
Church, and socially belongs to the Masonic frater- 
nity. 



CLAYTON B. ELLIOTT. This well-to-do 
. and intelligent bachelor citizen may be 
' found usually at his well-regulated home- 
stead on section 26 in Elwood Township, where he 
is successfully engaged in general agriculture, and 
from which he realizes annually a snug income. 
His farm contains seventy acres and lies adjacent to 
Yankee Point. He also has 160 acres near New- 
man, in Douglas County, III. He has been quite 
an extensive traveler in the South and the West, 
and, although possessing a limited education, has 
made such good use of his opportunities for the 
observation of men and things that he is at once 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



530 



recognized as a well-informed 7iian of more than 
ordinary intelligence. 

Our subject was born in Wayne County, End., 
March 10. 1854, and is the son of Nathan Elli- 
ott, who is now deceased, and the brother of II. C. 
and Wesley Elliott, sketches of whom appear else- 
where in this Album. He was brought to this 
county by his parents when an infant of ten 
months, and after attending the common school be- 
came also a student of Vermilion Academy and the 
Wesleyan University at Bloomington. In the 
fall of 1881 he set out fur Washington, trav- 
ersing the Union and Central Pacific Railroads 
from Chicago to San Erancisco and thence by 
steamer to Portland, Ore., where he spent the 
winter. In the meantime he was at Puget Sound. 
In the spring of 1882 he went up the Willamette 
Valley, where he sojourned until after the 4th of 
July. On that day he attended a celebration at a 
point near by across the river, and saw half-breed 
Indians and French taking part in the foot races. 
Later he repaired to Pataha, in the southeastern 
part of Washington, and occupied himself at lum- 
bering in the Blue Mountains until harvest time, 
in the month of August, lie then repaired to the 
Pataha Flats and assisted in threshing wheat for 
twenty-seven days, and until in September, when 
he returned to the Blue Mountains and worked in 
the lumber woods until the deep snow drove out 
the men. Returning now to Pataha Flats he so- 
journed there until the spring of 1883, then trav- 
eled on foot to Spokane Falls and to the Big Bend 
country, in the Columbia River region. He staid 
over night with Wild Goose Bill, who had a squaw 
for a wife. There he secured a pony, and, in com- 
pany with Bill's two boys started out to see a large 
spring near by. The boys had a lasso, and one of 
them exerted his skill on our subject. The latter 
having money feared at first that tiny were intend- 
ing to overpower and roll him. but he found that 
they were simply amusing themselves at his ex- 
pense. They called him a ••tenderfoot," and had 
«reat sport in lassoing his horse and a colt which 
was following the pony he rode. 

Our subject finally returned to Spokane Falls and 
thence by the Northern Pacific Railroad to its ter- 
minus, where he took the stage and traveled 300 



miles to Bozeman, Mont. We next find him at 
Livingstone, where he remained until July 3, en- 
gaged in a lumber-yard and as a carpenter. From 
there he traveled up the Yellowstone Park, enter- 
ing it July 4, 1883, and viewing the Yellowstone 
Falls and Canyon, the Hot Springs, and all the other 
natural wonders of that region. He spent the fol- 
lowing winter at Livingstone, Montana, then jour- 
neyed to St. Paul via the Northern Pacific Railroad. 
He visited Chicago on his way home. That same 
spring he took a trip through Southern Kansas, 
visiting his brother Alvin, near Cedar Vale. In 
September following he settled on a farm and has 
since given his undivided attention to its various 
interests. 

Mr. Elliott, politically, supports the principles 
of the Republican party, but has never sought offi- 
cial honors. In his youth he was extremely anx- 
ious to obtain a thorough education, but on account 
of the death of his father when he was twent}- 
years old he was obliged to abandon his cherished 
plan. He remained with his mother and operated 
the farm two years. 



— **- 



~o+o-(cXJ}<£!&)»o+o- 




RANCIS GAINES. After a busy life has 
licdi nearly spent, and all the trials ami 
vicissitudes incident to a pioneer's career 
have been met with courage, honor and industry, 
there is nothing more pleasant than to see a man 
who has been faithful in all things, retire from ac- 
tive pursuits. Here he can look back upon nil his 
actions with pleasure, and can with truth say that 
he has done the best he could. And what more is 
expected of any man? And this is the case with. 
Francis Gaines. 

Mr. Gaines was born in Clarke County, Ohio, on 
July 28, 1823. His parents went to Greene County, 
Ohio, soon after his birth, where they lived contin- 
uously until death called them away. His mother 
died in 1881, at the age of eighty-four, and his 
father followed her to the grave in 1886, at the 
great age of four-score and six. They had eleven 
children — Elizabeth, Francis, James. William Jon- 
athan, Benjamin, Henry, Phoebe, Susan, Sarah and 



540 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Amanda. Tlie latter died when she was three years 
of age, while the remaining children lived to he 
men and women. Mr. Gaines acquired his educa- 
tion in the primitive school-houses that were scat- 
tered all over Ohio at the time of his boyhood, and 
being the oldest son, he was obliged to defer many 
advantages that he could have taken to gain an ed- 
ucation. By an inscrutable decree of mankind, the 
oldest boy of a farmer's family has always been the 
cart-horse that has drawn the rest of the children 
after him. Responsibilities have rested upon the 
oldest boy that have as a rule kept him from gain- 
ing the education he should have, and Mr. Gaines 
was in this position. For many a day, and before 
he was ten years of age he has followed the plow 
whose mouldboard was constructed of wood. Wha1 
would the boys of this generation think of such a 
proceeding as this? And such things as this ought 
to increase the respect that is certainly due to those 
who tilled the soil in an early day, and paved the 
way for an empire. 

By the time that Mr. Gaines became twenty -one 
years of age he 'was an expert in agricultural pur- 
suits, and also as a woodman. At this time he se- 
cured a job of cutting wood for twenty-live cents 
a cord, and three or four cords a day was easy work 
for him. In 1845 he was married to Miss Mary 
Jane McFarland, of Greene County, Ohio, and in 
1847 the young couple settled in Carroll Township, 
this county, about three miles south of Indianola. 
His wife made all their clothes from the raw ma- 
terial, and everything that was procured in those 
days was by hard labor. In 1871 the good mother 
died, and out of seven children born to her but 
two were reared to maturity — Sarah A. and Ed- 
mund. Sarah married F. D. Neblick, who is re- 
siding on the homestead; they have two children — 
Francis D. and Mabel. 

Mr. Gaines was married a second time in 1871, 
to Mrs. Josephine Gaines, widow of his brother 
William, and by this union one child was born — 
Mary E. William GainCs died in 18G3. Mrs. 
Gai nes is the daughter of L. Patterson and Cath- 
erine (Baum) Patterson, the former a native of 
Ohio, where he was married, and came to this State 
in 1839. He lived to be seventy-three years old, 
and his wife died at the early age of thirty-nine. 



She left six children: Augustus I).. Josephine A. 
(Mrs. Gaines), Emily C, Charles, John Harvey and 
Albert, who was drowned. Mrs. Gaines was born 
in Brown County, Ohio, and came to Illinois when 
she w r as eighteen months old. She was but four- 
teen years old when her mother died, and her 
youngest brother, Albert, wr.s but three years of 
age. She was obligged to assume the responsibil- 
ity of the household, and nobly she cared for her 
younger brothers and sisters. By her first marriage 
she is the mother of one child — Franklin W. — 
who is still living. 

In 1883 Mr. Gaines erected a very commodious 
and elegant house in Indianola, which is surrounded 
with everything to make the place pleasant. The 
highest amount of land he has ever owned at one 
time, was 375 acres, and lie owns now a half sec- 
tion, all under a fine slate of cultivation. This is 
all due to his own industry, excepting $400 which 
was given him by his father, and invested in lands. 
He has speculated somewhat in real estate, and in 
this he has prospered. Mr. and Mrs. Gaines are 
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, she 
having belonged to that organization since she was 
nineteen, while her husband first united with the 
church thirty-nine years ago. He was Superintend- 
ent of the Sunday-schools in the southern part of the 
county, and has served in various capacities in his 
church, holding the offices of Trustee, Treasurer 
and Steward. He has held the positions of School 
Director and Trustee for a long time, and has also 
served as Road Overseer and Commissioner of 
Highways. Mr. Gaines has always exhibited great 
interest in the schools and roads, lie votes with 
the Democratic party and has never sought office. 



/^IRANVILLE PUGH. Those who have been 
ill eye-witnesses of the pioneer scenes of Cen- 
•\^J|i tral Illinois are fast passing away; and 
when we are privileged to take such an one by the 
hand, it is an event which will be remembered for 
many a day. Mr. Pugh is one of the oldest set- 
tlers of this county, to which he came when In- 
dians and wild animals abounded, and when the 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



541 



foot of the white man had scarcely pressed the 
soil of Elwood Township. Here he has spent the 
best years of his life, and his long and arduous 
labors have been crowned with success. He owns 
and occupies one of the finest farms in this re- 
gion, embellished with an imposing residence, two 
stories in height, above the basement, and not far 
away a magnificent grove. Under his careful 
management the land has been brought to a high 
state of cultivation, and is improved with all the 
appliances suggested to the enterprising and pro- 
gressive farmer. 

The opening years of the life of our subject were 
spent in Jefferson County Ohio, where he was born 
Feb. 2. 1824. His father, John Pugh, deceased, 
was a native of Chester County, Pa., and emigrated 
to the Buckeye State in 1823. He had been mar- 
ried to Miss Jane Gamble, a native of Cecil County, 
Md.. and to them there were born three children, 
all of whom lived to mature years. Edwin is now- 
deceased; Granville, our subject, was the second 
child; Hannah, Mrs. Kendall, lives in Ringgold 
County, Iowa. 

The ancestors of our subject were born and 
reared in the Quaker faith for many generations 
back. His maternal grandfather. .John Gamble, 
was a native of Ireland, and crossed the Atlantic 
in time to participate in the War of 1812. John 
Pugh came with his family to this county as early 
as 1830, settling on the Little Vermilion in Carroll 
Township. In 1836 he changed his residence, and 
became owner of the land which his son, Granville, 
now owns and occupies. Here both parents spent 
their last years, the father dying in 1847, in middle 
life, and the mother surviving her husband many 
years, passing away in 1884. 

The first studies of our subject were conducted 
in a log cabin, with its puncheon floor, greased 
paper for window panes, seats anil desks made of 
slabs and fastened to the wall with rude wooden 
pins. Young Pugh took great interest in spelling, 
ami on Christmas night, in 1848. spelled down the 
whole large school at Ridge Farm. He assisted his 
father in the development of his homestead, and 
remained a member of the parental family until 
passim? his thirty-second birth-day. He was then 
married. May 31, 1856, to Miss Lydia, daughter 



of Isaac Thompson, one of the earliest settlers of 
Flwood Township. Mrs. Pugh was born in Parke 
County, Ind., March 7. 1835. and of her union 
with our subject there were born nine children, 
eight of whom are living. John J., the eldest, 
married Miss Emily Dillon, and lives in Prairie 
Township; they have six children — Grace, Ada, 
Bertha, Charles, Ella and Howard; Ezra K. mar- 
ried Miss Lilly Thompson, lives in Broadland, 
Champaign County, and lias two children — Roscoe 
E. and May; Paris J. married Miss Lucy Hiberly, 
and occupies a part of the homestead; they have 
one child — Mary A.; Isaac M.. Monroe, Howard, 
Jane E. and Dolly arc at home with their parents. 
The landed possessions of Mr. Pugh aggregate 
350 acres, largely devoted to slock purposes, he 
making a specialty of graded Short-horn cattle and 
Poland-China swine. Since reaching his majority 
he has been a prominent man in his community, 
and has held the office of School Director for the 
long period of forty years. He officiated as Jus- 
tice of the Peace and Township Supervisor one 
year, and was Highway Commissioner several 
years. He votes the straight Republican ticket, 
and his estimable wife is a member of the Cumber- 
land Presbyterian Church. The family stands sec- 
ond to none in Vermilion County. 

In 1832. during the progress of the Black Hawk 
War. a man by the name of Isaac Mardick lived 
upon the same section as Mr. Pugh, and in the 
month of June was plowing corn. Another man 
in the vicinity, named Laban Dillon, thinking to 
have some sport, dressed himself upas an Indian. 
took a gun and repaired to the field where Mr. 
Mardick was at work, crawling along Indian 
fashion, until he was discovered by Mr. Mardick. 
Then he rose and lifted his gun. as if to Are, when 
Mr. Mardick ran home as fast as his legs would 
carry him. leaving his horse and plow in the field. 
Arriving there he offered another man a colt if he 
would go and bring the horse to the house. The 
story naturally leaked out. and Mr. Mardick became 
the laughing-stock of the neighborhood. Many 
were the practical jokes played in those times, and 
each one was made the most of in the absence of 
the amusements and recreations of more enlightened 
times. None enjoyed those little incidents more 



542 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



th.1.1 Mr. I'ugli, and it is sale to s-iy that he con- 
tributed his share to the general stock. lie has 
been prospered in his labors, and now, sitting under 
his own vine and figtree, feels properly that he has 
not lived in vain. He has endeavored to do as little 
harm as possible in the world, and enjoys the con- 
fidence and esteem of many friends. 






^-f-f^^l-M- 




HEILEMAN, the leading carriage 
facturer of [ndianola, is a skilled mo- 
ot' ability, active and enterprising 
as a business man, and one who is regarded as a 
most useful member of society, temperate, peace- 
able and law-abiding, uniformly upholding the 
element.-- which form the basis of good citizenship. 
lie has risen from an humble position to one of 
prominence and influence in his community, soci- 
ally and financially; and for a period of seventeen 
years he has been engaged in his present business 
in the town where he now lives. 

Mr. Heileman was born in Germantown, a 
suburb of Philadelphia, Pa.. Aug. 22, 1817, and 
there spent the days of his childhood and youth. 
His father, John Heileman, a native of Germany, 
was a blacksmith by trade and was married in the 
Fatherland to Miss Anna Barbara Shimp. They 
lived one year after their marriage in their native 
province, then about 1 843, crossed the Atlantic with 
their first born child — Katie, and settled near the 
City of Brotherly Love, where the household cir- 
cle was increased by the birth of five more children. 
viz: an infant, who died unamed, Michael, George, 
our subject, Rose, and John. 

Michael Heileman served four years in the 
Union Army during the Civil War and after- 
ward emigrated to Corsicana, Tex., where he 
engaged as a harness-maker. Rose married George 
Mclis, a carpenter and builder, and the)' live in 
Columbus, Ohio; John is a blacksmith by trade 
and also a resident of Columbus. The father died 
in middle life and the mother was left in straight- 
ened circumstances, being obliged to part with 
some of her children. Michael and George were 
placed in the Northern Home for friendless chil- 



dren, where the later remained four years. When 
nine years old he was taken into the home of James 
D. Lawson, of Woodstown, N. J., to whom he was 
bound until he reached his majority. He only stayed 
with him seven years, as Mr. Lawson retired from 
the farm and re-bound the boy to a carriage-maker 
of Salem, N. J. The natural inclinations of young 
Heileman were in the line of mechanics, and he 
never found greater delight than in using tools. 
He served one year in the carriage-shop and then 
the Civil War being in progress, although near its 
close, he enlisted April 9, 1865, in Company K, 
215th Pennsylvania Infantry, for one year and 
was mustered into service at Camp Cadwallader. 

This regiment left at once for Fairfax, Ya., and 
was mostly afterward employed on guard duty 
around Washington, and Ft. Delaware, where were 
imprisoned 5,000 rebels. These were paroled at 
the close of the war and our subject received his 
honorable discharge, Aug. 15, 1865, when less than 
seventeen years old. He now returned to his 
former employer, with whom he remained four 
years. Next we find him in Williamsport. Pa., 
employed in a carriage shop, previous to this, 
he had made the acquaintance of T. F. Hewes, 
through whose influence he subsequently came 
west and joined Mr. Hewes in Indianola in May, 
1k7l\ He was in the employ of Frank Miller 
afterward for a period of five years, then engaged 
with W. T. Butler for one year, and in 1879 pur- 
chased the shop standing upon the site of that 
which he now owns and occupies and which was 
destroyed by fire March 4, 1887. 

Mr. Heileman now occupies a snug brick building, 
the second floor of which is used as a public hall 
and the reading room of the Modern Woodmen 
Camp of Indianola. In it are also held the village 
and township meetings, and in addition it is used as 
thi' headquarters of the Indianola Building and 
Loan Association, of which Mr. Heileman is a char- 
ter member and Treasurer. In the Camp above 
spoken of he is banker. He belongs to the A. F. 
& A. M. fraternity, being Master of Vermilion 
Lodge No. 265, and with his estimable wife be- 
longs to the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

Our subject was married May 7, 1874, to Miss 
Emma V. McHaffie, who was born in Indianola, 




' , :■- i*-:i-ju£Li 



RESIDENCE OF JACOB FULTZ,SEC.2.6.GEORGETOWN TR, VERMILION CO. 







PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



and is the daughter of Dr. .1. B. McHaffie, who was 
one of the first physicians of this place, and com- 
mands a first-class practice. His wife, formerly 
Miss Elizabeth Everhart, is a native of Germany, 
and is still living, being sixty-four years old. 
They have four children surviving, the eldest of 
whom, Mary, is the wife of William Stark, who is 
searching for gold in the mines of Colorado; Eliza 
is the wife of Frank Baum of Carroll Township; 
Andrew is at home with his mother. 

Mr. and Mrs. Hieleman have three children — 
William Howard, Garnet, and Leonidas. Mr. Hiele- 
man is serving his seventh term as Township 
Clerk, and his politics will readily be guessed from 
the fact that he is one of the leading irembers of 
the Indianola Democratic Club. He is also Treas- 
urer of the School Board, and has served three 
terms as Clerk of the Village Board, besides one 
term as Trustee. He also officiates as Treas- 
urer and Secretary of the Woodlawn Cemetery 
Association, being on the second term of six years. 
His neat and comfortable residence is pleasantly 
located on West Main street. The fact that he is 
well spoken of by his neighbors and his fellow- 
townsmen, is ample evidence of the estimation in 
which he is held as a business man and a citizen. 



JIOHX TRISLER. It is usually fair to judge 
I of a man's character and capacities by his 
! surroundings, and we would thus presume 
that Mr. Trisler is second to no man in his 
township as a farmer and business man, while he 
possesses the cultivated tastes which have led him 
to build up one of the most attractive homes 
within its limits. Soon after settling upon the 
farm which he now occupies he began planning 
for the residence which he contemplated building, 
and prepared the grounds accordingly. There 
now stands upon them an elegant two-story resi- 
dence, in the midst of a grove planted by the pro- 
prietor fourteen years ago, and winch serves to 
make a delightful shade in summer time, while 
protecting the dwelling from the bitter blasts of 
winter. Interspersed with forest trees are beauti- 



ful evergreens, while the buildings and appur- 
tenances adjoining serve to complete the ideal 
country estate. 

Mr. Trisler may most properly be termed a self- 
made man. Having been thrown upon his own re- 
sources at an early period in life, he has worked his 
way up by steady perseverance and industry to a 
good position, socially and financially. He pa\'S 
strict attention to his own affairs, is rather exclu- 
sive in his tastes and manner of living, and is well 
respected in his community. In his labors and 
worthy ambitions he has found a most efficient as- 
sistant in his industrious, business-like and capable 
wife, who has done her share toward the accumu- 
lation of the property and the building up of the 
homestead. Mr. Trisler during the stormy days 
of the Rebellion arrayed himself most decidedly on 
the side of tin' Union, and no man was more re- 
joiced at its perpetuation and the extinction of 
slavery. 

Until a boy of eight years our subject spent his 
early life in Maysville. Kv., where he was born 
Dec. 18, 1842. Thence his parents removed to 
Illinois about 1350, making the journey thither by 
water and overland. During the progress of this 
trip the boy was lost in Cincinnati, which occa- 
sioned great distress to his parents until they 
found him. Arriving in this State, the family lo- 
cated in Coles County, where our subject attended 
school until about fourteen years old. and then re- 
moved with his parents to this county. Here he 
attended school in Danville for two years. Later 
the father decided to take up his residence in ( at- 
lin Township, and .John continued a member of 
the parental household until it was disbanded, in 
1860. He had begun work on a farm when a boy 
of seven or eight years, and was thus employed 
after leaving home. 

After the outbreak of the Civil War, Mr. Tris- 
ler, in 1862, enlisted as a Union soldier in Corn- 
Company A. 71st Illinois Infantry, in the ninety- 
days' service, being mustered in at Springfield 
and assigned mostly to guard duty in tin' vicinity 
of Columbus, Ky. At the expiration of his term of 
enlistment, he was discharged at Chicago, but in the 
spring of 1863 re-enlisted with the 100-day's men, 
in Company E, 135th Illinois Infantry. The com- 



546 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



pany was mustered into service at Mattoon, whence 
they proceeded to St. Louis, Mo., and were as- 
signed as guard to prisoners, after which they 
were sent to Iron Mountain. The second time 
our subject was discharged at Mattoon, 111., four 
weeks beyond the expiration of the time for which 
he had enlisted. 

The war not yet being ended, our subject for 
the third time proffered his services, this time for 
one year or during the war, in Company K, 149th 
Illinois Infantry. He was mustered in at Dan- 
ville, and, going to the front, marched through 
Georgia, Tennessee and Alabama. In 1862 he had 
been promoted to Corporal, and in 1864 received 
the commission of Sergeant. While along the 
Mississippi he suffered from jaundice, from which 
he lias never been entirely relieved since. He was 
finally discharged at the close of the war, in May, 
1865, at Dalton, < J-a. 

After retiring from the army, Mr. Trisler re- 
turned to Catlin Township, this county, and be- 
wail operating on rented land. On the 6th of Oc- 
tober, 1868, he was married to Miss Abbie A. 
Douglas, who was born at Stougkton, Dane Co., 
Wis. In due time our subject purchased eighty 
acres of land, which was the beginning of his large 
farm, now embracing 300 acres. He has made of 
agriculture an art and a science, which fact accounts 
for his success. Under his careful management 
his land has become highly productive, while he 
rvails himself of modern methods and the latest 
improved machinery in the tilling of the soil. He 
keeps himself well posted both in regard to agri- 
culture and other things of interest to the broad 
and liberal-minded citizen, and is consequently en- 
abled to operate to the best advantage as the re- 
sult of observation and experience. The house- 
hold circle includes three bright children — Veron- 
ica T., dishing II. and John Earl. 

Joseph and Elizabeth (Wells) Trisler, the par- 
ents of our subject, were natives respectively of 
Ohio and Kentucky, and were married in the lat- 
ter State. The father was a farmer by occupa- 
tion, and came with his family to Illinois in 1850, 
settling in Coles County. The father is still liv- 
ing, at the age of seventy-three years, and makes 
his home in Milwaukee, Wis. The mother died 



April 28, 1855, in Coles County. Seven of their 
children grew to mature years: William, John 
(our subject), Sarah E., Mary M., Robert, Johanna 
and Joseph. 

The parents of Mrs. Trisler were dishing and 
Clarissa Ann (Douglas) Douglas, the father born 
near Bangor, Me., and the mother in Indiana. Her 
father was a near kinsman to Stephen A. Douglas, of 
Illinois, and followed the occupation of a fanner. 
They were residents of Adams County, Wis., 
twelve years, and from there came to this county, 
settling in Catlin Township. Later in life they 
removed to Catlin Village, where they now live, 
the father being sixty-live and the mother fifty- 
six years old. Their four children were named 
respectively: Abbie Ann, Hortensia, Clara 1. 
(who died when one year old) and Florence. The 
second mentioned is the widow of Ed Ruby. She 
resides in New Mexico, and has one child — Burda. 
Florence married Theodore Terpening, a druggist 
of Catlin, and they have four children — Max, Don 
D., Pussy P. and a babe unnamed. Mrs. Trisler 
was a girl of fifteen years when her parents settled 
in Catlin Township. 

Both our subject and his excellent wife are 
members in good standing of the Cumberland 
Presbyterian Church, to which they have always 
given a liberal support, especially during the erec- 
tion of the church edifice. Mr. Trisler is an un- 
compromising Democrat, politically, and has served 
as Director in the school district three years. 

A fine view is presented elsewhere in this work, 
of the pleasant home and surroundings of Mr. 
Trisler, where he lives in the enjoyment of a happy 
family, and where his friends are ever kindly wel- 
comed. 

^f) ACOB FDLTZ. The fine farm of our sub- 
ject, comprising 180 acres, on section 11, 
Gorgetown Township, is a standing monu- 
ment to his intelligent industry. Mr. Fultz 
is a native of Indiana, having been born in Eugene 
Township, Vermillion County, of that State, Aug. 
17, 1830. He inherits his fine constitution from 
his mother, whose people came from the verdure- 



PORTRAIT ANT) BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



547 



clad shores of Ireland, bringing with them the fine 
physique for which the natives of that isle are 
noted. On reaching this country they settled in 
Virginia, from which place our subject's mother. 
Miss Nancy Givens, came to Parke County, Ind., 
while yet in her teens. From his father's side Mr. 
Fultz inherited his full share of the bountiful sup- 
ply of brain power with which that parent was en- 
dowed. William Fultz. the father of the subject 
of this notice, was a native of the old Keystone 
State, his parents having come to Pennsylvania 
from Germany. While a mere boy the family turned 
their faces Westward and came to Ohio. On reach- 
ing more mature years, young William followed 
on toward the setting sun, and while in Parke 
County, Ind.. met and married his amiable wife. 
Although Indians were plentiful in their neighbor- 
hood, they succeeded in escaping unpleasant cour- 
tesies from them. In 1826 Mr. and Mrs. William 
Fultz set up their household gods in Eugene Town- 
ship, Vermillion Co., Ind., where they continued 
to reside until death, the former expiring in 1876, 
at the ripe age of seventy-one, and the latter eight 
years later, in 1884, after having traveled life's 
rugged pathway for three years longer than the 
alottcd time of three-score years and ten, being 
just seventy-three years old. Having been busy 
bees in life's hive of workers, they had the satis- 
faction of seeing abundant prosperity crown their 
efforts before they crossed the river to the great 
beyond. Nine children came to claim their care 
and reward their affection, as follows: Margaret, 
Jacob, Isaac, Mary, Rebecca. Martha, William. 
John and Isabella. 

Jacob, the subject of this sketch, commenced his 
school-life at the usual age of six years, attending 
school the three winter months, while the rest of 
the year was devoted to work. The school-house 
that the children of that district attended was built 
mostly of buckeye logs, hewn on two sides. Slabs 
and planks surrounding the fireplace, in the center, 
formed the seats of the youthful seekers after 
knowledge. When necessary to heat the building 
a fire was built and the smoke coaxed to ascend 
outward by means of a stick and mud chimney, all 
not escaping by that means finding ready access 
to the outer air through the numerous cracks in the 



walls. Although his school facilities were so mea- 
ger, yet he there laid the foundation of the love of 
learning that has remained with him until the 
present day, making him an authority among his 
neighbors on many disputed points, especially in his- 
tory, in which subject a naturally good memory. 
kept in constant practice by abundant and judi- 
ciously selected reading, enables him to keepabreast 
of the times, and supplies the lack he might other- 
wise feel of a better education in his youth. While 
on a visit to relatives at Springfield. III., he became 
acquainted with Joe. Agey and Ed Randal, who 
engaged him to drive a team for them to Kansas. 
Border- ruffianism prevailed in that region in those 
days, which soon disgusted him. and he returned 
home, remaining until September. 1862. at which 
time he enlisted in Company K., 71st Indiana In- 
fantry, for three years or during the war. He was 
mustered into the service at Penny's Mills. Ind., 
whence they went to Terre Haute and afterward to 
Indianapolis, at each of which places they weie 
drilled preparatory to going South for active ser- 
vice. At the battle of Richmond, Ky., he nobly 
sustained his part, fighting desperately until cap- 
tured by the Confederates under the renowned 
Kirby Smith. The prisoners were parol led and 
permitted to return to Terre Haute, where they re- 
mained until exchanged. He was then assigned to 
guard duty at Indianapolis, serving faithfully 
through the winter of 1862-63. Owing to ex- 
posure while there, he was taken ill with pneumonia 
and nearly succumbed to its attack; but in the 
providence of God he rallied sufficiently to yet 
about, although he was not able to do anything 
but light work for a period of about four years. 
In the latter part of April, 1863, he was discharged 
on account of physical disability, having been in 
the United States service a year lacking five days. 
Coming home he operated his father's farm in Eu- 
gene Township, Vermillion Co., Ind., for a number 
of years. In the year 1 873, the 3d day of ( Ictober, 
he was married to Mi>s Louisa Murrey. This lady 
had an eventful experience in her youthful days. 
Being born in New Orleans before the war, and 
losing her mother while yet a child, her father had 
her conveyed up the Mississippi River to an uncle 
and aunt living in Mississippi. Being Unionists 



5 i s 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



when the war broke out, they were in great peril 
for sometime, but succeeded in escaping on a 
steamer coming North. Reaching Eugene Town- 
ship, they settled there, and in that pleasant lo- 
cality the amiable Mrs. Fultz blossomed into 
womanhood. While living there she made the 
acquaintance of the subject of this sketch, and, as 
before stated, was united in marriage with him. 
In the spring of 1874 they came to their present 
farm, securing at first sixty acres, which formed 
the nucleus of their present large possession. In 
politics Mr. Fultz is a strong protectionist, agreeing 
in that respect with the majority of the Republican 
party, to which he adheres. 

Believing in progress as he does, and having 
such a high regard for education, his neighbors 
have shown their appreciation of his merits by 
electing him School Trustee of the township, a po- 
sition he is eminently qualified to fill. Their fam- 
ily lias been increased by the addition of seven 
children, named respectively: John. Mary E., Olive 
M.. Owen Wendel, Nancy, Lola M. and Carrie. 
Jacob Fultz is one of the best known men in 
Georgetown Township. Being endowed by nature 
with a good judgment, he readily distinguishes in 
reading between meritorious works and those of 
little or no intrinsic worth. His happy disposition 
makes him an agreeable companion among friends, 
while his generous and public-spirited actions com- 
mend him to progressive citizens every where. Hav- 
Ln'ga profound mind as well as a retentive memory, 
he has escaped the misery of those narrow-minded 
men whose ideas all run in one groove, and instead 
enjoys the blessing of the liberal-minded, who see 
good in many places where inferior intellects see 
only evil. Being fond of literature, he seldom lets 
an opportunity pass of securing a good book when 
one is brought to his notice. He enjoys, more- 
over, that great boon, a good home, and his love 
for his family and honest pride in their well-being 
is fully returned, his children not only holding him 
in affectionate regard, but respecting his honest 
worth as well. 

Following the occupation of our first parents, he 
does not disdain to use his intelligence in directing 
the operations of his farm, but uses his best efforts 
to pursuade mother Earth to yield him her choicest 



treasures. Any one wishing to know " how doth 
the little busy bee," ma}' easily and pleasantly se- 
cure the information by calling on Mr. Fultz, who 
will be delighted to give them an object lesson on 
his farm, where numbers of the little creatures 
'•improve the shining hours," to his profit and the 
visitor's enlightenment. A generous hospitality is 
extended to guests by Mr. Fultz and his estimable 
wife. A lithographic view of their home appears 
elsewhere in this volume. 




AVID S. DICKEN. Here and there we 
)j find an individual who first opened his eyes 
to the light during the pioneer days of 
this county, and practically grew up with 
the country. The early impressions which those 
youths received were such as would naturally de- 
velop within them health and strength, both of 
mind and body, and they have almost without ex- 
ception attained to a worthy and vigorous man- 
hood. The subject of this notice was at an earlv 
age introduced to labor, and has come out of his 
struggle with the world with a competence for his 
old age. He is now retired from the active duties 
of life, and lives comfortably in a pleasant home at 
Ridge Farm. 

Our subject was born on section 1, Elwood 
Township. May 14, 1836, anil is the son of John 
C. Dicken, deceased, the latter a native of Ken- 
tucky. His paternal grandfather was born in Vir- 
ginia, and coming West at an early day, was the 
third settler on Coleman's Prairie, Vermillion Co., 
Iiul., to which Mr. Coleman and one Mr. Hopkins 
had preceded him. In 1832 he came to this county 
and settled in Elwood Township. The maiden 
name of the mother was Hannah Golden, daughter 
of William Golden, and the parental househeld in- 
cluded ten children. Of these only three are living 
— David S., our subject; Julia A., Mrs. Burchett, 
of Paris, and Susanna, Mrs. Porter, of Prairie 
Township, Edgar County. 

The father of our subject removed to George- 
town in the spring of 1853, and to the Ridge in 
the following fall. He put up a store and carried 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



549 



on genera] merchandising several years. In 1857 
lie went to Newman and built the first store in that 
place, lie sold goods there two years, then re- 
turned to the Ridge and died in the early part of 
187.'3. The mother had passed to her final rest in 
L860. 

Mr. Dicken, our subject, attended first the com- 
mon school. In Georgetown he attended a High 
School, •which was considered the best institution of 
the kind in the county. Later he began an ap- 
prenticeship at harness-making, which he followed 
several years, and finally established in business for 
himself, conducting a large trade. During the pro- 
gress of the Civil War, and soon after the call for 
three years' troops, he enlisted in Company A, 
25th Illinois Infantry, in June, 1861, going in as a 
private. Later he was promoted to a Sergeant, but 
on account of disability was obliged to accept his 
honorable discharge, March 9, 18G3. 

Mr. Dicken assisted in raising Company E, 135th 
Illinois Infantry, in May, 1864, for the 100-days' 
service. He was elected First Lieutenant, served 
out his time, then enlisted, in February. 1865, in 
Company E, 150th Illinois Infantry. While at 
Camp Butler lie was made Quartermaster Sergeant, 
and when the first vacancy occurred was made Sec- 
ond Lieutenant of Company F. in the same regi- 
ment. Subsequently he was commissioned First 
Lieutenant of Company II, 136th U. S. Colored 
Troops. After three week's service he was elected 
Captain, but was discharged before receiving his 
commission. He now draws a small pension. 

Our subject was appointed to the Railway Postal 
Service in January. 1872. first on the Chicago, 
Danville A' Vincennes, then transferred to the Illi- 
nois Central and Rock Island Roads mostly, until 
sending in his resignation on account of ill-health. 
Oct. 27. 1883. lie was first assistant at the post- 
office in Danville, one year under Mr. Jewell, 
which position he held until failing health compelled 
him to retire. He has thus been about seventeen 
years in the United Stales service, during which 
time he discharged his duties in that faithful and 
conscientious manner which made for him many 
friends. 

The 11th of September, 1859, witnessed the mar- 
riage of our subject with Miss Ann M., daughter of 



William Crawford, one of the earliest settlers of 
this county, and now deceased. Of this union 
there have been born three children, the eldest of 
whom, Ida M., mairied Charles E. Chesley, of Dan- 
ville, and is the mother of two children — Buelah and 
Edna; Eftie R. married Dr. D. C. Hinshaw, of 
Ridge Farm, and of whom a sketch appears else- 
where in this volume; Mark L., the youngest of 
the family, makes his home with his father. The 
mother of these children departed this life April 3, 
1874. Our subject contracted a second marriage. 
May 12, 1886, with Mrs. Mary F. Little, widow of 
George C. Little, and daughter of Dudley Mc- 
Clain (deceased), and niece of Deacon Allen Mc- 
Clain. of Urbana. Mrs. Dicken had one child by 
her first husband, Lewis McClain Little. She was 
born at Old Bloomfield, this State, and is a lady 
prominent in her community, beinga devout mem- 
ber of the Baptist Church, and a busy and earnest 
Sunday-school worker. Mr. Dicken was the first 
Commander of the G. A. R. Post at Ridge Farm, 
and is still connected with the organization. He is 
widely and favorably known to most of the older 
residents of the county, is an honest man : nd 
good citizen, and has contributed his full share 
toward the development of her most important 
interests. 



—I- 



*W* 



and 

the 
kes 



'f|f_ENRY C. ELLIOTT, Attorney-at-Law t 

if )V Notary Public, is also President of 
j I III 
'*%?' County Hoard of Supervisors and ma! 

((j^ his home and headquarters at Ridge Farm. 
He is now entering upon his second term as a mem- 
ber of the Board, and is fulfilling the duties of his 
position in a manner creditable to himself and 
satisfactory to his constituents, lie is very popu- 
lar among his fellow citizens, a man of a very 
bright, mind and more than ordinarily well in- 
formed. His aim is to excel in whatever he under- 
takes, and there is a fair prospeel of his attaining 
to his best ambitions. 

A native of Wayne County, [nd., .Mr. Elliott 
was born Aug. 1. 1843, and i< the son of Nathan 
Elliott, a native of South Carolina and now de- 



550 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



ceased. The family left the South, removing to 
Indiana, when Henry C. was a small boy. They 
were among the earliest pioneers of that region, 
settling in the woods when Indians and wild animals 
abounded. The mother in her girlhood was Miss 
Naomi Mendenhall, also a native of North Caro- 
lina. Eight children were born to the parents, 
seven of whom arc living and of whom Henry C. 
is the eldest. His sister, Annie E., Mrs. Rork, is a 
resident of Sullivan, this State. Wesley lives at 
Pilot Grove; Alvin makes his home in Cowley 
County, Kan.; Clayton B. lives in Elwood Town- 
ship, this county; Mary E., Mrs. Stogsdill, is a 
resident of Spencer, Iowa; Delphia, Mrs. Lynch, 
resides in Ridge Farm. Prior to his marriage with 
the mother of our subject, Nathan Elliott was 
married to Elizabeth Maxwell, and to them there 
were born three children, only one of whom is 
living — John, of Elwood Township. 

The Elliott family came to Elwood Township in 
1855, settling one and one-half miles southwest of 
Ridge Farm, where our subject pursued his primary 
studies in the district school. He remained a 
member of the parental household until the out- 
break of the war, then enlisted as a Union soldier 
in Company A, 79th Illinois Infantry, under com- 
mand of Col. Buckner. He met the enemy in 
battle at Rock Face Ridge. Dandridge, Resaca, New 
Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain, Marietta, Rose- 
ville, Peach Tree Creek, Atlanta, Chattanooga and 
Nashville. lie was wounded at Atlanta July 22. 
1864, but only disabled a short time, and remained 
with his regiment until the close of the war, re- 
ceiving his honorable discharge in June, 18G5. 

After the war our subject returned to this coun- 
ty, teaching school three winters thereafter and 
farming in summer until 1872. Then, repairing 
to Danville, he entered upon a regular law course, 
and later served four years as Justice of the Peace. 
We next find him in Newman, Douglas County, 
where he entered upon the regular practice of his 
profession, and remained until the fall of 1882. 
Afterward he spent four years in Menard and 
Sangamon counties, principally engaged in the in- 
surance business. He returned to the Ridge in 
1886 and continued his practice witli excellent 
results. He was elected Supervisor in the spring 



of 1888, and re-elected in 1889 with little or no 
opposition. He discharges the duties of Chairman 
of the Board with dignity and excellent judgment, 
and has ever evinced a genuine interest in the wel- 
fare of his adopted county. While teaching in 
Edgar County he served as Justice of the Peace 
two years, and one year was the Tax Collector of 
Ross Township. 

Mr. Elliott was married on the 7th of March, 
1867, to Miss Rebecca, daughter of William Mills, 
one of the earliest pioneers of this county and 
now deceased. Five of the 3even children born 
of this union are living, namely: Oliver M., Annie 
P., Mary, Flora and Blanche. One daughter, ( )ra, 
was taken from the home circle by death when a 
maiden of sixteen years. In this o;reat affliction 
Mr. and Mrs. Elliott were given the deep and 
and heartfelt sympathy of their hosts of friends. 
Another daughter, Emily, died in infancy; Oliver 
is in the employ of the Missouri Pacific Railroad, 
with headquarters at St. Louis. Mr. ami Mrs. 
Elliott are members of the Friends' Church at 
Ridge Farm and our subject is a sound Republican. 
Socially, he belongs to the Modern Woodmen, and 
as an ex-soldier is a member of the G. A. 1!. 



AMES W. FISK. In connection with the 
history of the men who came as pioneers to 
this county, there is more of interest, per- 
fiffljl ' haps, than can be centered in any other 
period of its existence; and they who looked upon 
Central Illinois when it was in effect a wilderness, 
and who assisted in the development of its rich re- 
sources, have made for themselves an enduring 
name, which from this time on is destined to be 
perpetuated, for the people of to-day realize fully 
the importance of preserving from oblivion the 
records, which, as time goes on, seem to increase 
rather than diminish in value. 

In the subject of this notice we find one of the 
leading men of Ridge Farm (having served one 
term as President of the Board of Trustees of the 
Village, and one term as a member of that body ). 
and at present a successful dealer in agricultural 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



551 



implements, buggies, carriages, wagons and farm 
machinery. The earlier years of his life were rilled 
in with arduous labor, during which time he devel- 
oped strength of muscle, and those qualities of mind 
which have made him one of the most reliable and 
substantial men of his community. He was born 
six miles north of Greencastle, Putnam Co., Ind.. 
July 10, 1834, and is the son of Col. James Fisk, 
one of the pioneers of that county. The latter is 
still living, and is now eighty-four years old. He 
was born in Virginia, and removed to Indiana as 
early as 1825. His father, John Fisk. became a 
resident of Montgomery County, Ky., when James 
was a boy. and settled among the Indians, whom 
he often met in bloody conflict. He also served as 
a soldier in the Revolutionary War. Col. James 
Fisk married Cassander Frakes, daughter of Jo- 
seph Frakes, also a revolutionary soldier and a 
great Indian fighter. The men of this branch of 
the Fisk family were noted for their courage and 
daring,- having been engaged in every one of our 
country's wars, and the women for their virtue and 
common sense. 

James W. Fisk began his education in a subscrip- 
tion school conducted in a log cabin, the seats 
made of split logs, the floor of the same, and the 
clapboard roof held to its place with knees and 
weight poles. The master began the exercises of 
the day by administering the rod to those boys 
whom he considered needed it most, and among 
them, young Fisk received his share. After coming 
to this State, he attended a more advanced school 
in Paris, in 1850. and made his home in Sims 
Township. The first house in his father's neigh- 
borhood whose roof was constructed without 
weight poles, was the dwelling of Joseph Albin, 
and the roof of this was fastened by means of 
gimlet holes with pins driven in, and was consid- 
ered quite stylish. 

In 1857, starting out for himself, our subject re- 
paired to Coles County, where he harvested one 
crop. He then took up his residence in Clark 
County, of which he was a resident until April. 
1884. In the meantime, during the progress of 
the Civil War. he enlisted in Company A, 38th 
Indiana Infantry, in which he served nine months, 
mostly as wagon-master, participating in some of 



the most noted battles of the Rebellion, and in the 
memorable march to the sea. In May, 1865, he 
received a sunstroke, which disabled him for three 
months. Although not being engaged in active 
battle, he saw much of the hardships and priva- 
tions of a soldier's life — enough to make him. like 
thousands of others, long for the return of peace. 

Prior to entering the army, Mr. Fisk was mar- 
ried, Jan. 25, 1858, to Miss Sarah A., daughter of 
Emanuel and Mary J. Dodd. This lady was born 
in Clark County. 111., April 2, 1843. and they be- 
came the parents of four children. Of these but 
two are living — Robert W., born Nov. 7, 1858, 
and James E., Sept, 21.1 863. James E. married Miss 
Maggie E. Horner, and is the father of one child, 
Earl A.; he has been in ill health for the past three 
years, but is at present City Marshal of Ridge Farm 
One son, Albert S., died Oct. I. 1880, when a 
promising young man of twenty years. Both Mr. 
and Mrs. Fisk are members of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, and formerly attended Wesley 
Chapel in Clark County. 

Emanuel Dodd, the father of Mrs. Fisk. was 
born near Dayton, Ohio, Feb. 12, 1816. He came 
with his parents, when a boy, to Clark County, this 
State, they settling, in 1830, on a tract of wild 
land at a time when Indians were plentiful and wild 
animals — deer, panthers and wolves — abounded. 
The father of Mrs. Fisk carried on farming, and 
later conducted a hotel in Melrose for many years. 
The maiden name of the mother was Mary J. 
Wells. Their family consisted of two children 
only — Mrs. Fisk, and her brother. Frank, who is 
twenty years younger than she. Mrs. Fisk became 
the mother of two children before her brother, 
Frank, was born. The latter is a resident of .Mel- 
rose. 

Mrs. Mary J. (Wells) Dodd departed this life 
Dec. 31. 1880, and the father of Mrs. Fisk died 
June 9, 1884. Mrs. Fisk has been the true pioneer 
wife and mother in every sense of the word, and 
has done a great deal of hard work in her time. 
Dining the absence of her husband in the armj-, 
she plowed with oxen, planted corn with her own 
hands, and performed all kinds of a man's labor 
with the exception of making rails ami cradlincr 
wheat. In the meantime she exerted herself in the 



o.">2 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



education of her children, and bestowed upon 
them that careful, motherly training which no con- 
scientious woman is willing to dispense with. She 
deserves special mention among those whose names 
are honorably recorded in this volume. 




Q WILLIAM II. MILLS. The farming com- 
/' munity of Carroll Township is composed 
of a large number of more than ordinarily 
intelligent and progressive men, and among them 
may be numbered Mr. Mills, who evidently has the 
proper conception of life in the country and the 
advantages to be derived therefrom, as a means of 
expanding the mind, the tastes and the intellect. 
While an excellent business man and prosperous in 
tile accumulation of this world's goods, he does not 
place the acquisition of money above all other things 
but gives due attention to those matters which 
nourish the affections, enlarge the understanding 
and enter into the home life, making it beautiful 
and the condition most to be desired on earth. In 
his worth} 7 ambitions and his cultivated tastes, Mr. 
Mills has a most ardent sympathizer and helper in 
the person of his amiable and accomplished wife, 
who has illustrated in a marked manner the influ- 
ence which a woman may have in the construction 
of a home and the happiness of a family. The 
Mills farm in all its appointments very nearly ap- 
proaches the ideal country estate, set in the midst 
of peace and plenty and with the surroundings 
which are so delightful to contemplate. 

Our subject, a native of this county, was born 
in Elwood Township Feb. 18, 1843, and spent his 
boyhood days at the old Mills homestead. He was 
at an early age trained to habits of industry and 
while pursuing his studies in the district school, 
likewise pursued an excellent course of reading at 
home under the instruction of his excellent mother, 
the father having died when he was a small child. 
He and his brother Richard, at the ages of twelve 
and ten years respectively, practically assumed the 
management of the farm and a few years later en- 
gaged successfully in the live-stock business, send- 
ing annually to market large numbers of fat cattle. 



Mr. Mills and his brother have worked and 
farmed together since boyhood and still continue 
in partnership. They have been phenomenally 
successful and are numbered among the substantial 
and influential men of the county. In addition to 
general farming and cattle-raising, they are distin- 
guishing themselves as skillful breeders of Clydes- 
dale horses and are able to exhibit some very fine 
and valuable animals. William II., in 1879 was 
united in marriage with Miss Anna Woodyard. who 
was born in Wirt County (now West) Virginia, 
Dec. 23, 1849. Her parents were Louis and Cath- 
erine (Wiseman) Woodyard, also natives of the Old 
Dominion, and who came to Illinois in April, 1 8(15, 
stopping in Paris, Edgar County, two weeks. Upon 
the day of Lincoln's assassination they removed to 
the farm which thev now own and occupy in Ross 
Township, that county. Their eleven children 
were all born in Virginia. The eldest son, William, 
is still living there and occupied as a merchant, in 
Spencer; he has been prominent in politics and is 
a member of the State Senate. Harriet is the 
widow of Senator Alfred Foster of West Virginia, 
and makes her home with her father in Ross Town- 
ship, Edgar County. Senator Foster came to Illi- 
nois about 1867, and died here some few years 
later. Caleb is one of the leading farmers of Ross 
Township; James owns a farm and resides near 
Parsons, Kan.; Mary is the wife of Abe Pribble of 
Prairie Township, Edgar County; Isaac is farming 
in Ross Township, that count}'; John is a grain 
buyer of Woodyard Station and makes his home 
with his parents; Frank is farming in Prairie 
Township; Emma is the wife of Louis Riffe, a dry- 
goods merchant of Craig, Mo. 

Mrs. Mills was a young girl of fifteen years 
when her parents came to Illinois, her life prior to 
this time having been spent among the mountains 
of her native State. She attended school quite 
steadily until the outbreak of the Rebellion, and 
was a pupil in the district school after coming to 
this State. She remained a member of her father's 
household until her marriage. Afterward Mr. 
Mills and his wife took up their abode at their 
present homestead, the old Holiday farm which 
Mr. Mills had purchased prior to his marriage and 
which comprises a little over 241 acres of land. 




^Jbltdty 



ckjmxl 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



555 



The two brothers are the proprietors together of 
700 acres and operate under the finn name of R. 
& W. II. Mills. 

To our subject and his estimable wife theie has 
been born one child, a daughter. Blanche, July 30, 
1880. Politically. Mr. Mills affiliates with the Re- 
publican party. He is the pronounced friend of 
education and donated $200 to the Vermilion 
Grove Academy. His father, John M. Mills, was 
horn in Knox Count}', Tenn., and came to Illinois 
with his parents when a boy of five or six years. 
He was the son of John and Charity (Mendenhall) 
Mills who emigrated from Tennessee at an early 
day, settling in this county when Indians and wild 
animals were plentiful. He chose farming for his 
vocation and when reaching man's estate was mar 
ricd to Miss Elizabeth Mendenhall. They became 
the parents of three children, the eldest of whom is 
a daughter, Jane, who is now Mrs. Maddock and a 
resident of Bloomingdale, Ind. The others were 
Richard and William II. , our subject. 

Mrs. Elizabeth (Mendenhall) Mills was born 
near Xenia, Greene Co., Ohio, and is now an in- 
telligent old ladj- of seventy-two years. She makes 
her home with Richard, her son. The wife of our 
subject is a member in good standing of the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church. 

— . •- ."^-^JSi**-^. _/. _ 



^p* IIARLES S. YOUNG, a prominent citizen 
'1'^. of Vermilion County and one of its leading 
^^! agriculturists, is distinguished as having 
been one of the very early settlers of the cour.ty. 
Coming here in 1829, he has not only witnessed 
almost its entire growth, but has been an important 
factor in bringing it to its present high condition 
as a wealthy and flourishing community. He owns 
not less than twenty-five farms within the limits of 
Vermillion County, and cultivates a large number 
of acres from which he derives a fine income. 
His home for many 3'ears has been on his estate on 
section 21, Newell Township, where he has erected 
a substantial and roomy set of buildings, includ- 
ing a handsome residence, second to none in the 
township in beauty of architecture and neat appoint- 



ments. Mr. Young is literally a self-made man, as 
he began life without any means, and when he 
came here he had only an eagle, a half dollar and 
twenty-five cents in his pocket. That small sum 
of money handled judiciously proved the nucleus 
of a fortune in his hands, and to-day he stands 
among the richest men in this locality. 

Our subject is a Kentuckian by birth, born in 
Woodford County, Sept. 16, 1809, the second of 
five children of James and Lucinda (Baldwin) 
Young, the former a native of Woodford Count}', 
Ky., and the latter of Culpeper Court House, Va. 
They married and settled in Woodford County. 
Ky., where they spent their entire wedded life. 
He died in Harrison, and then she came to Ver- 
milion County and made her home with our subject 
till death called her hence. Charles Young, of this 
sketch, was reared to manhood in his native county, 
living there until he was nineteen years old. He 
married there, and in 1829, coming to Vermilion 
County, settled in Newell Township on the 11th 
day of October, sixty years ago. He purchased 
eighty acres of wild prairie land three miles south 
of his present residence, and lived there for many 
years. In 1857 he purchased the property which 
has ever since been his home. He has met with 
more than usual success, as before noted. He has 
engaged largely in agricultural pursuits and in 
stock-raising, has bought and sold all kinds of 
stock, and has driven horses to the Cincinnati, 
Chicago, Racine and Milwaukee markets. During 
the Mexican war he was operating in Cincinnati, 
and has been extraordinarily successful in all his 
enterprises. He has been connected with numer- 
ous transactions involving large amounts of money, 
although he has never signed his name to anything 
in his life. 

January 14, 1829, Mr. Young's marriage with 
Elizabeth Leonard was duly solemnized in Har- 
rison Count}-. Ky. She was born in that county 
January 27, 1810, and her death occurred in this 
county November 21, 1871 after a happy wedded 
life of more than forty-two years. She was a 
pleasant, kind hearted woman, a sincere Christian, 
and a valued member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, and always took a great interest in all 
religious matters. To her and her husband were 



556 



POBTRAH AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



born nine children, six daughters and three 
of whom the following is recorded: Man I., i- 
liie wife of Milton Hess; Lncindian i- the wife of 
Franklin Stevens; Martha .(. i- the wife of John 
Huffman; Cindicaigth< wife of George Clay pool; 
Noah married Mary Cunningham ; Samantha is the 
wife of Andrew Hoffman; Leonard married 
J. < handler, and died in \" •■ r- 1 n i I i < >i i ( ounty, March 
'.). 1 871 ; James L. married Miss Nancy Silvey, 
who died, and beafterward married Miss Elizabeth 
N orris; Matilda C. married Dean Tomlinson, and 
died in Vermilion < ounty, February, ti. i - 

In this brief life-record of our subject it. will 
be seen that he is a man of more than ordinary 
sagacity, foresight, and shrewd bt bility. 

He has led an honorable, upright life, has wronged 
no one in In extensive dealings, and has 

gained a good name as well as riches, bis 
being as good as a bond wherever be i- known. 
He i- interested in the political situations of the 
day, and is a stanch Democrat of the Jackson ian 
type. A portrait of Mr. Young appears elsewhere 
in thi- work. 



EVJ HENRY GRAVES, belongs to one of 
(J> tin- pioneer families, being the son of James 

J \ and Margaret (Blackburn) Graves, and was 

born Feb. 25, 1827, at the village of Millersburg, 
Ky.. where his father was occupied as a cabinet- 
maker. 'I be family came to Illinois in Septem 
ber, 1828, battled with the elements of life on the 
frontier, and made for themselves an admirable 
record as members of ■■< settlement struggling for 
recognition and destined to form the nucleus of one 
of the most intelligent communities of the 
West. 

James Graves and his excellent wife were natives 
respectively of Mercer and < lark counties, Ky. 
I he paternal grandfather of our subject was ■■> na- 
tive of Scotland and crossed the Atlantic in time 
to assist in the early settlement of Mercer County. 
He was married and reared a family and his son 
James, the father of our subject, signalized himself 
oldier in the War of 1812, fighting under Gen. 
Harrison on the Kiver Thames, in Canada, and be- 



coming a personal friend of the bero of Ti ppeca- 
noe. He was married in Clark County. Ky., 
whither bis father had removed during his boy- 
hood. 

Jam es followed cabinet-making about 

twelve years after coming to Illinois. He made 
his first trip to the State in company with Isaac San- 
dusky and they both took np land in Vermilion 
( ounty, about one-half mile from each other. In 
1828 they brought their families here, settling in 
their new home, in October of that year. Mr. 
Graves prospered in his undertaking and became 
the owner of 400 acres of land in what, is now 
■.I, Township. He departed this life in 
l 857 at the age of sixty-seven years. The mother 
survived her husband thirty years, remaining a 
widow and passing away in 1887 at the advanced 
agi of ninety-three years. They brought with them 
seven children from the Blue Grass State and four 
more were added to the family circle after they 

became residents of Illinois. The eleven were 
named respectively: Greenville H., Evaline, Or- 
ville 8., Cerelda, Joseph B. and James I... twins, 
and Levi Henry; all these were horn in Kentucky. 
The others were: Mary, who died at the age of 
five oi -i\ ears; Franklin, Melvina, and John I... 
natives of Illinois. 

The father of out lly abandoned 

his trade after coming to Illinois and turned his 
attention to farming. Levi II.. our subject, was 
brought here ,'iu infant .-it a time when deer and 
other wild game were plentiful and when the set- 
tlers still felt insecure from the Indian-. On the 
prairie the grass gre^i higher than the back of an 
ordinary horse. Fever and ague added to the 
other discouragements encountering the pioneers, 
hut they were made of -tern -tuit and there were 
but few who withdrew from the contest and sought 
their old home- in the East. All the Graves' 
children were required to make themselves useful 
around the homestead, and our subject when but a 
lad commenced breaking prairie with the old-fash- 
ioned "Kerry" plow and cut grain with the reaping 
hook oi sickle. The introduction of the cradle 
which he remembers well, was looked upon as a re- 
markable invention. Itwas the popular opinion at 
that time that prairie land was of little value so the 



PORTRAIT AM) BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM, 



557 



people settled in the timber from which they 
cleared the trees and cultivated the soil. Verj 
little wheal was used during the first few years, and 
the corn was ground in a mill of very primitive 
construction and operated by horse power. 

Our subject remained at home with bis pan 
until twenty-three years old, but in the meantime 
had been planning for an establishment of hi- own. 
On the 21st of Feburary, 1850, he was united in 
marriage with Miss Matilda, daughtei of John and 
Mary (Medscor) Cook, of Fulton County, to which 
they had emigrated from Ohio. Mrs Graves was 
born in Brown County, Ohio, and was a young 
lady when coming i" Illinois with her parents. 

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. '.rave- settled 
upon a little farm of forty acres in Vermilion 
County, which formed the nucleus of their present 
homestead, upon which they have since lived with 
the exception of three years which Mr. '■ 
-pent in improving a farm in Bureau County, 111. 
Of this marriage there were born fourchildren, the 
eldest of whom a daughter, Olive A., married Lav id 
E. Moon-, and lives in Montgomery County, Kan., 
and is the mother of nine children- Milton A.. 
Levi II.. Matilda. Lydia A.. George W., James A., 
Mary I)., Hannah L. and l>ai-\ : .Mary M. married 
Milton Ashby of the above mentioned county and 
i- the mother of four children — Lillie N.. James 
I... Alva M., and Maud M.; Amanda M. married 
Samuel O'Niel, of Montgomery County, Kan., and 
has two children — .Minnie I., and Gertude. .lame- 
died when two years old. The mother of these 
children passed from earth in l - 

Mi. ' . i -.w e- contracted a second marriage in 1 8f • 1 
with Mrs. Lucinda (Bayless) < handler, daughtei ol 
Samuel Bayless. Her father and mother 

■ ,t the Bio State, where she lived 

until her first marriage, of which there wa- 
one child, a daughter, Mary Alice. Of her union 
with our subject then; are four children — .Marl ha 
15.. Lou A. and Emma v. i wins, and Letta. Martha 
married Luther A. Clingan, a resident ol Gei 
town Township, and they have two children — 
Blanche and Herschell ; t Lou became the wife of 
Dennis ( linan and i- a resident of ' atlin Town- 
ship: they have no children; Emma S. and Letta 
are at home with their parents. The farm com 



prises 340 of prime land upon which Mr. 

Graves has labored industriously for year- and de- 
veloped it- besl resources. He has Labored early 
and late and for the first few years, before the ad- 
of the mower and reaper, swung the cradle jn 
the harvest field and farmed amid the other diffi- 
culties ami disadvantages of thai time. Hi 
strong temperance ad ind in politics a 

warm supporter of the Republican party. He cast 
bis first Pn sidential vote for Henry Clay, being a 
Whig until the abandonment of the old party and 

totally oppo-ed to the institution of davery. lie 

and his wife and their daughters are members in 
good Btanding of the Christian < hurch, in which 
Mr. < .rave- officiates as Elder. 

» OIIN BROOKS. The name- Brooks and 
Brooks Point, bring hack recollection- ol 
early days to all of the older settlers in the 
RmJ southeastern part of this county. Benja- 
min Brooks, father of the subject ol this notice, 
came to this region in the fall of 1821. 
mother, Matilda (Manville) Brool a native 

ol Madison, Ind., and came to this county from 
Ind, They were married in 

Indiana. The father wa- a millwright by trade 
and died from i he effect- oi ague, while building a 
mill on Sugar ' reek. He left a widow with five 
children, and another child wa- horn after his 
death. The second child. David, died in infancy. 
The other- were name. I respectively: Benjamin, 
Polly, Sarah, John and Lucinda. The mol 
married a second time and there were horn five 

children; of this family six are living and 
located mostly in Illino 

John Bn horn March, 20, 1824, in Ver- 

milion County, III. Upon the Becond mania. 
his mother he lefl home and tier. •alter "paddled 

a canoe." When about thirteen years old 
he became a membei ol the family of .John III 
an old Kentuckian and pioneer and remained with 
him seven years. Like Jacob of old, he worked 
, years for a daughter of Mr. Black, Miss 
Louisa T.. to whom he was married in 1837. and 



00« 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



afterward settled near Brooks Point, which was 
named after his father. This marriage resulted in 
Lhe birth of eight children, the eldesl of whom. 
Til la J., became the ife of Thomas W. Blak- 
eiiey. who is represented elsewhere in this work. 
and tfioj live in VVestville; Belle became the wife 
of John Nicln las, .'i railroad man of Westville. and 
they have >ix children — Ed, Lou. Bert, Ella, Dycie. 
and Oney; John P., married Miss Josie Cunning- 
ham and is farmiug in Catlin Township, they have 
three children — Clara, Bobbie and Elsie; Robert 
L. is farming in Dakota, he married Miss Saloma 
Dukes; they have three children — Ethel, Coy, and 
Osa; Martha became the wife of Charles Snook, a 
fanner of Dakota and they have four children — 
Chester, Ada, Ray, and John Franklin; Benjamin 
Franklin, Rosella G., and Sarah E. are living 
•■ th their father. 

Mr. Brooks is supposed to be the oldest pioneer 
in Georgetown Township, if not in the count}', 
having come here as early as 1821. He saw the 
face of the country when it was a wild, uncultivated 
prairie abounding with wild animals, when deer 
were plentiful and when the cabins of the settlers 
were few and far between. He has been a privi- 
ledged witness of the great change, which has trans- 
formed the wilderness into cultivated farms and 
prosperous villages, and has arisen from a humble 
position in life to that well-to-do citizen, the 
owner of two good farms, one in Georgetown and 
one in Catlin Township. Upon becoming a voting 
citizen he identified himself with the old Whig 
party, remaining with it until its abandonment in 
1,856, then cast his lot with the Republicans. This 
party has his warmest support and he keeps himself 
well posted upon currrent events. He is a man of 
decided ideas and one justly proud of his pioneer- 
ship. 

bENRY FLETCHER, The fanners of this 
day read a great deal of literature pertain- 
ing to their calling and they digest it. 
((<g) The time has gone by when agriculturists 
scoff at what has been popularly called "book 
farming." The farmer who reads the most and who 



heeds what he reads, is invariably the man who suc- 
ceed- the best in his vocation. Natural intelligence 
can l>e largely supplemented by judicious reading. 
One of the men who has brought a great deal of 
intelligence to bear upon his business is the person 
whose name initiates this sketch. He never omits 
to do anything that will forward his interests, and 
his information in this respect is gleaned l>3' copi- 
ous reading. 

Henry Fletcher is one of the most prosperous 
and intelligent farmers of this county. He owns 
and operates a large farm on section 32 in Elwood 
Township. He is a native of this county, having 
been born at Vermilion Grove, Oct. 28, 18.31). 
John Fletcher, his father (whose biography appears 
elsewhere in this work), removed to a farm which 
Ins son Henry now owns, in March, 1340. Henry 
received a common school education, which was 
finished at the Bloomingdale Academy, under 
Prof. Hobbs. He was always desirous of attaining 
a good education, and consequently was studiously 
inclined. This desire bore fruit, and therefore Mr. 
Fletcher is in possession of a good common-sense 
education. On the 14th of March. 1861, he mar- 
ried Mahala Ilaworth, daughter of Eli Haworth, 
an early settler of this county. She was born in 
Georgetown, this county, Oct. 15, 1842, and re- 
ceived her education at the public schools. She is 
the mother of eight children, six of whom are liv- 
ing: John Albert L, Marcus S., William R., Lydia 
R. and Ola M.; John married Grace Butler, and 
they are living near Hildreth, III., with their three 
children, Henry, Howard and Charlie 1L; Albeit 
married Belle Newlin; he is living with his father, 
working on the old homestead. 

Mr. Fletcher owns one of the best farms in Ver- 
milion County, everything considered. It consists 
of 333 acres and is all under improvement. Its 
owner has done everything to make it a good farm, 
that intelligence might suggest. He is a fanner 
and a stock-raiser on a large scale, and in this par- 
ticular line he has prospered in a large degree. 
The place is supplied with fine buildings of all 
kinds. The residence is a model of convenience, 
and its interior is furnished in good style. Mr. 
Fletcher has held the office of Highway Commis- 
sioner in Prairie Township, Edgar County, for 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



559 



five years, having lived just across the line for 
eleven years. He has also been a Supervisor, fill- 
ing these offices with rare fidelity. He is an influ- 
ential member of the Friends' Church, to which his 
family also belongs. He is connected with the 
lodge of Modern Woodmen. Mr. Fletcher enjoys 
a reputation among a large circle of acquaintances 
of being a man of good judgment and possess- 
ing all the attributes that belong to a good citizen. 
If there is anything in his community talked of 
that looks to the public good, Mr. Fletcher is in- 
terested in ft, and his undivided efforts can always 
be drawn upon in any project that looks for the 
betterment of his fellow man. 



ftt-^ON. ANDREW GUNDY, one of the promi- 
\(}W' nent merchants and public men of Vermilion 
'iv^ County, was born on the 20th of November, 
(§{*)) 1829. His father and mother. Joseph and 
Sarah (iundy, were natives of Pennsylvania and 
Ohio respectively. They were married in the latter 
State and afterward emigrated to Indiana, where 
they remained for a short time, when they re- 
moved to Vermilion County and settled near 
Myersville. Joseph Gundy was the owner of 
about 4,000 acres of land, which he improved. 
He was counted as one of the leading citizens of 
the county, and sustained an excellent reputation 
for probity and business tact. He died in 1864, 
while his wife preceded him to the grave in 1854. 
A stately monument is erected to their memory in 
the Gundy cemetery, and one which this worthy 
<•< hi [>le deserve, for there were no better people 
living. 

Andrew Gundy received his education at the 
Georgetown High School. After leaving the 
school he embarked in the mercantile business in 
Myersville. where he also was engaged in shipping 
grain and other farm products. He continued in 
this business until 1877 when he gave it up to at- 
tend to the interests of his large farm of 300 acres, 
all of which is improved. As a farmer, Mr. (iundy 
has met with all the success that the most ambiti- 
ous could desire, and he is one of the many men 



who believe that agricultural pursuits are as sus- 
ceptible of intelligent direction as any other. 
There are many fanners in this broad land who 
believe that " book farming" is impracticable, and 
that the authors of the works on agriculture are 
men who know nothing of what they write. This 
is all a mistaken idea, as can be illustrated all over 
the great State of Illinois, where farmers' litera- 
ture is read and digested. As before suggested, 
Mr. Gundy believes that it pays to read up on ag- 
ricultural affairs as well as any other. 

In politics Mr. (iundy is an honest hard-working 
and conscientious Republican, and by his fidelity 
to the party of his choice, coupled with his natural 
abilities, he has risen to be one of the leaders of 
the Republican party in Vermilion County. The 
people, recognizing in him the qualities that unite 
in forming a good officer, have repeatedly elected 
him to responsible positions, and they have never 
been mistaken in their choice. In 1861 lie was 
elected to the office of Supervisor and has held that 
office a great deal of the time since. In 1874 he 
was elected a member of the Lower House of the 
Illinois Assembly, a position he held for two years, 
giving complete satisfaction as a law-maker. He 
served on important committees in the House and 
always voted right. 

Mr. Gundy is an attendant of the Methodist 
Church and is prominent in the affairs of that or- 
ganization. He never married. lie divides his 
time between his agricultural occupation and trav- 
eling. Vermilion County has no better citizen 
than the lion. Andrew (iundy. 



ips^, AMUEL ROSS MORGAN. The man who 
^j^J has lived uprightly, attended strictly to his 
business, defrauded none, and advanced 
the business interests of his community, lias 
made for himself a record which he may justrj 
look upon with pride. He has added dignity to 
his calling whatever it may be. and shown to the 
world what may be accomplished by steady perse- 
verance, courage and industry. 

Mr. Morgan is a leading grocer of Ridge Farm, 



560 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



and one who has performed no unimportant part 
in the development of its various interests. In poli- 
tics he is a sound Republican, and after the election 
of Benjamin Harrison, in the fall of 1888, signal- 
ized his patriotism by one of the biggest bonfires 
of cigar boxes probably ever built of this material. 
The flames crackled and roared, and added meas- 
urably to the general noise and hilarity following 
upon that glorious Republican victory. 

A native of Elwood Township, our subject was 
born March 24, 1836, and is the son of Dr. Levi 
Morgan, deceased. The latter was a nativeof Vir- 
ginia, and came to Illinois in 1834, settling in 
Georgetown, where he engaged in the practice of 
his profession, and conducted a drug store several 
years. In 1838, while on a visit to his native 
Slate he died, in Cambridge. Ohio. Samuel Ross 
was the only child of his parents, and after the 
death of his father his mother removed to Berkley 
County, where our subject was reared, and at- 
tended school at Bunkerhill. His mercantile expe- 
rience commenced when he was a mere boy, and he 
has all his life been more or less in the channels of 
trade. 

In 1870 Mr. Morgan repaired to Baltimore, Md., 
where he was engaged as clerk in a hardware and 
grocery store, but later embarked in the grocery 
business on his own account. He sojourned in 
Baltimore four years, then came to this county, and 
in 1883 established himself in his present business. 
He carries a full stock of everything pertaining to 
his line — groceries, provisions, crockery, glass and 
queensware, cigars and tobacco, having an espec- 
ially fine trade in the latter. He operates with a 
capital stock of $1,800 and his annual sales aggre- 
gate $8,000. His trade and stock are steadily in- 
creasing, while he has a first-class location, and fully 
understands the art of handling goods and dealing 
with customers. Always courteous and obliging, 
those who visit him once are sure to call again. 

Miss Sally S. Dare became the wife of our sub- 
ject Aug. 10, 1 870. She is the daughter of Dr. John 
Dare, late of Baltimore, Md., and was born in Cal- 
vert County, that State. She was reared and edu- 
cated in the city of Baltimore, and is a member of 
the Episcopal Church. Mr. Morgan, aside from 
enunciating his political principles as opportunities 



occur, meddles very little with matters outside of 
his business, although in 1888 he officiated as Vil- 
lage Treasurer. Socially he belongs to the I. O. O. F. 
The pleasant and attractive home of the Morgans, 
situated in the east part of the town, is the resort 
of its best people, and the abode of refined and cul- 
tivated tastes. 



+4hfe- 




"WW 

R. DOUGAN C. HINSHAW. It may be 
safe to say that there are comparatively 
few physicians who have a full sense of 
the vital importance of their calling — 
taken in all its phases — and to what extent the hap- 
piness of mankind is dependent upon their knowl- 
edge of their profession. In order to attain com- 
plete success there must not only be a practical 
and thorough education in the intricacies of the 
art of healing, but a humane and sympathetic 
understanding of the extent to which the mind 
may influence the body. In most cases drugs and 
medicines are of little avail unless other condi- 
tions are equal. The subject of this notice has 
built up a large and lucrative practice, and the 
fact that he is uniformly popular, speaks well for 
him as the humane physician as well as the hon- 
ored citizen. He is a man of fine intellect, a deep 
thinker and an extensive reader, and omits no op- 
portunity of availing himself of the latest methods 
connected with the practice of his profession. 

Dr. Hinshaw has been located at Ridge Farm 
since the middle of August, 1*82. He established 
himself here soon after being graduated from the 
Medical College of Indiana, at Indianapolis, where 
he had taken a three-years' course. For four 
months thereafter he practiced in Vermilion Grove, 
and thence came to Ridge Farm. He is equally 
good in both general practice and surgery. He is 
essentially a Western man, having been born in 
Hamilton County, Ind., April 22, 1858, and is the 
son of John Hinshaw, a native of Randolph 
County, N. C. 

The father of our subject came North in 1851, 
locating in Indiana, of which he is still a resident. 
The paternal great-grandfather of our subject was 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



561 



of Scotch ancestry. Dougan C. first attended the 
common schools of Westfield. in his native county, 
and later attended the High School, from which he 
was graduated in 1 M 7 7 . Suon afterward he began 
the reading of medicine, and in order to augment 
hi? income engaged as a teacher. In 187!) he en- 
tered upon his medical course in the college at In- 
diana, where he paid strict attention to his books, 
with the result already indicated. 

Dr. Hinshaw was married, Sept. 6, 1883, to Miss 
Effie R., daughter of David S. Dicken, of Elwood 
Township, and they are now the parents of two 
children, only one of whom is living — Hazel Bes- 
sie. The Doctor owns a good residence in the 
western part of the town, which is the favorite re- 
sort for the best people of his community. He is a 
Republican, politically, and socially, a member of 
the Modern Woodmen. He belongs to the Society 
of Friends, while his estimable wife in her religi- 
ous belief is identified with the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church. They stand high in social circles, 
and their home is one indicative of cultivation and 
refinement, and whose inmates are surrounded by 
all the comforts of life. 



#-# 



-k— 



ip^ATHAN J. NORRIS, M. D.,son of a pio- 
jlj neer family of Vermilion County, has had 

uk£L) an honorable career in life, both as a skill- 
ful physician and as a practical, successful farmer. 
Within a few years he has retired from the practice 
of his profession and now devotes his time almost 
exclusively to the management of his fine farm in 
Newell Township, on section 2(1. 

The Doctor is a native of Ohio, born in Brown 
County Dec. It, 1824. He comes of good old 
Kentucky families, both of his parents, James and 
Elizabeth (Carter) Norris, having been born in 
that State, children of its early settlers. The 
mother was reared and married there. The father 
was reared in Ohio, but born in Kentucky, and 
subsequently settled in Brown County, Ohio, where 
they remained till the fall of 1833. In that season, 
animated by the pioneer spirit that had actuated 
their sires to penetrate the wilds of Kentucky, they 



set out for the rude, sparsely settled country em- 
braced in Vermilion County, this State, to take up 
their abode among its earliest white settlers. They 
were among the first to settle in what is now Oak- 
wood Township, and there the patient, self-sacrific- 
ing mother died in 1841. The father of our 
subject, after the sad loss of his wife, came to 
Newell Township and here spent his remaining 
days, dying in 1850. 

Our subject was the eldest of the ten children 
born to him anil his wife. He was a lad of nine 
years when he came with his parents to their new 
home in Oak wood Township, and there he passed 
the remaining years of his boyhood and youth. He 
gleaned his early education in the public schools in 
Brown County, Ohio, and in this county, and in 
1854, returning to his native county he took up the 
study of medicine, attending lectures in Cincinnati, 
lie was graduated from the American Medical 
College, in which institution he had maintained a 
high standing among the leading scholars of his 
class. After getting his diploma he began to 
practice his profession in Georgetown, Ohio, where 
he remained till 1864, the skill and success with 
which he treated difficult cases securing him a larp-o 
number of patients. In that year he relumed to 
Vermilion County, and purchasing 110 acres 
of fine farming land in Newell Township 
has since lived here. For many years he was 
in active practice, ranking high among the mem- 
bers of the medical profession in this county, but 
in 1886 he retired from that vocation and has since 
given his entire time to the improvement and 
cultivation of his farm. He now owns 153 
acres of land, and has erected a substan- 
tial set of farm buildings, including a well- 
appointed dwelling, which is one of the mosl 
attractive homes in the vicinity. 

Dr. Norris and Miss Martha Norris were united 
in marriage Jan. 29, 1852. in Brown County, Ohio. 
She was born in that county Feb. 17. 1827. and 
was the eldest of the five children of Nathan and 
Phillis Norris. natives, respectively, of Maryland 
and Kentucky. They married and settled in Brown 
County. Ohio, where they passed 1 heir remaining 
years, he carrying on the occupation of a farmer. 
Dr. and Mrs. Norris are the parents of nine children : 



562 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Nathan J. Jr., Emma P., Lizzie D., John M., Eva, 
Mattie, Luella, William N., Jennie. John M. died 
when about two years old. 

Our subject has been greatly blessed in the 
possession of a wife of high personal character, 
much tact and amiability of disposition, at once a 
helpmate and companion. Their social position is 
among the best people in the community. The 
doctor has mingled much in the public life of the 
township, as his learning and ripe judgment make 
him a wise counselor, and for five years he has held 
the important office of Supervisor. He has always 
manifested a genuine interest in the cause of edu- 
cation, and while serving in the various local school 
offices has promoted it as much as possible. In 
politics he is a stanch adherent of the Democratic 
party. 



|^E ILTON MILLS, of Carroll Township, a 
III \lj gentleman widely and favorably known in 
m lis his community, is a scion of one of the 
* pioneer families of this county and he is 

pardonably proud of the fact that they bore no un- 
important part in its early development. They 
were simple and honest people, Quakers in religious 
belief, and reared their children to habits of in- 
dustry and principles of honor, impressing upon 
their minds the importance of truthfulness, morality 
and industry. 

Mr. Mills has a countenance which indicates the 
results of his early training, which instilled within 
him contempt for a mean action, and the love of 
all which is healthful and broadening, both to the 
heart and intellect. He is prominent in the circle 
of Friends in this county and has taken an active 
part in the Sunday-school carried on by them. His 
father, William Mills, was one of the leading pio- 
neers of Central Illinois and lived in three different 
counties without changing his place of residence — 
all being at one time Edgar County and undergo- 
ing subsequent divisions. He had come to Illinois 
when a young man of twenty years and when this 
region was a wilderness. He was one of the first 
men to build a house within the present limits of 



Vermilion County, and afterwards traveled forty 
miles to mill in Indiana, driving a four-horse team 
and occupying several days in making the journey. 
He transported his live pork on foot to Chicago at 
a time when Indians and wild animals were plenti- 
ful and experienced all the hardships and privations 
of life on the frontier. He was successful as a til- 
ler of the soil, accumulating a comfortable prop- 
erty and rested from his earthly labors in 1872, 
passing away at the old homestead in Elwood 
Township when seventy-four years of age. 

Mrs. Jane B. (Durham) Mills, the mother of our 
subject, was born in Indiana, where she was reared 
to womanhood and came to Illinois with her pa- 
rents. She was married prior to her union with 
Mr. Mills and became the mother of one child — 
Dorcas D. Hunt — who married Josephus Hollings- 
worth and lives in this county. Mr. Mills had also 
been previously married and had become the father 
of five children, viz: Adam M., Sarah J., Arminta, 
Mary A. and Rebecca. To William and Jane B. 
Mills there were born six children — William D., 
Emma, Milton, our subject, Pleasant, Milo E. and 
Everett. The mother died in 1880 at the age of 
sixty-four years. 

The subject of this sketch was born Dec. 1, 1853 
in Elwood Township, this county. The first twenty- 
one years of his life were spent on the farm and in 
attendance at the district schools. Later he pur- 
sued his studies at Vermilion Grove Academy and 
continued a student there mostly during the winter 
season for four years, in the meantime improving 
his leisure time with his books. In November, 29, 
1882, he was married to Miss Nora B., daughter of 
R. \Y . Ashbrook, of Mattoon, 111. He purchased 
his present farm of eighty acres in 1882 and has 
operated it to such good advantage that the whole 
is now in a good state of cultivation, there being 
scarcely a foot of it that does not yield something 
to the proprietor. The residence is beautifully lo- 
cated three miles southeast of Indianola. 

Mrs. Mills was born in Coles County, 111., Nov. 1, 
1857 and I13- her union with our subject has become 
the mother of two bright children — Bessie D. and 
Jane B. Mr. Mills was carefully reared in the 
Quaker faith and since reaching manhood has be- 
come one of the most useful and active members 




RESIDENCE OFJOHNCOLLINS, SEC.9., SIDELL TB,AT3KMIIiION GO. 




ReSUDENGE 0^iVfC)>SlsSRErST«>LI3S. SEC.8,EliWOOD TlVVjffililVMUCKPT Oo. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



565 



of that church, serving in the double capacity on 
the Evangelistic Committee, besides Superintendent 
of the Sunday-school, of which he has been Vice- 
President likewise for the past three years. lie has 
ever maintained a warm interest in educational 
matters and besides being one of the most generous 
patrons of the Vermilion Grove Academy, is serv- 
ing on the Board of Trustees of said academy. Al- 
though strictly a temperance man, he has not 
thought best to identify himself with the Prohibi- 
tionists, but maintains a warm adherence to the 
Republican faith, believing it not the part of wis- 
dom to encourage a third party in politics. 
Through the influence of his honored father, Milton 
while a boy, conceived a strong aversion to the in- 
stitution of slavery and no man rejoiced more when 
the land had been purged of it, together with other 
evils whicli were remedied by the success of the 
Union arms. 

^ OSES REYNOLDS is a leading citizen of 
Elwood Township. The Society of Friends 
and the Vermilion Academy, which are 
located at Vermilion Grove, have in him a 
liberal supporter and an ardent friend. He donates 
largely to the support of his church and the 
educational enterprises connected with it, and the 
sum of money that he yearly gives away to those 
who need it more than he, is known to nobody but 
himself, as he religiously believes in the doctrine of 
not letting the left hand know what the right hand 
does. Enough is known of his character to say 
that his benevolence is proverbial. 

Mr. Reynolds owns and operates a fine farm of 
290 acres of land on sections 5. G, and 8, 
where he carries on an extensive business of 
stock-raising rind diversified farming. He was 
born in Parke County, Ind.. on tiie Gth of 
May, 1830. His father, Mahlon Reynolds, was :i 
native of Randolph County, N. C, whence he 
emigrated to Indiana in 182 -" i , settling first on 
Honej' Creek in Vigo County, six miles below 
Terre Haute, but in 1826 he removed to Parke 
Count} 7 , Ind. He was one of the pioneers of that 




part of Parke County, and his reputation as a man 
was of the highest. His wife. Ruth Rubottom, was 
a daughter of Simon Rubottom, who was the 
father of twelve children: Joel, Linton, Alvira, 
Moses, Elizabeth (Mrs. Folger), Mariam (Mrs. Ha- 
woith), Mahala (Mrs. Wright), Rachael (Mrs. 
Smith), Susan (Mrs. Parker), David, Ruth (Mrs. 
Newlin), and William. The mother of these 
children died on the old homestead in Indiana in 
1866, and the father died in this count}' ten years 
later. 

Mr. Reynolds came to this county in 1854, 
settling where he now lives, lie is engaged exten- 
sively in raising graded Short-horn cattle, and 
Poland-China and Chester-white hogs. He feeds 
and ships a great deal of stock, and in this way 
has become independent. His farm indicates that 
its owner is a man who understands his business 
thoroughly, for everything around it shows thrift 
and intelligence. On the 14th of August, 1851, 
Mr. Reynolds married Eunice Pearson, daughter of 
William Pearson, and to them have been born two 
children: Mary J. and Alvira A. The latter is 
deceased. .Man is the wife of Marion Campbell, 
of Elwood Township. They have had three 
children, one of whom is now living — Paul. 

Mr. Reynolds meddles very little in politics, but 
devotes his spare time to the interests of his church 
and to the Academy of which he is a Trustee. He 
is a Trustee of the property of the Friends' Church 
at Vermilion Grove and holds the position of Over- 
seer in the same society. He is also one of three 
trustees of the funds of the quarterly meetings that 
have been set apart for the education of worthy 
and needy children, and in this position he is 
eminently the right man in the right place. The 
fund alluded to originated in the following manner: 
An unmarried man — Richardson Henderson — died 
leaving $500 to the Quarterly Meeting for the 
purposes before described, and Mr. Reynolds added 
to that sum an equal amount, making a fund of 
$1000, which is invested, and the interest only is 
used. 

Mr. Reynolds' son-in-law. F. M. Campbell, lives 
on the farm adjoining him on the east, and owns 
194 acres of very fine land. Mr. Campbell is 
engaged in breeding fine Norman horses, and 



566 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



his other stock is similar to that raised by his 
father-in-law. lie is also a member of the Friends' 
Church, and was born in Parke County, Ind., but 
was brought up and educated in Vermilion County, 
and has always been a farmer. He and his father- 
in-law are good Republicans. 

Mr. Reynolds is also largely interested in Sunday- 
school work, where he teaches a class regularly every 
Sunday. He has also ably served as Sunday-school 
Superintendent for many years. 

On another page of this volume the residence of 
Mr. Reynolds is presented in a fine view, justly a 
valuable feature of the Album. 



wvV.~>*£e£/ts*$@' 1 



@^g)/OT?>»-~-w»/. 



/OlIN COLLINS. The Irish-American citi- 
! zen has operated largely in the growth and 
development of Vermilion, and he whose 
name stands at the head of this sketch is one 
of the most worthy representatives of his national- 
ity. He owns a good farm of 200 acres, lying 
on sections 9 and 10 in Sidell Township, and has a 
remarkably pleasant home and intelligent family. 
He is one of a pair of twins, born in County Cork, 
Ireland, June 20, 1826. His twin brother, Richard, 
emigrated to America in 1845, and in due time 
wrote back for John to join him here, which the 
latter did; they located five miles south of Boston, 
Mass., and worked in the foundries seven years. In 
1853 they came to La Salle County, this Stale, and 
worked on the Illinois Central Railroad several 
years thereafter. On the 23d of March, 1861, our 
subject was married to Miss Ann Cregor, born in 
1833 in his native country. The}' settled on a farm 
in La Salle County, where they lived a number of 
years, coming thence to this county in 1881. In 
1880 our subject had purchased the farm which he 
now owns and occupies. He also owns 160 acres 
in Shiloh Township, Edgar County, which is ope- 
rated by his sons, Dennis and Michael. 

There were born to Mr. and Mrs. Collins eleven 
children, of whom the third and fourth sons have 
been already mentioned. The others are recorded 
as follows: Richard married a Miss Brown, and 
died in 1884. To them there was born one child. 



now deceased. John is at home with his parents ; 
Dennis married a Miss Burns; Mary married Mr. 
Brown, a farmer, and they have four children: Leo, 
John, Charles, and Richard. Daniel, Bridget, 
Juliana, Margaret, and Ann are at home with their 
parents. The farm is devoted to general agricul- 
ture and is carried on with that thoroughness and 
good judgment which is characteristic of its pro- 
prietor. He has become thoroughly identified with 
American institutions, and is a man greatly attached 
to his family. 

The parents of our subject were John and Mary 
(Carty) Collins, likewise natives of County Cork, 
where they lived on a small farm. Their family 
consisted of five sons and one daughter, of whom 
our subject was the third in order of birth. The 
latter and his estimable wife are members of the 
Catholic Church at Hume. 

A view of the home of Mr. Collins is given in 
this volume, and represents a well-kept country 
residence with pleasant rural surroundings. 



J - 1 AMES McMELLAN, who is one of the most 
popular men of Carroll Township, is oper- 
j ating the celebrated Woodlawn Farm of 200 
acres, where with his excellent wife and his 
two brightand promising boys,hejhasoneof the pleas- 
antest homes to be found in the county. He is 
largely possessed of all the manly virtues, being 
upright, temperate and faithful in the discharge of 
his duties, both in a business and social way. He 
is widely known as having been for years the 
'right-hand man,' of Mr. Harvey Sandusky, a 
wealthy and prominent land-owner of this county 
who for sometime employed Mr. McMellan to look 
after his agricultural interests and his fine cattle. 
In the discharge of these duties Mr. McMellan had 
the satisfaction of leading more prize-winners into 
the show ring at the county and State fairs than 
any other man in Illinois. 

The subject of this notice was born in Greene 
County, East Tenn., Sept. 17, 1853, and is the 
son of John D. and Rachel (Rector) McMellan, 
natives of Tennessee and the father a saddler by 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



567 



trade. The latter after the death of his Brst wife, 
remarried and moved to Missouri where he spent 
his last days. The mother of our subject died in 
I l-reenville, Term., at the age of forty years, .lames 
R., our subject, was the eldest of her two sons, the 
younger being .John, who is now living in Mis- 
souri. Of the second marriage of John I). McMel- 
lan there were born four children. 

During the Civil War the father of our subject 
was pressed into the Confederate service and James 
went to live with his grandfather Rector, in East 
Tennessee, where he received only limited educa- 
tional advantages, attending school only a few 
months at the close of the war. lie worked mostly 
on the farm and Anally was persuaded by an aunt 
to come West. lie made his way to Logan County, 
this State, and worked there two and one half years 
upon a farm. Then desirous of a change he emi- 
grated to Indianola and entered the employ of Dr. 
Ralston, with whom he remained one year. In the 
meantime he formed the acquaintance of .Mr. Har- 
vey Sandusky, and in due time assumed charge of 
his fine cattle, remaining in the employ of this 
gentleman for a period of ten years. In the mean- 
time, taking with him some of the finest specimens 
of their fat cattle, he visited the fairs at Lafayette, 
Indianapolis. Chicago. Kansas City. Peoria. Spring- 
field, St. Louis. .Mo., and many other places. A 
warm attachment sprang up between the two men 
and Mr. McMellan was at the bedside of his friend, 
Mr. Sandusky, at the time of his death. 

The marriage of James McMellan with Miss Ida 
Dye was celebrated in Carroll Township, in 1880. 
Mrs. McMellan is flic- daughter of John Dye. a son 
of Lawrence Dye, one of the oldest pioneers of 
Georgetown Township. Mr. Dye was a man pos- 
sessing some peculiar traits of character, was a 
strong Presbyterian in his religious views, was 
peculiarly kind and genial in his disposition, a 
great lover of music and a universal favorite in his 
community. His wife was the daughter of Col. 
Girard of Mexican war fame and a good man in the 
broadest sense of the term, strictly, temperate, hon- 
est and upright, kind in ins family and a generous 
neighbor. Everybody knew Col. Girard and every- 
body was his friend. 

To the parents of Mrs. McMellan there were born 



nine children and Miss Ida inherited from her 
father a great taste for and love of music. It was 
not the lot of Col. Girard to become wealthy, and 
when a young girl Miss Ida entered the employ of 
Mrs. Sandusky, with whom she remained the long 
period of eleven years, her faithful and trusted 
maid and companion. She there met her future 
husband, our subject, and they, living under one 
roof for many years, had a good opportunity to 
become acquainted. ( )f this congenial union there 
were born two children only — Harvey and James 
S.. who are bright ami promising boys aged seven 
and one years respectively. 

Politically, Mr. McMellan is a stanch supporter 
of the principles of the Republican party, and soci- 
ally he belongs to the Masonic fraternity. His 
estimable wife is a member in good standing of the 
Methodisl Episcopal Church. It. is generally con- 
ceded that there is not a more hospitable roof in 
Carroll Township than the house at Woodlawn 
Farm, and no host and hostess who extend to their 
guests a more high-bred and hearty welcome. 
Neither friend nor stranger departs from their door 
with other than a comfortable feeling and a sen- 
sation that it was good to be there. 




„ NDERSON DUNAVAN. The labors of 
this honest, upright and well-to-do citizen 
have resulted in the possession of a well- 
QJ regulated farm of 170 acres, on sections 

1 and (!. in Georgetown Township. The greater 
part of this the proprietor cleared from the forest, 
and labored early and late for many years in order 
to bring it to its present condition. By the exer- 
cise of great industry, frugality and good manage- 
ment, he has accumulated sufficient means to proteel 
him against want in liis declining years, while his 
career as a citizen has been such as to establish him 
in the esteem and confidence of his neighbors. 

The native place of our subject was in Mason 
County, now West Virginia, eight miles above 
point Pleasant, on the Kanawha River. His parents 
were John and Frances (Hughes) Dunavan, the 
former a native of Culpeper County, \'a., and the 



568 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



latter of the same place. The mother's people were 
of English stock, and early residents of Pennsyl- 
vania. Her grandfather served in the Revolution- 
ary War, and was shot through the breast. He 
recovered, however, and lived to be nearly one 
hundred years old. He was provided for during 
his old age by a pension from the Government. 
He traced his ancestry to Ireland, where his fore- 
fathers were mostly linen weavers by trade. 

The father of our subject, with the exception of 
the time spent as a soldier in the War of 1812, oc- 
cupied himself in agricultural pursuits. He and his 
wife spent their last years in Indiana. They were 
the parents of eight children, seven of whom grew 
to mature years — three sons and four daughters. 
Anderson, our subject, was the eldest, and was 
born March 22, 1820. He lived in the Old Do- 
minion until a lad of thirteen years, then emigrated 
with his parents to Indiana, they settling near the 
State line in Vermillion County, Ind. He remem- 
bers the time when there but Ave houses between 
Eugene, Ind., and Danville, 111. As soon as old 
enough, he was required to make himself useful 
about the new farm, following the breaking plow, 
learning to cut wheat with the cradle, and laboring 
in the primitive style, both in sowing and reaping 
the harvests. Upon reaching man's estate he was 
married, May 29, 1844, to Miss Elizabeth Beau- 
champ. 

Mrs. Dunavan was born in Ohio, and removed 
with her parents to Perry ville, Ind.. in 1830. The 
newly wedded pair settled on a farm in Vermillion 
County, Ind., and Mr. Dunavan in due time pur- 
chased 166 acres of land. Later he sold this, and 
crossed the State line into Illinois, purchasing, in 
1855, the farm which he now owns and occupies. 
Much of this was covered with timber, and he has 
cleared all but fifteen acres. 

The eleven children born to Mr. and Mrs. Duna- 
van are recorded as follows: James II. died when 
a promising youth of eighteen years; John A. 
married Miss Rebecca Mossberger, is the father of 
four children, and resides in Douglas County; 
Mary J. married Samuel Hines, and died, leaving 
three children; Harriet J. died at the age of two 
years; Charles W., who remains at the homestead, 
married Miss Anna J. Howard, and is the father of 



one child; David A., also at home, married Miss 
Mary Williams, and has three children; Anderson 
J. married Miss Caroline Cravens, and is the 
father of three children; Edward H. married Miss 
Holder, and lives at the homestead; Edmund II. 
died when three months old; Lottie married Frank 
Breesley, and is the mother of two children, they 
live in this township; Tilda E. is the wife of Till- 
man Wilcox. 

James H. Dunavan during the Civil War en- 
listed in an "Indiana Regiment, and died of the 
measles at home. Mrs. Dunavan is a member in 
good standing of the Christian Church, and a lady 
greatly respected in her community. Mr. Dunavan 
votes the straight Democratic ticket, and has 
served as School Director in this district several 
years. He may properly be classed as a represen- 
tative citizen of Georgetown Township — one who 
has assisted materially in maintaining its reputation 
as a community of law-abiding and intelligent 
people. 



-z&m* 



^^ OLDEN PATTERSON. The gratifying suc- 
<|( g— , cess which has crowned the efforts of the 

^^|( life of Mr. Patterson, is the more noticeable 
and praiseworthy, because of the few opportunities 
afforded him in the earlier days for that training 
and other help that are sometimes considered abso- 
lutely indispensible to a start in life and the suc- 
cess which is desired. In the case before us, the 
subject is one of that class of whom many worthy 
representatives are found in the great West, which 
is best designated by the term "self-made." 

Golden Patterson lives on section 13, range 11, 
Elwood Township, and was born on the old home- 
stead where he now resides, July 17, 1833. His 
father, Andrew Patterson, came from <i ranger 
County, Tenn., in an early day, settling on a farm 
which he then located and upon which his son now 
resides. The country at that time was almost des- 
titute of civilization, and the Indians were prac- 
tically in possession. They roamed about at will, 
although the land belonged to the Government. 
The elder Patterson entered about 500 acres of 
land, for which he paid the government price. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



569 



This land rapidly rose in value, and at this time is 
worth a great deal of money. His wife, whose 
maiden name was Amelia Golden, was a daughter 
of William Golden, a prominent pioneer of Ver- 
milion County. 

The subject of this biography is the youngest of 
six children, five of whom are now living — Will- 
iam. Thomas, Sarah J. (Campbell) of Georgetown, 
Elizabeth (Campbell) of the same place, and Gol- 
den. The mother of these children died when 
Golden was an infant, and the father passed away 
in 1845 at the old homestead. Golden received 
his education at the common schools of his boy- 
hood and at the Georgetown High School. After 
leaving school he learned the trade of a carpenter. 
but followed this vocation but a short time. He 
has always been — with the exception of the short 
time he worked at the carpenter business — a suc- 
cessful farmer. He owns 420 acres of land where 
the old homestead is situated and a quarter section 
in another part of the township, making 580 acres 
in all. Mr. Patterson manages his farm with rare 
intelligence, and in all his operations he has been 
most eminently successful. He takes great care in 
all the work he does, and therein may be attributed, 
to a large degree, his success. 

He has never held any official position, for the 
simple reason that he never has time. Politically, 
he belongs to the Republican party, and may al- 
ways be found in its ranks doing good work. Mr. 
Patterson enjoys the confidence and esteem of all 
his neighbors, and is known by the sobriquet of 
" The Jolly Bachelor " of eastern Elwood Town- 
ship. 

^ HAKLES LEONARD DOWNING, a suc- 
(l(^_, eessful farmer, a defender of the Union dur- 
^^7 ing the late Civil War, and a true Christian 
gentleman, occupies a leading position in the com- 
munity of Georgetown Township, where he has 
been a resident for a period of twenty years. We 
find him in comfortable circumstances surrounded 
by a vety interesting family of intelligent children 
and seemingly in the enjoyment of that which 
makes life most pleasant and desirable. Of this he 



is ampty deserving, having led an upright life and 
to the best of his ability seeking to seta good ex- 
ample to those around him. His homestead com- 
prises eighty acres of choice land on section 7, 
and besides this he cultivates twenty-eight acres 
in the vicinity. His farm buildings, machinery 
and live stock are in excellent condition and in- 
dicative of the progress and enterprise of the 
proprietor. 

The opening years of the life of our subject 
were spent in Mason County, Ky., where he was 
born March 21, 1838. His parents, Robert and 
Susan (Haw) Downing, were natives respectively 
of Kentucky and Ohio, the latter born a few miles 
from the "Beautiful River." They were married in 
the Buckeye State and lived there and in Ken- 
tucky until their removal to Marion County, Ind., 
to which they removed about 1849. The father 
opened up a farm from the wilderness, where he 
spent the remainder of his days, dying in January, 
1882, at the age of sixty-six years. The mother 
still occupies the old homestead and is now about 
seventy-one years old. Their five children were 
named respectively, Allie, Lucretia, Charles L.. 
Susan A. and James Robert, who are all living. 

Mr. Downing attended the common schools of 
Ohio and Indiana, and lived with his father on the 
farm in Marion County, the latter state, until ap- 
proaching the twenty-second year of his age. In 
March, I860, he came to Illinois and engaged to 
work by the month for William Stevens, in Vermil- 
ion County. In December following he returned 
home and in the spring of 1861 entered the employ 
of H. II. Hall, a minister of the Methodist Episco- 
pal Church, in Marion County r , Ind., with whom 
he remained seven years. It is proper to state that 
he began working out summers when a lad of 
fourteen. The winter season was devoted mostly to 
his books, and he attended school during these sea- 
sons until after the outbreak of the Civil War, 
then, desirous of having a hand in the subjugation 
of the rebels, he enlisted on the 12th of March, 
1862, in Company 1), 79th Indiana Infantry, and 
was mustered into service at Indianapolis. He 
drilled there with his regiment two weeks, and in 
less than a month after his enlistment met the 
enemy in the battle at I'ern ville. He afterward 



570 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



fought in some of the most important battles of 
the war, being at Crab Orchard, Stone River, 
Chickamauga, Mission Ridge. Lookout Mountain. 
Knoxville and .Spring Hill, at which latter place 
they remained several days before starting on the 
Atlanta Campaign. On the way thither they en- 
countered the enemy at Buzzard's Gap, Dalton 
and Resaca, Ga., where on the 27th of May, 1863, 
they lost 1,400 men in one hour out of the third 
division of the fourth army corps. Later Mr. 
Downing was with his comrades at the battle of 
Kenesaw Mountain (where the father of Mrs. 
Downing was killed ). After the fall of Atlanta, 
our subiect was in the battle of .Tonesboro, which 
ended that campaign. Thence they retraced their 
steps to follow up the rebel general, Hood, and en- 
tered upon one of the most arduous campaigns of 
the war, which soon afterward came to a close. Our 
subject was mustered out at Nashville, Tenn.. in 
June, 1865, and received his final discharge at In- 
dianapolis the same month. Although he was in 
all the engagements of his regiment he was never 
wounded, and with the exception of four days, 
when he had the mumps, he never lost a roll-call. 

Upon retiring from the army Mr. Downing re- 
turned to his old haunts in Marion County, where 
he entered the employ of Mr. H. H. Hall, and 
three days after laying aside his uniform was cra- 
dling in the wheat field. He continued with Mr. 
Hall until 1868, then returning to Illinois re- 
entered the employ of Mr. Stevens. In the mean- 
time the little orphan girl whose father, Thomas 
Guess, had been killed in the charge on Kenesaw 
Mountain, had been legally adopted by Mr. Ste- 
vens and had now grown to an attractive woman- 
hood. Our subject in due time made her 
acquaintance, and the result was a mutual at- 
tachment which culminated in their marriage. 
Sept. 25, 1868, at the home of the bride's adopted 
father, in Georgetown Township. 

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Downing 
settled on the farm which they now own and oc- 
cupy, and the nucleus of which was purchased in 
the spring of 1869. In 1871 he added eighty acres 
and has since given to it his best efforts, bringing 
the whole to a fine state of cultivation and effect- 
in" modern improvements in the way of fences. 



buildings and the other appliances naturally sug- 
gested to the mind of the progressive agriculturist. 
In the meantime the household circle had been 
gradually enlarged by the birth of eight children, 
who were named respectively. Priscilla M.. Oscar 
J., Frank, Susan, Ella, Lottie, Reason E. and 
Minnie. 

Mr. Downing cast his lirst presidential vote for 
Douglas, and has since given his unqualified sup- 
port to the Democratic party. He has served as a 
Director in his School District, also as Road Over- 
seer. As an ex-soldier he belongs to the G. A. R. 
Post at Georgetown, No. 204. He finds his relig- 
ious home in the Christian Church, to which also 
his wife and daughter. Priscilla, belong, and of 
which he has been a Deacon ten years and a mem- 
ber twelve years. All those enterprises tending to 
the best good of the people, socially, morally and 
financially, have found in him a steadfast friend. 



'if? AMES NEWTON MITCHELL. Perhaps 
no very thrilling event has transpired in the 
life of this steady-going and reliable eiti- 
/ /.en, but he is one of those forming the bone 
and sinew of his community, and one who has as- 
sisted in establishing its financial prosperity, and 
upholding the standard of morality. His life occu- 
pation has been that of a fanner, in which he has 
been very successful, accumulating a good prop- 
erty and fortifying himself against the days when 
perhaps he may be found unfitted for labor. His 
homestead lies on section 12. in Georgetown Town- 
ship, and with its well-tilled fields, substantial 
buildings and general air of plenty and comfort, 
forms a most delightful picture in the landscape of 
that region. 

( lur subject first opened his eyes to the light in 
Brown Township, Montgomery Co.. Ind., April 7, 
l.s.'iii, and remained a resident of the Hoosier State 
until approaching manhood. His education was 
acquired under the primitive methods, and in the 
log school-house of that early day, and when a 
youth of nineteen years he started out for himself, 
i taking a contract to made 5,000 rails at fifty cents 



PORTRAIT. AND BIOGRAPHICAL, ALBUM. 



571 



per hundred, the scene of his operations being in 
Parke County. There also he made the acquaint- 
ance of Miss Sarah E. Harlam, a native of that 
count}', and in due time they were married. The 
spring following they removed to Peoria County, 
111., where they lived eight years, then, in the fall 
of 1858, returned to Montgomery Count}', Ind. 
Sojourning there until the spring of 1861, they re- 
turned to Parke County, Ind. Their family now 
consisted of four children, and the wife and mother 
died upon the place where she spent her childhood 
and youth. Four other children had been born 
and died in the meantime. The eldest daughter, 
Bashaby R., married William Skinner, and died in 
1886, leaving three children — Louis, James Nor- 
man, now deceased, and Harriet E. George II.. a 
grocer of Ft. Scott, Kan., married Miss Laura R. 
Rhuby, and they have two children — Harlam R. 
and Garnett R. ; John F. is a resident of George- 
town Township; he married Miss Cora Pickett, and 
they have one child, Frederick A.; James IX, a 
resident of Vermillion County, Ind., is a wagon- 
maker by trade: he married Miss Cora E. Ilolde- 
way. 

After the death of his wife Mr. Mitchell removed 
to a 'farm of eighty acres in Vermillion County, 
Ind., and on the 28th of September, 1869, was 
married to Mrs. Mary (Cox) Falls. This lady is 
the daughter of John Ritchie and Mary (Cox) 
Ritchie, who were natives of Ohio. The father 
served in the War of 1812, and subsequently occu- 
pied himself as a farmer, carpenter and brick- 
mason. Upon leaving the Buckeye State he set- 
tled in Parke County, Ind.. where he spent his last 
days. The parental family consisted of twelve 
children, ten of whom grew to [mature years, viz: 
Elizabeth, Hester A., Joseph. Melinda, John, Mai}-. 
Eleanor, Edward, Jefferson and Robert G.; two 
died in infancy. 

The present wife of our subject was born in 
Parke County. Ind., and was married in 1851) to 
Mr. Jesse B. Falls, also a native of that county. 
They became the parents of three children — Mary 
E.. John E.. and Joseph I., and Mr. Falls died in 
Indiana. Her wedding with our subject took place 
in Vermillion County, Ind. In 1872 Mr. Mitchell 
sold his Indiana property and came to Vermilion 



County, where he is now the owner of two farms, 
the homestead embracing 1661 acres. His other 
farm is forty-seven and one-fourth acres in extent. 
Our subject and his estimable wife have by their 
present marriage four children— Sarah E., Martha A.. 
Cassius L.. and Josephine II.,. Mr. Mitchell votes 
the straight Republican ticket, and has served as 
Road Master and School Director. He comes from 
old Kentucky stock, being the son of Gabriel and 
Ruth (Van Cleve) Mitchell, who were both natives 
of Shelby County, that State. They were reared and 
married in the Blue Grass regions, where the father 
carried on farming until removing to Montgomery 
County. Ind., in 1827. There he was one of the pio- 
neer settlers. His was the common lotof those who 
had ventured onto the frontier, and he labored suc- 
cessfully in building up a home in the wilderness. 
He was three times married, and had l>v the first 
wife twelve children, namely: Daniel H., who died 
in Kankakee County, this State, at the age of sixtv- 
three years; John W., Margery A., Polly I'... 
James N.. Martha J\ Sally E., Robert L., Minnie 
(deceased), Amelia S., Nancy, and Melina H. The 
mother of these children died in 1847, at the age 
of forty-five years. By his second marriage Gab- 
riel Mitchell was the father of four children, viz: 
David B., Joseph L., Ruth A. and George B. Of 
his third marriage there were no children. He re- 
moved to Wilson County, Kan., in 1870, and died 
in 1879. 

ooo 

ENRY MILLS resides on section 3, Elwood 
}i Township, anil was born on what is known 
as the Thomas Brown farm, near Vermil- 
(|P ion Grove. March 23, 1830. He began life 
poor but has been eminently successful in building 
up a competency. He gives one-tenth of his in- 
come to the support of the gospel, and for benevolent 
purposes, a characteristic which entitles him to the 
name of philanthropist. 

Seth Mills, the father of the subject of this sketch 
was born in Jefferson Count}-. East Tenn.. Oct. 
10, 180."), and was a son of John and Mary (Davis) 
.Mills, who removed to Hie Miama Valley, Ohio, 
in 1806, settling a few miles from Dayton. Seth 



572 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Mills came with his parents to Wayne County, 
IikL. in 1815, and they were consequently among 
the very early settlers of that region. At that time 
there were many Indians roving about, but they 
were peaceable. The heavy beech timber that cov- 
ered that country made it difficult to clear the 
land. The elder Mills, tanned leather and also made 
the shoes for the family. He married Rebecca, 
daughter of John and Julatha Canaday on the 21st 
day of March, 1827, and to this union five children 
were born, three of whom are living: Irena Ha- 
worth, Henry, and Anna M. Ilaworth. The father 
came to Vermilion County in the spring of 1828 
raising a crop of corn that year. In the autumn 
he brought his family here, accompanied by John 
and Herman Canaday and families. An inventory 
of the effect of the elder Mills when he arrived 
here, would exhibit that he had one horse, two 
cows, three calves, a few sheep and fifty cents in 
monej'. He bought a horse soon after his arrival, 
giving 110 days work for it. In 1846 he wrote a 
short sketch of his life from which the above facts 
were gleaned. He died in this township on the 
19th day of August, 1846, his wife surviving him 
for many years, dying at her son Henry's house on 
on the 18th day of July, 1888. This most estim- 
able couple were life-long Quakers, as are all their 
children. They were rigidly honest and when 
the}' left this world, they did not leave an enemy 
behind them. 

Henry Mills received his education at the com- 
mon schools of Illinois and has always worked 
hard since he was old enough. All of his life has 
been spent in this township. He is an Elder in the 
Quaker Church at Elwood and occupies the impor- 
tant office of '"Head of the Church" at that place. 
On the 10th of November, 1852 he was married to 
Mary Folger, who was born in Elwood Township 
also, they are the parents of eight children, seven of 
whom are living: Aaron, Alpheus, Zimri, Marietta, 
Matilda, Seth, and Allen G. Alpheus married 
Matilda Newlin. They are living in the State of 
Oregon and have four children — Lewis, Ella, Jay, 
and an infant boy; Zimri married Miriam Newlin, 
they also reside in Oregon and have two children — 
Dennis C. and Foster M ; Marietta married Levi 
E. Lewis, they are living on the old homestead with 



the subject of this sketch, and have two chil- 
dren — Mary E. and Russell; Matilda is the wife of 
Justin L. Ilaworth, they are living across the State 
line in Vermillion County, Ind., and are the parents 
of two children — Lucy M. and lluber; Lucy is 
deceased; Seth married Rhoda J. Hester, they 
live in this township and have one child — Ola R. 
Henry Mills owns 336 acres of land, where the 
old homestead is located, and forty-seven acres in 
another tract near by. He is engaged in raising 
stock consisting of Short-horn cattle and Poland- 
China hogs. He has been very successful, finan- 
cially, which is due to his industrious habits and 
prudent business management. He believes that 
the Prohibition party is right, and votes the ticket 
upon which is printed the names • of men who be- 
lieve in temperance principles. There is not a 
farm in his township upon which are better build- 
ings, and there is none that is in a higher state of 
cultivation. His wife has been a valuable help- 
mate to him, and she has done her full share in 
placing them in the independent position they now 
occup3'. 

/^APT. FRANK J. PASTEUR, editor and 
f|( proprietor of the Ridge Farm Times, foun- 

v^dy ded this journal in 1887, and is conducting 
it with success. He was born near Wheeling, 
W. Va., Sept. 12, 1838, and came to Illinois with 
his parents, they settling in Griggsville, Pike 
County. He is the grandson of Maj. John Mc- 
Elroy of Revolutionary fame. He enlisted in 
1862, in Company D, 7!»th Illinois Infantry, and 
was wounded in the hip at the battle of Stone 
River, Dec. 31, 1862. 

After recovering from his wound, our subject 
was assigned to duty by the Secretary of War, in 
the Inspector General's department, on the staff of 
Gens. Rosecrans and Thomas, Commanders of the 
Army of the Cumberland. He participated in the 
battles of Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, Resaca, 
Kenesaw, New Hope Church, Siege of Atlanta, 
Jonesboro, Franklin, etc. He is an editor and 
practical printer, and founded the Rossville (111.) 
Press, West Lebanon (Ind.) Gazette, Meredosia 




<JS-J^L 




12- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



575 



* 



(111.) Commercial, and has had a large experience 

as a traveler. He has been nearly all over the 
United States, and to Canada, Cuba and Mexico, 
chiefly in the interest of the metropolitan news- 
papers, and is widely known in the West as a suc- 
cessful newspaper man. 



- *^N^-f-~ 



ffiS-AAC X. BUSBY. Among the retired farmers 
of Fairmount Village, Mr. Busby may be given 
as a fair sample of the worth and respectabil- 
ity which have so many illustrations in this county 
— men who have risen from an humble position in 
life and whose characters have been developed by 
the force of circumstances; while their innate hon- 
esty and integrity enabled them to make for them- 
selves a good record financially and in their busi- 
ness relations. The second in a family of twelve 
children, Mr. Busby was born Nov. 10, 1822, in 
Virginia, and when a child of four years was taken 
by his parents to Madison County, Ind. His child- 
hood and youth were passed amid the wild scenes 
of life on the frontier, as there were less than 100 
people in that county when the Busby family took 
up their abode there. 

The early education of our subject was there- 
fore quite limited, he pursuing his first studies in 
a log school house, averaging about two months in 
the year. As soon as old enough his services were 
utilized upon the new farm, from which he assisted 
his father in clearing the timber, and remained 
with his parents until a young man of twenty- 
three years. He was then married to Miss Sarah 
Ann, daughter of Edward and Margaret (Volen- 
tine) Cotty, Mr. Cotty being a farmer of his own 
neighborhood and the father of eight children, of 
whom his daughter Sarah was the fifth in order of 
birth. 

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Busby settled 
upon a farm belonging to the father of our subject, 
but six months later removed to Pendleton, Ind.. 
where Mr. Busby purchased a half interest in a 
cabinet shop, and carried on this business fur live 
years. Then selling out he changed his residence 



to Miracleville. where he purchased a store of gen- 
eral merchandise, and conducted this two years. 

Selling out once more he came to this county, in 
1853, and purchased a farm in Catlin Township. 
He sold this in 1858 and bought another in Carroll 
Township, to which he removed, and still owns the 
property. In 1858 he came to the farm which he 
now occupies and which comprises 320 acres of 
choice land, nearly all under cultivation. He has 
given some attention to stock-raising, and rather 
prefers it to general farming, although perhaps in 
the latter he has met more uniformly with success. 

Mr. and Mrs. Busby are the parents of a fine 
family of children, eight in number, and all living. 
The oldest, Thomas W., married Miss Amy Ford, 
is the father of four children, and lives in Adah- 
County, Iowa; Alice is the wife of Franklin 
Swisher, of Carroll Township, and they have one 
child; Horace C. left home some years ago, and is 
in the great West; Mary L. is the wife of William 
Carrington. of Carroll Township, and they have 
three children ; Margaret married Charles Cox, 
lives in Fairmount and is the mother of one child; 
John E. married Miss Birdie Turner, and they 
occupy the home farm; they have no children. 
Ira M. and Carrie are unmarried and remain with 
their parents. 

Mr. and Mrs. Busby left the farm in 1886, and 
now occupy a pleasant and attractive little home 
in Fairmount, near that of the well-known Dr. J. 
W. Turner. Mr. Busby owns two and one-half 
acres of land within the corporation, and is 
generally well-to-do, having no cause for anxiety 
as to life's comforts in his declining years. Both 
he and his estimable wife are members of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, and have been very 
active workers in the Sunday-school. Socially, 
Mr. Busby belongs to Fairmount Lodge, No. 590, 
A. F. <fc A. M. 

Our subject for the last eighteen years lias been 
Township Trustee. Politically he is quite con- 
servative, and has a due appreciation of the privi- 
leges of the voting citizen, which are too often 
held in light esteem. During his early manhood 
he belonged to the old Whig party until its aban- 
donment, in 1856. He was not an admirer of John 
C. Fremont, the Presidential candidate of the 



576 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



newly-formed Republican party, neither could he 
conscientiously vote for James Buchanan, the can- 
didate of the Democracy. Scarcely knowing how 
to escape from the dilemma in which he found him- 
self, he and an ardent Democratic neighbor finally 
paired off and decided to dig potatoes all day in 
their adjoining fields, and if either one jumped 
upon a horse and left, the other one was to go and 
vote. They dug industriously all day, and as a 
consequence neither voted at that election. From 
that time Mr. Busby has voted the Republican 
ticket. 

The father of our subject was John Busby, a 
native of Monroe County, Va., and who married 
Miss Phebe Boggess, likewise born in the Old 
Dominion. Grandfather Busby was a native of 
Virginia and the great- grandfather was born in 
England. On the mother's side Grandfather 
Boggess traced his ancestry to Scotland. The 
parents of our subject were reared and married in 
their native State, where they lived until 1826. 
They then emigrated to Madison County, Ind., 
where the father entered 240 acres of land and 
where he sojourned for a period of twenty-seven 
years, enduring the toils and vicissitudes of pioneer 
life. In 1853 he came to this county and purchased 
160 acres of land in Catlin Township. After 
putting in one crop he returned to the Hoosier 
State for his family, removing them here in 1854. 
They lived in a log house a number of years, and 
in the meantime labored in the opening up of the 
farm, their industry and perseverance meeting with 
success. The elder Busby accumulated a good 
property, becoming quite an extensive land-owner. 
He rested from his earthly labors in 1880, and his 
name is held in kindly remembrance by all who 
knew him as having been a useful man in his com- 
munity, and one who ever sought its best interests. 
The mother survived her husband until 1887, 
passing away in Winterset. where the father also 
died. Six of their twelve children are still living 
and making their homes mostly in Illinois and 
Iowa. 

Mrs. Busby was born in Wayne County, Ind., 
May 23, 1826, and there spent the days of her 
childhood and youth. She obtained her education 
in the same manner as her husband, under the 



primitive system of instruction in the log school 
house, and became familiar with all useful house- 
hold duties which fitted her for the careful wife 
and mother who has looked after the family in- 
dustriously and conscientiously, and who labored 
equally with her husband in the building of their 
homestead- and the accumulation of property. 

Thomas W. Busby, the eldest son of our subject, 
entered the army as a drummer, during the late 
Civil War, before he was sixteen years of age. 
Through some misunderstanding he was not regu- 
larly enlisted, but he served all through the war as 
a private soldier in Company E, 73d Illinois In- 
fantry, participating in every battle in which this 
gallant regiment engaged. For two years he never 
missed a roll call, but suffered later considerably 
from illness. He remained with his regiment, how- 
ever, and with it received his honorable discharge, 
having escaped wounds and capture by the enemy. 
His experience was similar to that of the common 
soldier who suffered hardship and privation un- 
complainingly while he never lacked in bravery, 
being always found at his post when able, and 
prepared to accept whatever fate should befall him. 

The many friends of Mr. Busbj- will welcome 
with pleasure the valuable addition to the Album 
in a fine portrait of him whose life has been passed 
among them as a book, the open pages of which 
all might turn and read. 



*~*"~zP" ^ 



g^ AMUEL P. DONOVAN. Although for 
^^4 many years past engaged in the peaceful 
111// ))) pursuits of agriculture, the subiect of this 
notice will be remembered by a large pro- 
portion of the old residents of this county, as one 
of Kit (arsons' fifty-two Invincibles who distin- 
guished themselves by their explorations in New 
Mexico and Arizona in 1861. The romantic his- 
tory of that enterprise and the men who conducted 
it is almost synonomous with the history of this 
country. There are, however, but comparatively 
few living of the valiant spirits who took their 
lives in their hands and ventured into a savage 
country, far beyond the bounds of civilization. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALEUM. 



577 



Mr. Donovan, one of the bravest of these, made for 
himself an honorable record. After the close of 
the war he turned his attention to farming, and has 
now one of the finest homes in Carroll Township. 
This is presided over by a very estimable lady. 
Mrs. Donovan being endowed with more than or- 
dinary intelligence, and one who enjoys in a large 
measure the esteem of all who know her. They 
are the parents of four children, named: Luella. 
William ()., Emma E. (deceased) and Eva A. 

A son of one of the earliest pioneers of this 
county, our subject was born on Stone Creek about 
two miles north of Danville, Aug. 27, 1829. It 
will thus be seen that he is among the oldest living 
natives within its precincts. Born and reared amid 
the wild scenes of pioneer life, he grew up healthy 
in mind and body, acquiring a limited education 
in the log school-house of those times, and being 
harnessed into work at an early age. When sixteen 
years old he left home and was employed on a 
farm by the month until 1861, then seized with 
the California gold fever he crossed the Rocky 
Mountains to Pike's Peak, starting on foot and alone 
to Fairmount, where he took the train to St. Louis 
and thence proceeded via the Missouri River to 
Omaha. At this point a company of eighteen 
equipped themselves with wagons and mules, in- 
tending to start on a land-exploring trip. After 
traveling over Southeastern Nebraska and North- 
eastern Kansas, the whole company finally set out 
across the plains from Ft. Leavenworth to Denver, 
being forty-one days on the road. Thence they 
proceeded to Golden City, where young Donovan 
worked by the day for two weeks, then started 
over the range, wading in snow, in June, until he 
came to Blue River. 

At the above-mentioned point there was consid- 
erable excitement concerning the prospects in 
California, and Mr. Donovan proceeded thither. 
Taking a claim he went to mining in the snow about 
July 1, then sold out and pocketed the snug sum 
of $1,000 as his share of the profits for two months. 
We next find our hero on the way to the San Juan 
Mountains. At Taos, N. M., the party stopped to 
lay in a store of provisions and then fell in with 
Kit Carson, who was organizing a company for the 
purpose of going to the southwestern part of Ari- 



zona. Young Donovan eagerly embraced the op- 
portunity to join the expedition, and they were 
soon proceeding on their long and perilous trip. 
They traveled through the country of the Navajo 
Indians, where no white man had ever ventured 
before and met with many exciting incidents, 
fighting with the savages and only losing one in- 
dividual, a Dutchman, who through mistaken brav- 
ety exposed himself unnecessarily and was shot 
through by an arrow. 

Kit Carson is described by Mr. Donovan as being 
one of the best natured and most kindly disposed 
men it was ever his fortune to meet. His life on 
the frontier had naturally made him somewhat 
rough at times in his manner and conversation, but 
at heart be possessed the elements of true manhood. 
The company explored the country along the Colo- 
rado and Gila rivers and in Southern California. 
breaking up at Ft. Garland, whence they returned 
to Colorado, our subject and twelve others reti ru- 
ing by the same route on which they went out. 
They engaged in mining at Buckskin Joe, forming 
a company and working on the Phillips lead and 
sinking all the money they possessed with poor re- 
sults. 

Next Mr. Donovan proceeded to Denver and 
Central Cit}', where he commenced working by the 
day, and was thus occupied nine months, making 
*8 per day. He then invested a portion of his 
capital in No. 3 Nottaway Lead, which he and his 
partner worked until the3 - made ¥25,000 in about 
six months. Being satisfied with this Mr. Donovan 
decided to return to Illinois and soon afterward 
was married, Sept. 10, 1865, to Miss Lydia Stun- 
kard. Shortly afterward he purchased his present 
farm of 188 acres in Carroll Township. Of this 
union there were born no children, and Mrs. Lydia 
Donovan died after eight years of married life. 

Our subject in due time contracted a second 
matrimonial alliance with Miss Sarah Jane, daugh- 
ter of William Pollard, of whom mention is made 
in the sketch of Charles Hull on another page in 
this volume. The Pollards are of English descent 
and for many generations have been noted for their 
mechanical genius. The mother of Mrs. Donovan 
was in her girlhood Mary Ann Bartel, and was the 
offspring of a noted English family who emigrated 



578 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



to America at an early period. Her father built 
the first steam saw-mill along the southern line of 
this county, and for years thereafter operated as a 
millwright and wheelwright. Mrs. Donovan, a very 
estimable lady, is a member of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church, and our subject, politically, has 
voted with the Republican party since its organiza- 
tion. After voting for John C. Fremont, the first 
Republican candidate for President, Kit Carson 
declared that if he should live to be more than a 
hundred years old lie would never vote for so good 
a man as Fremont. While Mr. Donovan was in the 
mountains his wife was in her native England. She 
was born in Yorkshire, where she attended a pri- 
vate school, and was a girl of fourteen years when 
coming to America. Her father had visited this 
country twice before his family joined him in this 
county. He crossed the Atlantic seven times prior 
to his death, which took place in 1886, when lie 
was sixty-five years old. The mother, now a lady 
of sixty-eight years, is still living and makes her 
home in Indianola. Their five children were named 
respectively, Paul. John. Sarah J., Peter and Mar- 
tha A. Mr. Donovan has served as School Director 
for a number of years, and has always signalized 
himself as a public-spirited and liberal-minded citi- 
zen, giving the right of way to the Chicago & 
Eastern Illinois Railroad, and contributing in 
other directions to the best interest of the county. 
The parents of our subject were James and Mary 
(Perkins) Donovan, natives of Bourbon County, 
Ky., where they were reared and married. They 
came to Illinois in 1828. The father when a youth 
of sixteen years served in the regular army under 
(Jen. Andrew Jackson as private in a Kentucky 
company. After coming to this county he was 
employed in the salt works near Catlin ; he also 
hauled quantities of produce to Chicago and trans- 
ported produce down the river to New Orleans. 
After a life of industry and many hardships he 
departed hence when about sixty-years old. The 
mother died in 1861, at the age of sixty-six years, 
'j hey were the parents of fifteen children, three of 
whom died in infancy. The others were named re- 
spectively, Joseph, Rebecca, William (deceased), 
James, Cornelius, Martha. Richard. Samuel Porter 
our subject. Sarah J., Arthur C, Jerry, Mary, 



Louisa, Nellie, and Robert, deceased. The paternal 
grandfather was born in Ireland, and was there 
married to a maiden of his own county. Upon com- 
ing to America they settled in Kentucky where 
they spent their last days. Grandfather Joseph 
Perkins was a native of England and was married 
in Kentucky to a lady who was born in Scotland. 



-£* 




*¥ 



OBERT W. FISK. This bright and prom- 
ising young attorney is the eldest son of 
James W. and Sarah A. Fisk, and although 
<$!§§) only admitted to the bar May 8, 1884, has 
already gained an enviable reputation as a member 
of the legal fraternity and made many friends among 
the people of this county, especially in Ridge 
Farm, to which he came soon after completing his 
law course. He is possessed of a worthy ambition 
to excel, and devotes much careful study to the 
various knotty questions which are constantly aris- 
ing in connection with his profession, aided by an 
ample library, to which he is gradually adding as 
time and opportunity permit. He has fair pros- 
pects for the future and numbers of friends who are 
watching his career with kindly interest. 

Our subject was born at Melrose, Clark County, 
this State, Nov. 7, 1858, and attended the common 
school during the days of his boyhood and youth. 
He at an early period in his life evinced an interest 
in common law, and in September, 1883, entered 
the law department of the Michigan University at 
Ann Arbor, where lie studied until March, 1884. 
Then returning to Melrose he sojourned thereuntil 
being admitted to the Indiana bar, May 8,1884. 
On the 8th of May, 1888 he was admitted to prac- 
tice in the courts of Illinois. He was elected Police 
Magistrate of Ridge Farm in April, 1887, for a 
term of four years, and at the Republican District 
Convention in 1888, received twenty-five votes for 
Representative out of the fifty-four required for 
nomination. He officiates as Notary Public, and 
is building up a practice which is steadily increas- 
ing in extent and importance, and has recently been 
appointed Deputy States Attorney for this county. 

Mr. Fisk has set a worthy example for his young 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



579 



men associates, being an active member of the 
Methodist. Episcopal Church, and giving his un- 
qualified support to those enterprises set on foot 
for the purpose of elevating the, social status of the 
community where he is destined to make his mark. 
He was for one j T ear Captain of Charles A. Clark 
Camp, No. 77 .Sons of Veterans, and is at present 
First Sergeant in that body. He possesses business 
qualifications of no mean order, and is a general 
favorite both in the social and business circles. He 
remains unmarried. As an orator he is exceptionally 
eloquent and forcible, and invariably brings his 
oratorical powers to his support when arguing 
questions before the courts. 



fl felLLIAM MILLER. In that day when 
\fij// freedom shall make up the muster roll of 
Wvl her heroes, none on the majestic list shall 
meet with greater honor than those who, when the 
Secessionists sought to force our flag from its proud 
place, sprung to its aid. The farmer boy, the stud- 
ent, the wealthy, all touched shoulders and marched, 
suffered and died, that we might have a land un- 
divided, free and prosperous. It will be an un- 
propitious da} r for this country when it forgets to 
sing the praises of her noble defenders. Let his- 
tory make a record of the fact that the man whose 
name heads this sketch was one of those who dared 
to do, when that act meant something, and when the 
dark clouds of adversity and war hovered over our 
fair land. 

William Miller is a retired farmer of Indianola. 
His father and mother, James and Ruth ( Weiley), 
both died when William was young, and of whom 
he has no recollection. At the time of their death 
there were but two children in the family — Squire 
and William, the former going to Missouri in about 
1831, and when the Mexican War broke out he en- 
listed, and that was the last Mr. Miller heard of 
him. William was born March 15, 1816, in Giles 
County. Va. His ancestors were Leading people in 
the Colonies, and his grandfather Weiley was a sol- 
dier in the Revolutionary War. Soon after his 



mother's death William was thrust upon the world 
to do for himself, and so his young life was spent 
in struggling to obtain a livelihood. The most of 
this period of his life was spent on a farm, and at 
the age of seventeen he came to Vermilion County, 
without money and without friends. He was en- 
deavoring to work his way to Missouri, where his 
brother was then living, but inducements were laid 
before him that were strong enough to keep him 
here, where he worked continuously for three or 
four years. He made his first trip on a flatboat to 
New Orleans in L842, having rafted on the Ohio 
before. At this time he was a man grown, and a 
strapping fellow of six feet three and a half, weigh- 
ing 220, and fully calculated, physically, to make 
his way in the world. He made three trips to New 
Orleans, and then abandoned the river. He rented 
a farm for several years, after which he came to 
Carroll Township, in 1845, in which year he was 
married to Miss Mary George, who was born in 
Hamilton County, Ohio. In 1857 he removed to 
Indianola, and two years later went to Kansas, 
where he purchased 160 acres of land, intending to 
permanently remove there the next year. At this 
time the struggle was going on in Kansas that was 
to determine whether that State was to be free or 
slave, and society was so unsettled that he gave up 
his plan of making that, his home. 

When the war broke out, in 1861, he enlisted in 
Comyany D, 25th Illinois Infantry, and was mus- 
tered in at Danville. 1 1 is regiment proceeded to 
St. Louis, remaining at that place for a fortnight, 
when it was ordered to Jefferson City for drill. 
It then went to Springfield, Mo., thence south and 
back again to the latter place, when they were or- 
dered to Rolla, where the regiment spent its first 
winter. In the following March the orders came 
to go to Springfield again, whence the regiment 
proceeded to Pea Ridge and there engaged in its 
first tight. Mr. Miller was also in the following 
battles: Corinth, Champion Hills. Stone River, 
Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, Noonday Creek, 
Pinetop Mountain, Kenesaw Mountain, Chattahoo- 
chee, Peach Tree Creek and Atlanta. This is a 
brilliant record. By reason of the expiration of 
his term of service he was discharged at Atlanta. 
During the entire term of enlistment he had been 



580 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



home on furlough but once to sec his wife and 
children. 

In 18G5 Mr. Miller went to Montana, making the 
journey with a wagon. His trip embraced Wash- 
ington, Oregon and Idaho, touching the British 
Possessions. He returned in 1867, rich inexper- 
ience, if in nothing else. Being a good shot, he 
enjoyed hunting in the mountains. About the last 
of September the mines would close, when he 
would shoulder his rifle and go into the mountains 
in pursuit of bear, buffalo, deer, and antelope, and 
he has killed as high as fifteen deer in one day. 
Since he has returned he has devoted himself to 
money-getting, and success has been his. 

On March 6th, 1889, his good wife died at the 
age of seventy, leaving five children, whose record 
is given: John W. enlisted in the Union Army, and 
died at Griffin, Ga., in 18G5; Sarah E., married 
John H. Grimes, of Villa Grove. He died in 1889. 
and was the father of three children — Gordon, 
Maud and Roy; Mary C. is the wife of Van Mitch- 
ell, a resident of Sidell and an ex-soldier. They 
have five children — Minnie, William, Pearl, Walter, 
and Nellie; Winfield lives at Sidell ; Lucy is the 
wife of Allen Spieer, a farmer of Carroll Township, 
and has one child, Benjamin Harrison. 

Mr. Miller is a Republican from principle. He 
voted for William Henry Harrison in 1840, and 
for Benjamin Harrison in 1888. He has never 
sought office, but adheres to his party at all times. 
Mr. Miller is one of the citizens of Vermilion 
County who is respected b} T his neighbors, and all 
those with whom he is acquainted. 



6|pSHE0D0RE MATKIN, an extensive handler 
//fe|^ and shipper of livestock, is one of the best 
^>§J? known men in this county. He handles 
more cattle than any other dealer in Carroll Town- 
ship and is exceedingly popular with the farmers. 
He was born in this township on June 22, 1 812, 
where he grew to manhood and gained his present 
proud position in the esteem of those who know 
him best. 

His father and mother, William and Mary (San- 



dusky) Matkin, were early settlers of this county. 
The father was horn in Kentuck}' and came to Illi- 
nois in 1835, then a young man of twenty years. 
He engaged in the mercantile business at Grand- 
view, and while there became acquainted with his 
future wife. His life was not to be spared long, 
however, for in about three years after his mar- 
riage he died at the age of twenty -seven years, 
leaving two children: Theodore, and Mary, now 
Mrs. Baird. The mother remained a widow for 
some time, then she married Samuel Baum,and by 
this union four children became men and women: 
Frank, Winchester, America and May. 

Theodore Matkin has no recollection of his 
father, and when his stepfather died he was but 
eighteen years of age. after which he assumed the 
management of the Bauin farm of 1,500 acres. He 
remained at home caring for his mother and the 
children. During the war he prospered, as the 
products of his farm were in great request and at 
exorbitantly high prices. His education was lim- 
ited to his attendance upon the public schools, but 
he has been a constant reader and is always seeking 
knowledge of the substantial sort. The cattle busi- 
ness comes naturally to him. He herded stock 
while but a mere boy and grew up among the cat- 
tle. At the age of twenty-two years, in 1864, he 
was married to Sallie E., daughter of William and 
Sarah (Weaver) Raney. Her father was born 
near Flemingsburg, Ky., and by occupation was a 
farmer. He served his country during the Mexi- 
can War. The mother was also a native of the 
same State and was a widow when she married Mr. 
Raney. Her first husband, James Culbertson, left 
four children when he died: William, Edward, 
Amanda and John. Edward enlisted in the army 
at the same time his stepfather did and went to 
Mexico. Mrs. Matkin was a little girl of five or six 
when they enlisted, and recalls how her father en- 
treated her to be a good girl and how he promised 
when he returned to bring her some presents; but 
he never returned. The mother, in 1850, came to 
Vermilion County, where in 1852, at the age of 
fifty-one years, she passed away, universally be- 
loved as a kind neighbor and a perfect mother. 
She kept her family together until her death. She 
had three children by her last marriage: John, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



581 



Thomas and Sarah E. Thomas served in the late 
war and died in New Orleans; John went to Iowa 
when a boy of twenty years, where he married and 
soon after died. 

Mrs. Matkin was born in Edgar County, 111. 
Coming to Georgetown she made her home with 
her sister, Mrs. John Grace, and thus she came to 
attend the same school as her future husband did. 
Cupid did effective work in a log school-house this 
time. Mr. and Mrs. Matkin continued on the 
Baum farm three years after their marriage, when 
they removed to Chicago at the time the great 
Union Stock-yards were first opened. The purpose 
of this removal was to enter the live stock commis- 
sion business, but not liking it there, his next ven- 
ture was in the dry-goods trade at Indianola, re- 
maining in that business three years. During all 
this time his ideas were centered upon the stock- 
dealing, and so he sold out his dry -goods and inau- 
gurated the business of farming and dealing in cat- 
tle. He shipped his stock largely to Buffalo, N.Y., 
where he became acquainted with C. P. Reynolds, 
and in 1872 he formed a union with him under the 
firm name of C. F. Reynolds <fe Co., and for twdeve 
years they transacted an extensive business in 
Buffalo, where their main office was located. In 
the stock business Mr. Matkin has handled millions 
of dollars, sometimes paying out from $50,000 to 
$100,000 per week; but unwisely a third partner 
was taken into the firm, and they failed for 
$30,000. The debts, however, were paid off dollar 
for dollar, although everything Mr. Matkin had 
was sold under the hammer, even to his private 
horses and carriage. It took about five yens Id 
pay their debts, but the firm kept on doing business 
anil eventually won the tight. In \XX-1 Mr. Mat- 
kin retired from business and came buck to Indi- 
anola. During his business career in Buffalo he 
became quite well acquainted with the law firm of 
Cleveland it Bissell, and he says he found the ex- 
President an honest lawyer. On the whole, Mr. 
Matkin has been successful in his life work. He 
is now living in his elegant home, well provided 
witli everything calculated to round out his hon- 
orable life. "With music and children around 
him. he is happy. Jessie, his little daughter, was 
born in Buffalo. Feb. 10, 1880, while Susan first 



saw the light in Indianola, Feb. 28, 1885. He is 
at present engaged some in buying and shipping 
stock to Buffalo, Chicago, Indianapolis and the 
East. 

Mr. Matkin is a Republican, but party ties rest 
lightly upon him. Whenever the opposition nom- 
inates a man he likes, he breaks through the lines of 
his party and votes for whom he thinks to be the 
best man — as, for instance, he voted for Cleve- 
land, a personal friend of his, for Governor. 



—53- 






-E=— 



7^) LDER URIAH FOLGER. There is no 
^) other religious organization that embraces 
L=z% a greater number of consistent, true and de- 



vout Christians than that of the Friends' Church. 
It is proverbial that the people of this denomina- 
tion have done more to inculcate simple honesty 
than any other of equal numbers. When William 
Penn came to this country the natives had posses- 
sion of the most of it, and they were distrustful of 
the whites. They had been deceived and studi- 
ously imposed upon, and had come to think that 
all white men were had. But when this simple 
Quaker told them what he would do they believed 
him, for the sect to which he belonged was known 
to them as people incapable of deception. A treaty 
was made, based upon the honor of the great foun- 
der of Pennsylvania, and its provisions were relig- 
iously kept. It is a lamentable fact that before 
that time the contracts made with the Indians were 
drawn up with a view of being broken. Thus the 
Quakers were largely instrumental in settling the 
difficulties that existed between the whites and the 
Indians, and the foundations for a great State were 
therefore laid. All honor to the Society of 
Friends. 

Uriah Folger is an Elder in the Friends' Church 
and a typical Quaker. He was born in Elwood 
Township April 2:3, 1834. His father, Asa, a na- 
tive of North Carolina, came to this county in 
1831, settling in the Elwood neighborhood. He 
carried on the business of tanning and shoemaking 
for many years, and did the work for the settlers 
who lived for miles around. He employed at times 



582 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



four or five men, and as a business man he pros- 
pered. He was one of the best of men. His wife was 
Elizabeth, daughter of Uriah Starbuck. This wor- 
thy couple were the parents of ten children: Wal- 
ter, Erasmus, Matilda Haworth, Lydia, John, Mary, 
Sarah, Rachael and Thomas. Thomas, the youngest, 
is forty-nine years old. The father and mother 
died in 1850 and 1880 respectively. 

Uriah Folger received his primary education at 
the common schools, and later he attended the 
Bloomingdale Academy, where he studied under 
Prof. Hobbs. He was an apt scholar and therefore 
received a good education. On Nov. 10, 1858. he 
was married to Edith C. Dillon, daughter of Laban 
ami Jane (Holliday) Dillon, both deceased. The 
former died when Edith was an infant, while the 
mother passed away in 185!). This worthy couple 
had many traits of character that endeared them to 
their neighbors, and their death was mourned by 
all their acquaintances. Mr. and Mrs. Folger never 
had any children. He owns twenty acres of land 
in Elwood Township and 640 acres in Crosby 
County, Tex., and also a town lot in Marriette, 
Tex. 

Mr. Folger was reared in the faith of the Quaker 
Church, while his wife united with that most ex- 
cellent denomination at the age of fifteen years. 
He is an exhorterof considerable note in his church, 
and devotes the most of his time to that work. He 
is eminently successful in his labors to make the 
world better, and those who know him best arc his 
most ardent admirers. Mr. and Mrs. Folger never 
weary in doing good, and therespectin which they 
are held by their neighbors is well earned. 

{Tl EWIS ALLEN REID. It has been custom 
I ((e)) ary to speak of men who have raised them 
Jj '—^N selves to honorable positions in life without 
the aid of wealth, as self-made men. There is much 
less significance in this expression than people sup- 
pose who use it. It would seem to imply that there 
were some men who are not self made, that they were 
made by others, and that the qualities necessary to 
render the man successful in life need not be ac- 



quired but might be conferred. Such is not the 
case. All men who are made are self made, and 
there is no exception, for it cannot be otherwise. 
In whatever department one may enter, if he desires 
success he must achieve it. There is no short cut, 
no patent process. It is work that makes men, and 
that work must be done by the man himself who 
would be made. Hard work has made Lewis Allen 
Reid what he now is in the estimation of his fellows. 

Mr. Reid was born in Vermillion County, Ind.. 
Oct. 20, 1846. His father, David Reid, was a na- 
tive of Mason County. Ohio, and came to Vermill- 
ion County, Ind., in 1837, with his parents when a 
small boy. He removed to Elwood Township in 
1848, where he died April 7, 1865. His wife was 
Eleanor, daughter of John Whitlock, a prominent 
pioneer of the same township. She was born in 
Kentucky and came to Illinois when she was a lit- 
tle girl. She was the mother of eight children, 
seven of whom are now living. Lewis A., of whom 
this sketch is written; Cynthia Henderson, Thomas, 
Lance L., Laura Click, Eliza Trimble and Rosa 
Campbell. 

Lewis A. Reid was primarily educated at the 
common schools and finished his education at the 
Georgetown High School. He taught two years 
in this township, two terms of which were in his 
home district, and two in district No. 4. He was a 
soldier in the late war, having enlisted in Company 
E, 135th Illinois Infantry. He served a term of 
four months, his regiment being only called out for 
100 days. On May 7, 1865, Mr. Reid married 
Anna, daughter of Wright Cook. The latter was 
a pioneer of Elwood Township. He emigrated from 
North Carolina to Illinois in 1825, locating here 
when the Indians and wild animals held almost un- 
disputed possession of the countiy. His wife, whose 
maiden name was Rachael Maxwell, was a native of 
Knoxville, Tenn. Mr. and Mrs. Cook had twelve 
children, eight of whom still survive: Elam, of Tus- 
cola, IlL.Keziah, Mrs. Rudd, of Elwood Township; 
Hugh, of Springfield, Mo.; Thomas, Asa, of El- 
wood; Sarah, Mrs. Patterson, of Montgomery 
Count}', Kan.; Mrs. Reid and Rachel Thompson, 
both of Elwood. Two of the children died after 
they had attained maturity, viz.; Elizabeth. .Mis. 
Smith, who left a husband and four children, and 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



583 



Joel, who died at t lie age of twenty-two. Mrs. 
Reid was born in Elvvood. duly 21, 1844. 

Mr. Reid located on his present farm in the fall 
of 1865, where he owns and operates 110 acres of 
land. He is engaged in raising graded cattle, 
Clydesdale and Norman horses and Poland-China 
and Berkshire pigs. Politically, he belongs to the 
Republican party, lie is a member of the Cum- 
berland Presbyterian Church at Yankee Point, and 
in the Sunday-school he is a great worker, where 
he has been Superintendent or teacher for the past 
ten years. He is also .a member of the G. A. R. 
Mrs. Reid isa consistent member of the Cumberland 
Presbyterian Church, and an incident will exhibit 
that she came from plucky stock. Her mother rode 
on horseback and drove a cow all the way from 
Tennessee to Union County. Ind., where the family 
resided for a time. 



JOHN MAKEMSON, one of the good far- 
mers of his neighborhood, is a native of 
Kentucky, born on the22d day of February, 
l(§g// 1821. lie was reared in Harrison, in that 
State, and be married Amanda Adams, daughter of 
Samuel and Nancy Adams, who were also natives 
of Kentucky. Their marriage occurred on Christ- 
mas Day, 1848, after which they settled on a farm 
two miles south of their present location. 

This couple are the parents of five children: 
William T.; Hannah, wife of Lester Leonard; 
Nancy, wife of John Clapp; Arena P.. wife of 
Robert Phillips; Perry is at home. Mr. Makem- 
son owns 900 acres of good land, and he can justly 
say that every cent he has accumulated has been 
through his own exertions. His biography, could 
space be given for its details, would prove truth as 
strange as fiction, inasmuch as it would be pregnanl 
with examples of courage and will-power that 
compel circumstances id shape themselves to events, 
and would show the ambitious youth of today that 
notwithstanding poverty, ami the misfortunes of 
a neglected education, a boy however poor can 
rise as high as his ambition can carry him. h\ list- 
ening to the life story of Mr. Makemson, we would 



hear enough to teach us that however discouraged 

we may be. there is always hope and assurance that 
labor and faith will eventually conquer. 

Politically Mr. Makemson votes the Republican 
ticket, though he does not care for the active life 
of the politician, but goes to the polls and deposits 
his ballot for the candidates of his party, believing 
in the wisdom of the leaders, and he is generally 
right. His family worships at the Methodist 
Church, and are reckoned among the devout and 
consistent Christians of the neighborhood. When 
the roll of good citizens is made up, the person of 
whom this brief biography is written, will stand in 
the list as one of the best. 



— >*>&£&l&f&<~ 



foESLEY ELLIOTT is a modest and unas- 



yjf sumin s 

WW family. 



g man, devoted to his home and 
ly. As a farmer and stock-raiser, he 
has been eminently prosperous. He owns a farm, 
which is highly cultivated, of 143 acres on section 
26, on the Harrison Purchase, Elwood Township. 
He was born in Wayne County. Ind., Nov. 12. 
1848. His father, Nathan, was a native of North 
Carolina, and came to Vermilion County in De- 
cember, 1854, settling in Elwood Township, one 
mile and a half southwest of the Ridge. 

Mr. Elliott received his primary education at 
the public schools, but desiring to better himself 
in an educational way. he attended Bloomingdale 
Academy, where, by his studious habits and his 
determination to win, he acquired a good educa- 
tion. He has always been a farmer, and has ascer- 
tained the fact that the more intelligence a man 
possesses the better farmer he is; that labor can be 
lightened by reading — something that in the gen- 
eration before him would have been laughed at. 
But this is a progressive age. and in nothing has 
there been more progression than in agriculture. 
Within the last forty years all of the substantial 
improvements in agricultural machinery have been 
made, and now it is possible to operate a farm with 
one-half the labor that was required in the last 
generation. 

On the 11 tli of February, 1875, Mr. Elliott was 



584 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



married to Rebecca J., daughter of James Menden- 
liall, who emigrated from Hamilton County, Ind., 
to Illinois in 1858. He was a prominent citizen, a 
man very much respected by everybody, and at 
the time of his death was considered well-to-do. 
Mr. and Mrs. Elliott are the parents of three chil- 
dren — Otis M., Lulu G., and Annie M. Wesley 
Elliott's mother, Naomi Mendenhall, was a lady 
noted for her charitable works and many lovely 
traits of character. She was the mother of eight 
children, seven of whom are living: Henry C, Annie. 
Mrs. Rork ; Wesley, Alvin, Clayton B., Mary E.,Mrs. 
Stogsdill; and Delphinia, Mrs. Lynch. The father 
was married twice, his first wife being Miss Eliza- 
beth Maxwell, and by her he had three children, 
but one of whom is now living — John. Mrs. 
Elliott's mother, Rebecca (Campbell), was the 
mother of ten children, five of whom are living: 
Priscilla, Mrs. Patten; Ira C, Ryan G., Rhoda G, 
Mrs. Ankrum and Mrs. Elliott. They are worthy 
adherents of the Society of Friends. 

Mr. Elliott is engaged in mixed farming and 
stock-raising, a calling which has been a success 
with him. He handles and feeds nothing but the 
best kind of stock, and is always ready to try any 
new improvement that will forward the work of 
agriculture, and has any merit at all in it. He be- 
lieves that the Republican party is the one to 
which this country must look for its reforms, and, 
while he never seeks office, has held many local 
positions, which he has invariably filled with abil- 
ity. Being of the Quaker persuasion, that fact is 
guarantee enough of the stability of his character, 
and shows that his neighbors can trust him in any 
position in which he is placed. 



-3~«-lH3*eHr^ 



Wf ILLIAM JASPER OLEHY, an ex-soldier 
of the Union Army and one of the best- 
known residents of Georgetown Township, 
is the proprietor of a snug farm of seventy-eight 
acres on section 18, where he has effected good im- 
provements and is in the enjoyment of a comforta- 
ble home. He was born in Danville Township. 
Vermilion County, July 21. 1840, and was reared 



upon his father's farm, attending the common 
school a short time — only six months — and then 
commenced in earnest the battle of life. He worked 
out by the month until after reaching his majority 
and after the outbreak of the Civil War, enlisted, 
July 17, 18(52, for three years, or during the war, 
in Company A, 125th Illinois Infantry, under the 
command of Capt. Ralston. He was mustered in at 
Danville where they drilled three weeks and were 
then ordered to the front, going to Covington, Ky. 
via. Cincinnati, Ohio. 

< hir subject first met the eneiri}' in battle at Per 
ryville, next at Nashville, Murfreesboro and at 
Chattanooga; after this followed the march to 
Knox ville, whence they returned to Chattanooga and 
soon afterward entered upon the Atlanta campaign. 
In the meantime the regiment was assigned to the 
1 I tli Army Corps under command of Gen. Thomas 
and with Sherman marched to the sea. Their mis- 
sion ended in the Southeast the} 7 repaired to Wash- 
ington, D. C, were present at the grand review, 
May 22-25, 1865, and were mustered out. He re- 
ceived his honorable discharge in Chicago. June 
29, 1865. 

Returning now to the farm, Mr. Olchy occupied 
himself in agricultural pursuits and in a sawmill 
east of Danville until his marriage. This interest- 
ing event occurred in 1870, the bride being Miss 
Mary A., daughter of William and Mary (Glaze) 
Olehy. The young people settled in Pilot Town- 
ship, where our subject was engaged in farming 
until 1881, then purchased his present homestead. 
Of this first marriage there were born two chil- 
dren — Annie R. and Mary E.. and the mother died 
in 1880. Mr. Olehy votes the straight Democratic 
ticket. He has had very little to do with public 
affairs, avoiding the responsibilities of office and 
giving his undivided attention to his farming in- 
terests. 

The parents of our subject were Jacob and Annie 
(Glaze) Olehy, who were both natives of Ohio, and 
the father born near Chillicothe. The paternal 
grandfather, Virginius Olehy, was of English and 
German descent. The parents were married in 
Vermilion County, 111., to which they came in their 
youth, in 1833-34. Mr. Olehy carried on farming. 
and both he and his wife died of cholera in 1849. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



585 



They were the parents of five children, four of 
whom are living. Rebecca, the eldest, is the wife 
of Alonzo Cook, a coal dealer of Georgetown Town- 
ship. Dennis is a carpenter by trade and a resi- 
dent of Danville. Martha R.. is the widow of John 
Martin, a mechanical engineer who died in Danville. 



^fl S. MOSES is a prominent business man of 
Hbopeston, news dealer, Justice of the 
Peace, and dealer in musical instruments* 
books, stationery and notions. He was born 
in Portsmouth, N. II., March 26. 1846, and there 
resided with his parents outside of the city, obtain- 
ing his education in Portsmouth, later attending 
school at Dixon, HI. 

When Mr. Moses came to Illinois he was about 
twenty-one years of age. He located in White- 
side County, where lie taught school, following the 
same pursuit also in Lee County, and while living 
there he attended school part of the time at Dixon. 
In 1875 he first came to Vermilion County, leach- 
ing school for three or four years, after which he 
engaged in the business mentioned above, and has 
so continued ever since. He has made a success in 
everything he has undertaken, in a financial point 
of view, and as an official his record is of the very 
best. He has been City Treasurer, Alderman. 
Justice of the Peace, and all of these offices have 
come to him unsought, as his neighbors believe 
that he possesses all of tin- attributes necessary to 
hold any position within their gift. 

On the 14th of February, 1K70, Mr. Moses mar- 
ried Miss Hattie Bixby. of Amboy. 111. They 
have had two children, of whom only one is liv- 
ing, Fred W. Mr. Moses has built a good home on 
Second avenue, where he has lived for some time, 
and where it is hoped he may enjoy many years of 
his useful life. He has done much to build up the 
literary tastes of the people of his town, and there 
not being any good library here, he has personally 
expended a generous amount in maintaining a good 
circulating library of 1 ,200 volumes. This alone 
is a good recommendation for any man. 

Mrs. Moses was born in Lee Center, Lee Co., 111., 



Dec. 22, 1853, and is a daughter of L. L. Bixby, a 
prominent farmer of that section of the country. 
She remained at home, except for the time she at- 
tended school, until her marriage. William Moses, 
father of the subject of this sketch, was born in 
Portsmouth, N. H., where he was reared on the old 
homestead, which has been in the Moses family 
since 1G80. He received his education in his native 
city, and when he attained his majority, located on 
a farm two miles from town, where he engaged in 
the business of general farming. His wife's maiden 
name was Miss Abigail A. Seavey, and they are the 
parents of seven children, of whom only three are 
now living: Mrs. Julia ( Moses) Moses is living in 
Portsmouth; Mrs. Augusta O. (Moses) Seavey. and 
the subject of this sketch. The father is still living, 
but his wife died in 188C. William Moses has held 
the various local offices of Portsmouth, although 
he never was possessed of political aspirations. He 
has voted invariably with the Democratic party, 
and is prominent in its counsels. Religiously he 
believes in the doctrines of the Baptist Church, 
and is a member of the I. O. O. F. William Moses 
is respected in his native town as a man of many 
good qualities. 

J. S. Moses is a stalwart Democrat, and has been 
very prominent in his party. He is a member of 
the Odd Fellows and M. W. A. He belongs to the 
Union Church of his city, and in all social affairs 
does his share toward making life happier and 
better. 



jp^\ATIIAN WILLIAMS, a successful farmer. 

I jJJ stock-raiser and merchant, of Hoopeston.was 
(ii^i) born in Harrison County, Ohio, Nov. 1, 
1834. His farm is situated on section 11, town- 
ship 23, range 12, and near the fair grounds. 
Beside his farming and cattle-feeding interests, he 
is also largely interested in the dry goods business, 
which is conducted in the firm name of Williams 
Bros. 

Mr. Williams remained in his native county with 
his father and mother until he became of age. at- 
tending the common scl is and working on the 

farm alternately. In 1854 lie came to Illinois and 



586 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



engaged with Iris brother, who was also following 
agricultural pursuits. He remained here hut one 
season, then returning to Ohio, where he took e'.iarge 
of the old homestead. In 1862 he married Miss 
Susanna Norman, of Tuscarawas County, Ohio, 
and in 1864, he returned to Illinois, and concluded 
to remain here. In 1865 he bought a farm in 
Prairie Green Township, Iroquois Co., 111., which 
was partially improved. Here he prosecuted the 
business of stock-raising, handling large herds, and 
was successful. He improved this farm by build- 
ing the necessary houses and barns that were 
needed, and by fencing and hedging. In 1871, 
when Hoopeston tirst came into existence, he came 
here and erected a large boarding house. In 1875. 
in company with his brother John, he purchased a 
grocery business, which was his first mercantile ven- 
ture, but which was a successful one, notwithstand- 
ing the financial depression that carried down other 
firms in the vicinity. He continued in the grocery 
business until 1881, when his brother sold out to 
Mr. Gather wood, and our subject and Mr. Cather- 
wood continued the business, going into the grain 
business in addition. He remained in this partner- 
ship for a short time, when he purchased the whole 
business and has built up a large trade, also in dry- 
goods, last year amounting to $30,000. The firm 
at this writing is Williams Bros., his brother Joseph 
having purchased an interest in the business. In 
their employ as general manager is Mr. Bond, a 
nephew of the subject of this sketch, and a man 
of large experience. This recapitulation is given 
merely to exhibit the business ability of Mr. Will- 
iams and to show his capacity in different lines of 
trade. He has not made a failure in anything that 
he has undertaken, but has steadily gone forward 
and lifted up every business he has handled. 

Politically Mr. Williams i* a Republican, but lias 
never cared for office, though enthusiastic in his 
advocacy of the party to which lie belongs. He 
is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church 
and also of the Sun'ay-school. 

Mrs. Williams was born in Tuscarawas County, 
Ohio, and is the daughter of Daniel and Dorcas 
Norman, who was a farmer by occupation, ami who 
removed from Ohio to Indiana, where his wife died 
in 1887. He is now residing with his daughter. 



Mrs. Williams. Mr. and Mrs. Williams are the 
parents of seven children, of whom but three are 
living: Joseph O., is residing with his father, while 
James A. is a partner in the firm of Williams Bros. ; 
Anna Ma}' is also at home. 

&ENRY DORUS NEWELL, owns a large 
j farm in Carroll Township, acquired by his 
own industry, being a self-made man and 
receiving no financial assistance in making 
his start in life. Mr. Newell has been engaged in the 
tailoring business for the long period of forty-five 
years and operates considerably as a money loaner. 
His land, 170 acres, is all prairie. 

Mr. Joseph Newell, the father of our subject, 
was a tailor by trade and conducted a general 
merchant tailoring in Birmingham, England, where 
he was born and spent his entire life, accumulating 
a good property. He married Miss Jane Young 
who was born two miles south of Birmingham. 
Both the grandfathers of our subject were farmers 
and with their wives lived to be over eighty 
years old. To Joseph and Jane Newell there 
were bom ten children, viz: An infant who died 
unnamed, Frederick, Henry Dorus, our subject; 
Maria. John, Herbert, William, Harriet, and two 
more infants, unnamed, deceased. The great-grand- 
father was a Norman Count by the name of Joseph 
DeNewell; the "De" was dropped by the father of 
our subject. 

The subject of our sketch attended a private 
school in Birmingham, prior to the era of the na- 
tional schools. He learned rapidly, being more than 
ordinarily bright and intelligent, and completed his 
studies at the age of fourteen years, being also at 
that age confirmed in the Episcopal Church. He 
then began working in his father's shop, acquiring 
the trade of a tailor readily, but he was fond of 
adventure, and as soon as able to do journeyman's 
work, left home and traveled through the northern 
part of England, also going to Greenock and other 
places in Scotland. He was thus occupied for a 
period of nine years, during which time he was 
the hero of many a romance in which the fair 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



587 



English girls and Scotch lassies figured quite 
prominently. He visited the principal cities of 
England, those containing more than 10,000 in- 
habitants, and in 1846 became deeply interested 
in politics and in the charter movement, which he 
favored very strongly. This was his first experi- 
ence in politics and made him strongly Democratic. 
During the year above mentioned, he established 
himself in business in London, where he remained 
three years, then went to France and worked at 
his trade in Paris six weeks. 

Our subject, finally returning to his native city, 
was married there Jan. 24. 1851, to Miss Hannah 
Dovey, the ceremony taking place in St. Phillip's 
Church, Birmingham. This maiden was his sweet- 
heart when he was a bo}\ they attending the same 
school and growing up together. They lived in 
Birmingham for a time after their marriage and 
then Mr. Newell decided to seek his fortune in the 
land of liberty. There had then been born to the 
young couple one child, a son, William Henry. 
On the 13th of August. 1854, they embarked from 
Liverpool on the sailing vessel •'Enoch Train" 
from which they landed safely at New ( Orleans, 
October 8, following. 

.Mr. Newell pursued his trade in the Crescent 
City that winter, and on the 28th of March. 1855, 
set out for Memphis, Tenn. On the way he fell in 
with Samuel Grondyck, of Eugene, Ind.. who had 
just marketed his pork in New Orleans and was 
persuaded by him to return with him to Eugene. 
He followed his trade there six months and in the 
meantime became acquainted with some of the 
lending men of Indianola. which was then Dallas. 
So he changed his residence once more and being 
a first-class workman, with little or no competition. 
scion established a large trade. 

Finally. Mr. Newell, changing his occupation 
somewhat, entered the Government service and for 
six months was stationed at Johnsonville on the 
Tennessee River. He had become a naturalized 
citizen as soon as the law would permit, and cast 
his first Presidential vote for Douglas in I860. 
He invested his accumulated capital in land in 
Carroll Township, which steadily increased in value 
and in 1873 associated himself with Mr. Kaipe and 
began operating a sawmill. Later he sold out his 



interest in this enterprise, but has a one-half inter- 
est in a sawmill with Abraham Sandusky, which is 
located on Sandusky Branch. 

In 1881 Mr. Newell formed a partnership with 
John W. Baum to build a tile manufactory at 
Chrisman in Edgar County. This they have 
since operated profitably. Indeed all the enter- 
prises with which Mr. Newell has been connected 
have resulted creditably to his good judgment. 
He has expended a handsome sum of money in 
law books and historical works, and frequently 
officiates as an attorney, his ready speech and ex- 
ceptionally good memory serving him well upon 
these occasions and causing his opponents to look 
well to their laurels. He is likewise well versed in 
history of the world at large, especially that of 
England and the United States. 

The home of Mr. Newell is pleasantly situated 
in the north part of the village and comprises a 
neat and tasteful residence with attractive sur- 
roundings, and within it, are books, music, works of 
art and all the appliances of refined life. His 
children are bright and intelligent, possessing much 
musical talent, and the elegant upright piano in 
their home is the source of much pleasure and 
satisfaction both to them and their many friends. 

Mrs. Hannah (Dovey) Newell departed this life 
at her home in Indianola in 1857 leaving two chil- 
dren, William II., who died at the aged of twenty- 
three years, and Jennie who died at the age of four 
months. Our subject, in 1861, was married a sec- 
ond time to Mrs. Laura A. (Ferrell) James, widow 
of Elijah James by whom she had five children. 
Jasper L., Syrena F., Li. \\ .. Myrtle and Semour. 
Mis. Laura Newell was born at Clinton. Vermillion 
Co., Ind. Of her union with our subject there 
have been horn likewise five children, Beatrice. 
Birdie, who died in infancy; Dixie, Harvey, and 
Georgie, who died when one year old. Beatrice 

is the wife of Jasper M v, an engineer at Sidell, 

and they have three children. Harry D., Mossie and 
a babe named Laura. Dixie married Milton Hcn- 
son, a farmer, and they reside in Villa Grove in 
Douglas County, 111. The other child is at home 
with the parents. Mr. Newell belongs to the 
Episcopal Church while Mis. Newell is a member 
of the Methodist Episcopal Chinch at Indianola. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Although a decided Democrat, politically, Mr. 
Newell mixes very little in public affairs, with the 
exception of serving twice on the County Central 
Committe. He visited his native land in 1883 
during the World's Exhibition at the Crystal 
Palace in London, and attended a very interesting 
shooting match at Wimbledon. America was finely 
represented at the exposition and it was a source 
of no little pride to him that he was a citizen of the 
United States. During this tour he made the 
acquaintance of several noted individuals, among 
them being George C. Miln, the famous preacher- 
actor, who was one of the passengers on the steamer 
"Parthia" on which Mr. Newell made the return 
voyage. 

-£§§8* 




LBERT HARPER, President of the Dan- 
ville Commercial Company, and business 
l* manager of that establishment, was born in 
Michigan City, Ind., April 22, 1846. His 
paternal ancestors, who were of Irish extraction, 
were for several generations residents of the South, 
and his father, Archibald Reed Harper, was born in 
South Carolina in 1815. When the latter was 
quite young the family removed to Rush County, 
Ind., where our subject's father lived until 1833. 
In that year he and an elder brother went to Michi- 
gan City, LaPorte Co., Ind., which at that time 
seemed destined to be the leading point of the 
southern shore of Lake Michigan. Having estab- 
lished a home there, the brothers sent for their 
parents and the rest of the family, who soon after- 
ward joined them. There the grandparents lived 
the remainder of their lives, and both died in 1851. 
Archibald Harper and his brother Asa were car- 
penters and cabinet-makers, and worked at this 
trade together until 1850, when the former re- 
moved to Porter County, Ind., where he engaged 
in farming until 1880, when he retired from active 
life, and is now living at Chesterton, an honored 
pioneer of Northern Indiana. He was twice mar- 
ried, his first wife being Miss Poster, who died 
leaving one child, O. E. Harper, now a resident of 
Danville. The second wife, mother of our sub- 
ject, was Miss Emily A. Atwater. who was born 



Sept. 4, 1824, in Canada, whence her parents re- 
moved first to Pennsylvania, and later to Michigan 
City. She is living with her husband in Chester- 
ton. This second union was blessed by the birth of 
eight children. Two died in infancy, and one, Mar- 
garet, after reaching womanhood. The survivors 
are: Albert, who is the eldest; Aimer, a merchant of 
Chesterton; Laura, wife of Irving Brush, a farmer 
near that place; Homer S., a painter, living in 
Pierre, Dak.; and Samuel A., a druggist in Ches- 
terton. 

The subject of this sketch spent his boyhood on 
the farm, receiving his education in the district 
schools. When fifteen years of age he began learn- 
ing the trade of a printer in Valparaiso, Ind., where, 
with the exception of one year spent in Williams- 
port, Ind., he remained until 1869, when he came 
to Danville, which has since been his home. He 
began life there as a compositor on the Commercial, 
and he has since been identified with that journal. 
In 1870 he bought a quarter interest in the estab- 
lishment, still retaining his position in the compos- 
ing room. The following year the business was 
reorganized under the name of the "Commercial 
Company," and Mr. Harper was chosen President. 
In 1S77 he was installed as Business Manager, a 
position for which his practical knowledge of the 
business, and his affable and pleasing manners, pe- 
culiarly qualif}* him. The success of this prosper- 
ous journal is largely due to his careful and prudent 
management of its financial interests. 

May 29, 1873, Mr. Harper was united in mar- 
riage with Miss Julia Payton, who was born in 
Vance Township, Vermilion County, Feb. 8, 1847. 
Her parents were John M. and .Sarah (Frazier) 
Payton, and her grandfather, Peter Frazier, was 
one of the first pioneers of the county, where he 
entered Government land at a very early day. He 
lived to an advanced age, dying in 1881, aged 
ninety-seven years, one of the oldest white men 
who ever lived in Vermilion County. The mother 
of Mrs. Harper died Aug. 28, 1878, in Danville, 
and since then her father has made his home with 
Ms daughter and our subject. He is now in his 
sixty-seventh year. Some seven years ago he gave 
up his farm and is now living a retired life. 

The union of Mr. and Mrs. Harper has been 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



589 



V- 



blessed to them by the birth of two children — Katie 
Payton and Ernest Herbert, both attending school 
at Danville. The parents are both members of the 
Eimber Methodist Episcopal Church, and Mr. Har- 
per belongs to the order of the Royal Templars of 
Temperance and the National Union. 

During his residence of twenty years in Danville, 
Mr. Harper has become widely known and highly 
respected. A gentleman of modest and unassum- 
ing deportment, of genial manners and of real 
merit, he has the confidence and esteem of the 
entire community. 

JLBUR CAST, the well-known -Short 
Stop" of the base ball nine, the Sidell 
Reds, is designated as the "cute hitter" and 
with his comrades has furnished great recreation 
for the denizens of Sidell and vicinity, displaying 
in a marked degree the skill which may be attained 
by long practice and which really amounts to a 
science. This "nine" is the pride of the town and 
Mr. Cast one of its most popular boys. Base ball, 
however, occupies only a small portion of his time 
as he is industriously engaged in the cultivation (if 
his little farm of eighty acres, where he makes his 
headquarters and although living in an unpreten- 
tious style, manages to extract a great deal of com- 
fort from life. His career thus far has been signal- 
ized by perseverance and integrity, and he is a 
universal favorite among his townspeople. He has 
attained to his position solely by his own efforts, 
having been thrown upon his own resources early 
in life. Upon coming to this county twelve years 
ago or so, he engaged as a laborer by the month at 
Fairmount, and by a course of industry and econ- 
omy succeeded in making the purchase of his 
present farm. 

Mr. Cast was born in Clinton Count}', Ohio, six 
miles north of Clarksville. Dec. 22, 1858, and was 
reared to manhood m tlie Buckeye State, receiv- 
ing good educational advantages. His father. 
Ezekiel Cast, was married in early manhood to 
Miss Martha (Francis) Berkely, a native of Clarks- 
ville, and subsequently operated as a carpenter and 



fanner. He is still living on his farm and is 
seventy years of age. The mother died in 1861 
aged about forty years. Mr. Cast was married 
three times after the death of his first wife. The 
parental household included seven children, viz: 
Mary F„ Isaac William, Letta Joseph, Wilbur F. 
L., Jennie and Charles. Our subject was only three 
years old at the time of his mother's death and re- 
mained in his native State until a youth of sixteen 
years. Then coming to this county he entered the 
employ of W. H. Bartley, now a resident of Fair- 
mount, and he attended school two winters after- 
ward. He was married in March, 188G, to Miss 
Celia.daughterof John and Rachel Frances( Collins) 
Nugent, of Fairmount. The latter named came to 
this county in 1861. Mrs. Cast was born and 
reared near Fairmount, and of her union with our 
subject there are two children, Raymond E. and 
Katie F. 

Mr. Cast purchased his present farm in the fall 
of 1885, and is making perceptible headway as the 
seasons pass. He is a strict Republican, politically, 
and a favorite in both the social and business 
circles of this community. Mrs. Cast is a mem- 
ber in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. The father of our subject served in the 
Union army from the beginning to the close of 
the Civil War. 



i /> ILLh 

w a11 tl 

W¥l more 



jTLLIAM P. WITIIERSPl >< >N, Jr. Among 
the good things of life, there are few 
W^ more pleasant or desirable than a neat, at- 
tractive and well-regulated home, be it in the city 
or country, although to most minds a home amid 
the green fields with their peaceful and quiet scenes 
is the most desirable. They who have a true con- 
ception of the advantages of life in the rural dis- 
tricts, may. as in the case of Mr. Witherspoon and 
his estimable wife, build up a home verv nearly 
approaching the ideal, as they have done, working 
without question, with the mutual aim in view of 
gathering around themselves tin' appliances craved 
by cultivated tastes and refined instincts. Thai 
they have succeeded in an admirable manner, is 



590 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBl'M. 



quite evident in looking about their home, which 
is one of the most attractive spots in Vance Town- 
ship. Their children are receiving careful home 
training and a good education, such as will fit them 
for their station in life and make them good and 
worthy citizens. 

The subject of this notice is a native of Indiana. 
and was born Feb. 11, 1848, being the sixth child 
of William P., Sr., and Permelia (Berlin) Wither- 
spoon, the former a native of Alabama and the lat- 
ter of Patoka, Ind. The father of our subject was 
born in 1808, and twenty years later, leaving his 
native State, emigrated north to Southern Indiana, 
and since that time has lived in the vicinity of Pa- 
toka. Grandfather Berlin was born in Germany, 
whence he removed to Scotland, and finally came 
to America, spending his last days in Indiana. 
William P. Witherspoon, Sr., was married in Gib- 
son County, Ind., served in the Black Hawk War, 
and subsequently became a prominent citizen of 
his county. The wife and mother died in 1878. 
Their family consisted of nine children, eight of 
whom are living. The father has attained the ad- 
vanced age of eighty-three years and is in reasona- 
bly good health. 

Our subject pursued his first lessons in the 
schools of Patoka, Ind., and later attended school 
on the old Tippecanoe battle ground north of La 
Fayette. He took kindly to his books and became 
thoroughly well informed. He was but a lad of 
fifteen years at the outbreak of the Civil War, and 
three years later, in 1864, entered the ranks of the 
Union army, enlisting in Company G, 113d Indi- 
ana Infantry, in which he was made first color 
guard and occupied a very conspicuous place in 
time of action. He was with his regiment during 
the battles of Nashville, Murfresboro, Tallahoma 
and Knoxville, and from this latter place went to 
Clarksville, Tenn., where he remained until the 
close of the war. He was mustered out at Nash- 
ville in October, 1865. 

Three brothers of our subject also served in the 
Union army. John was a member of Company II, 
17th Indiana Infantry, and re-enlisted after the 
expiration of his first term of service. Moses and 
James were in Company A, 80th Indiana Infantry. 
The former was shot five times at the battle of 



Resaca, Ga., receiving wounds in the left arm, hip, 
thigh, the calf of his leg and his foot. He is still 
living, making his home near Patoka, Ind. James 
participated in all the battles of his regiment, ex- 
periencing many hairbreadth escapes, but returned 
home comparatively uninjured, and also resides 
near Patoka. 

After leaving the army our subject lived with 
his father on the farm until in October, 1868, when 
he came to this county and entered the store of his 
cousin, J. R. Witherspoon, of Fairmount, where he 
continued eighteen months. Then returning to the 
farm he sojourned there one year, and in 1870, in 
company with his brother Moses, opened a store of 
general merchandise at Patoka, which the}' con- 
ducted until the spring of 1872. On the 12th of 
March, that year, our subject was united in mar- 
marriage with Miss Esther, daughter of Maj. Wil- 
son Burroughs of Fairmount, and a sketch of 
whom appears elsewhere in this work. 

About this time Mr. Witherspoon disposed of 
his interest in the store at Patoka, Ind., and rented 
the farm which he now owns and occupies. Later 
he purchased a farm on section 19, to which he re- 
moved and lived upon it until in December, 1875. 
Then selling out he returned with his family to 
Indiana, purchasing a farm near Patoka, where he 
lived three 3 T ears. Then selling out once more he 
came back to this county and purchased his pres- 
ent farm, which consists of 100 acres of thor- 
oughly cultivated land. He is considerably inter- 
ested in live-stock, horses, cattle and swine, in 
which industry he has been fairly successful. He 
keeps about eighteen head of horses and mules. He 
has Imilt a fine barn, 36x40 feet in dimensions, and 
an ample system of sheds occupying an area of 
16x10 feet. There is no more desirable home on 
the south road from Fairmount to Homer. Fast of 
the dwelling is the first orchard which he planted, 
and west of it another one younger, but in good 
bearing condition. Numerous evergreens surround- 
ing the house add greatly to the beauty and value 
of the homestead. 

The three children born to our subject and his 
estimable wife were named respectively, Stella Z., 
Wilson W. and Myrtle M. The eldest is sixteen 
years old and the youngest six. Our subject is 




'\ xm ts-$>*cfa*sr& 



WRITTEN AT, 83. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



593 




rather conservative in politics and has always voted 
the straight Democratic ticket. Aside from officiat- 
ing as School Director in his district, he has steadily 
declined the responsibilities of office. Loth he and 
his wife are members in good standing of the Pres- 
byterian Church, and his children attend the Sun- 
day-school regularly. 

AVID DICKSON. The results of a health- 
ful, temperate and honorable life are finely 
illustrated in the career of this sturdy old 
veteran of eighty-three years, who still re- 
tains his faculties unimpaired, and with whom it 
is most pleasant and profitable to converse. He is 
one of the oldest men in Carroll Township, and 
preserves a distinct recollection of many events 
occurring during the period of the early settlement 
of this count}-, in which he bore a conspicuous 
part, and assisted largely in its growth and devel- 
opment. He was the pioneer stockman and stock 
feeder of this region, and in all his intercourse with 
his fellow-men preserved that upright and honor- 
able demeanor which gained him their highest es- 
teem and confidence. 

A native of Lewis County, Ky., our subject was 
born Dec. 13, 1806, and is the son of Robert and 
Phebe (Means) Dickson, the former a native of 
Maryland, and the latter of Mifflin County, Pa. 
The paternal grandfather, David Dickson, was of 
English descent, and grandfather John Means traced 
his ancestry to Ireland. Upon coining to America 
the parents of the latter settled in Bucks County, 
where he was born, reared and married, his bride 
being Miss Jemima Scudder, a native of Trenton, 
N. J., and of Holland-Dutch ancestry. The maiden 
name of grandmother Dickson was Jane Stephen- 
son. She was a native of Maryland, and of Eng- 
lish descent. 

The parents of our subject were married in 
Mason County, Ky. They were of exactly the 
same age, being born on the same day — Dec. 16, 
1765. Some time after their marriage they settled 
in Lewis County, and thence came to Illinois in the 
spring of 1824. The mother died that year at the 
age of forty-eight years. To her hail been born 



eleven children, viz.: James, who died in infancy; 
John, Jane, James S., Amos, David, our subject, 
Margaret, Robert, Moses, Jemima and Andrew S. 
Mr. Dickson was married a second time to Miss 
Hester Stretch, who died, leaving two children — 
William T., living, and Moses B., dead. The elder 
Dickson survived his wife only three years, his 
death taking place in 1827, from typhus fever. He 
was a stanch Democrat, politically, and with his 
good wife was firmly grounded in the doctrines of 
the Presbyterian Church. 

The boyhood days of our subject were spent in 
his native county, where he became familiar with 
farm pursuits, and was required to make himself 
useful at an early age about the homestead. His 
eldest brother was a boat builder, and when the 
family decided upon a removal from the Line 
Grass State, the two boys constructed a flatboat, 
and with the father purchased a keelboat besides. 
Upon these they loaded their stock, farming uten- 
sils and household goods, together with the family, 
and set sail on the Ohio River to the promised land. 
At Louisville, however, on account of high water, 
they were obliged to abandon their boats after un- 
loading their stock, consisting of oxen, horses and 
COWS, and made their way overland to this county, 
settling upon the land comprising our subject's 
present farm. The latter with his brothers, James 
ami Amos, pushed the keelboat up the Wabash 
River, and unloaded its contents a little wa3's above 
Newport, Ind., at Coleman's prairie. Thence they 
hauled their property to their destination — the land 
which their father had entered from the Govern- 
ment upon his first trip to the West, in the fall of 
1 823. 

The education of young Dickson, like that of 
his brothers and sisters, was conducted iii a log 
schoolhouse in old Kentucky, where they sat upon 
benches made from slabs, and tried to lock out of 
the window, which had greased paper instead of 
glass for panes. A huge fireplace extended nearly 
across one end of the building, and the chimney 
was built outside of earth and sticks. The teacher 
instilled learning into his pupils largely by the use 
of the rod, and David Dickson, it i> hardly to he 
doubted, was one of the most mischievous of his 
students. The system of instruction was far infe- 



594 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



rior to that of the present day, and one book went 
through the family until it was worn out. 

When about twenty-three years of age, being 
ready to establish domestic ties of his own, our 
subject was united in marriage with Miss Margaret 
Waters on the 3d of August. 1829. This lady was 
born in Stafford County, Va., May 10, 1810, and 
removed to Bourbon County. Ky.. with her parents 
in 1814. In 1828 they came to this county, the 
family comprising three sons and six daughters. 
Parents and children were remarkable for their 
healthful frames and robust constitutions. The 
two families soon became acquainted, and it was 
not long until David Dickson was the accepted 
suitor of Miss Waters. 

Mr. Dickson often recalls to his mind the appear- 
ance of the country in Central Illinois at this time 
and prior to it. He describes it as exceedingly 
beautiful, diversified with prairie and timber, the 
meadows and marshes thriving with a luxurious 
growth of prairie grass and wild flowers. At inter- 
vals some careless traveler or thoughtless settler 
would accidentally set fire to the dry vegetation, 
and then would ensue a conflagration terrible to 
behold, and frightful to those who did not know 
how to protect themselves from it. Wild animals 
of all kinds abounded, deer, wolves, etc., while 
poisonous reptiles — the rattlesnake, the blue racer, 
the black and the garter snake — kept the traveler 
on the look-out. There were also great quantities 
of wild birds — geese, ducks and pheasants, besides 
turkeys and pigeons. The Kickapoo and Pottawa- 
tomie Indians had not yet left the country — prowl- 
ing around until 1835, when they were removed 
west of the Mississippi. 

The people of that time and place were noted 
for their hospitality and the community of interest 
which led them at all times to be regardful of each 
other's welfare. They had all come to build up 
homes for themselves, and socially, as well as finan- 
cially, were upon common ground, very few of 
them possessing much of this world's goods. They 
had many difficulties in common to contend with, 
having to go long distances to mill and market, 
and obtaining their mail at Paris, the county 
seal of Edgar County. That county then cm- 



braced a large tract of land, extending from its 
present limits to Chicago. 

After the death of the father, each one of the 
Dickson boys started out in life for himself. They 
were all bright and energetic, but David, perhaps, 
led the van in enterprise and perseverance. He 
began entering land, and in due time found himself 
the owner of 1,400 acres. A large proportion of 
this was brought to a good state of cultivation, 
and he gave away 1,000 acres to his children, so 
that he now has but 400 acres. Much of this land 
was obtained on a Mexican warrant. In 1827 he 
walked to Fort Clarke, now Peoria, stopping there 
on his way to Galena. He made the journey on 
foot on what was then called the Kellogg trace, a 
distance of 180 miles. He carried his clothes and 
provisions in a knapsack, and saw the vessel which 
was fired upon by the W r innebago Indians, on ac- 
count of which, originated the subsequent troubles 
of that time. He worked for a time in the mines 
at New Diggings, and in the meantime became ac- 
quainted with the founder of Fort Gratiot. Some 
of the time he was employed for others at the rale 
of *1G per month. In the fall of the year above 
mentioned he worked his passage down the Missis- 
sippi to St. Louis on a keelboat, then purchased a 
pony, and rode across the State. He was at Shelby- 
ville when that city was laid out for the county 
seat. At one time he was employed in the salt- 
works north of Catlin, prior to going to Galena. 

Mr. Dickson made his first trip to the little town 
of Chicago in 1835, taking with him a load of pro- 
duce drawn by oxen. Later, in 1839, he began 
feeding cattle, and was the first man to engage in 
this industry on the Little Vermilion. In 1844 he 
drove 100 head of hogs to Chicago, and during 
1848. 1849 and 1850 transported in this manner 
several herds of fat cattle to Philadelphia and New 
York City. In connection with this fact it may he 
noted, that Carroll Township has produced more 
and finer cattle than any other township in the 
State of Illinois, and Mr. Dickson in his palmy 
days was recognized as one of the leaders in this 
business. Four children came to bless the union of 
Mr. and Mrs. Dickson, and three are living. Silas 
is married and the father of three children — Eve- 
lina, Robert and Bertinus; he makes his home in 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



595 



Indianola. and is represented elsewhere in this 
work; Robert died unmarried at the age of thirty- 
three years; Permelia J. is the wife of Dr. J. W. 
Rawlston, of Danville; Jemima is the wife of 
Allen Varner, a farmer of Ross Township, Edgar 
County, and they have six children — Jacob D., 
Mary, Margaret, Robert, William and David D. 

Mr. Dickson cast his first Presidential vote for 
Andrew Jackson in 1832, and has voted at four- 
teen Presidential elections, never omitting one since 
reaching his majority. He has continued from the 
first a pronounced Democrat, and keeps himself well 
posted upon all matters of general interest. He 
finds his religious home in the Methodist Episcopal 
Church at Indianola. He has been an observant 
witness of the extraordinary changes occurring in 
Central Illinois, and his experiences, if properly 
written up, would fill a good-sized volume. The 
wife of his youth was spared to him until quite 
aged, her death taking place Aug. 21, 1887. when 
seventy-seven years old. There are few men of 
the age of Mr. Dickson whose faculties are so little 
impaired by the flight of time, and who can recall 
so vividly events of more than fifty years ago. 
He is never at a loss for words with which to pre- 
sent the contrast between the post and the present, 
and no man has a finer conception of what has 
been accomplished in the great West by the hardy 
spirits who ventured to the frontier, and whose 
labors resulted in the transformation of the wilder- 
ness to the abode of a peaceful, intelligent and 
law-abiding people. 

A volume of this character would be incomplete 
without the portrait of a pioneer settler, whose life 
and history are inseparably associated with that of 
the county for which he has done so much. As the 
reader turns the pages, he will gaze with pleasure 
upon the loved face of the venerated David Dirk- 
son. 



AMUEL BLAIR is a native of Vermilion 
County and was born in Newell Town- 
ship, Dec. 5, 1838. His father and mother. 

William <;. ami Christina (Braden) Blair 
were natives of Kentucky, the former having been 




born Feb. 6, 1797, and died May 4, 1882. while 
Mrs. Blair's birth occurred on April 19, 1798. She 
died Oct. 2, 1877. This venerable couple settled 
in Newell Township on 120 acres of land and as old 
settlers, are entitled to all the praise that clusters 
around that brave class of people. They came 
here when Vermilion County was in its infancy 
and lived to see it take its place as one of the 
prominent counties of a great State. 

Samuel Blair is the youngest of a family of 
seven children, and as before stated was born in 
the township where he now resides. He married 
Miss Mary M. Casart, daughter of Peter and Mary 
Casart. natives of Kentucky. Mrs. Blair was born 
in Glass County, Mo., .March 7, 1.S42. and came to 
Illinois with her parents while very young. She 
is the sixth child of a family of nine children. 
She is the mother of six children, whose record 
follows: Henry M. is engaged with his father in 
buying and shipping grain and also in the mercan- 
tile business; Robert is the husband of Jennie 
Watson and is a near neighbor of his father and 
mother; Alice died at the age of ten months; Clara 
M. is at home; Franklin F. is dead: Samuel A. 
lives with his parents. 

Mr. Blair is the owner of 120 acres of good land 
all of which is finely improved. In his farming 
operations he makes a specialty of breeding Short- 
born cattle, and the place is especially noted for 
the fine shade trees thereon. In an early day these 
trees afforded shelter for the emigrants, and were 
noted and favorably commented upon from Chi- 
cago to Cairo. They were indeed an oasis on these 
vast prairies. During his boyhood days Mr. Blair 
frequently drove to Chicago with apples and other 
produce that was raised on the farm, and the 
events of these pioneer days arc related by him 
with an evident relish. 

Politically Mr. Blair is a Democrat, and is now 
postmaster at Newell, where he isengaged with his 
son iii business. He has held the offices of Town 
Clerk, Treasurer, and Road Commissioner, ami his 
conduct of these offices has merited the applause 
Of his neighbors. There is no person in Vermilion 
County who is more public spirited than he, and 
he is ever willing to do anything thai will aid in 
in the prosperity of his community. Ili~ h e is 



5% 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



surrounded by all that a cultivated taste and com- 
fort could suggest, and is one of which a king 
might be proud. As a business man, it goes with- 
out saying that Samuel Blair is unqualifiedly suc- 
cessful. El is reputation for honorable dealing has 
given him a large prestige, which is used with dis- 
cretion. Religiously Mr. Blair is an energetic 
member of the United Brethern Church, an organ- 
ization in which he figures as a leading liyht. 



>\r. 



-ET- 



"jfjOHN L. PADOITT of Georgetown Town- 
ship, is pursuing the even tenor of his way 
as a farmer in comfortable circumstances, 
the hero of a comparatively uneventful 
career, and has passed the greater part of his life 
in this region. He has signalized himself as a 
peaceful and law abiding citizen, and has a com- 
fortable home on section 6, where underneath his 
hospitable roof are frequently welcomed the many 
friends whom he and his estimable wife have made 
during their long sojourn in this county. 

Our subject was born in Highland Township, 
Vermillion Co., Ind.. June 28, 1810, and is the 
son of Alfred and Elizabeth (Bell) Padgitt. who 
were natives of Kentucky, where they were reared 
and married. The father served in the war of 
1812 and died in Indiana when his son John L. was 
but six years old. The mother and her children 
thereafter lived in Indiana until the latter were 
able to look out for themselves. Her death took 
place in Indiana in July. 1661. There were twelve 
children in the family, four sons and eight daugh- 
ters, all of whom lived to become men and women 
and of whom John L.. our subject, was the ninth 
Child. 

Mr. Padgitt remained a resident of his native 
county until reaching man's estate and when a little 
over nineteen years old was married July 10, 1859, 
to Miss Ellen O'Neal, a maiden of seventeen. 
They settled upon a tract of rented land in Oeorge- 
town Township, where they lived until Mr. Padgitt. 
in 1 8G5, enlisted at Danville as a soldier in the 
Union army in Company E, 150th Illinois Infantry 
under Capt. Parker. From Danville they repaired 



to Springfield, where they were mustered into ser- 
vice and were afterward employed at Provost 
Marshal duty around Bridgeport, Ala., Cleveland, 
Tenn., Dalton. Atlanta, and Griffin, Ga. There 
being then no further need of their services, they 
were mustered out at Atlanta Jan. 16, 1866, and 
received their discharge at Camp Butler, 111. 
Afterward, Mr. Padgitt resumed farming in George- 
town Township and in 1877 purchased his present 
place of seventy-one acres. Here he has made a 
comfortable living and by his industry and good 
qualities as a member of the community, has fully 
established himself in the confidence and esteem of 
his fellow citizens. 

To our subject and his excellent wife there were 
born three children, the eldest of whom, Viola F., 
is the wife of Dr. Buford Taylor of Westville, who 
is represented in this work. They have two chil- 
dren — Louie and Bertha E; Celia J. is the wife 
of Charles Cook a farmer of Georgetown Town- 
ship; Birdie D. remains at home with her parents. 
The latter are members of the Christian Church. 
Mr. Padgitt politically is a sound Republican and 
has held the office of Constable. 

Mrs. Padgitt is the daughter of Isaac and America 
(Lowe) O'Neal, who came to Vermilion County 
with their parents in their youth and were married 
here. The mother died in 1851 at the early age 
of twenty-eight years. Mr. O'Neal was married 
twice afterwards. He had five children each by 
his first and second wives. His eldest daughter, 
Ellen, is the wife of our subject; Samuel married 
a Miss Graves, is the father of two children. 
Mamie and Gertie, and resides in Kansas; Evalinc 
married James Cook, who resides at Westville and 
the others are deceased. Mr. O'Neal was a farmer 
by occupation and is now deceased. 



ENRV BASS, who is prominent among the 
well-to-do farmers of Middle Fork Town- 
ship, owns and occupies 230 acres of choice 
land upon which he has effected good im- 
provements. He is a native of Buckinghamshire, 
England, and the son of Henry and Sarah (Hart) 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



59: 



Bass who were born in Bed ford sli ire. They re- 
moved to the first mentioned county in their youth, 
where they were married and settled in the shire 
town of Olney, where there were horn to them 
seven children, viz. : Thomas; Henry, our subject; 
Eliza; Sarah, who married John Cook, a native of 
England and is now living in Chicago; James, 
William ami Fanny. The latter was married and died 
in England, leaving five sons and one daughter. 
One of the sons. Bernard Graves, is now living 
with his uncle, our subject. Fanny Bass died in 
England about 1884. The mother is still living 
and is now ninety- four years old. 

Our subject and his father's family for years 
used the church pew, originally occupied by the 
poet Cowper in the Baptist Church of Olney, and 
the house in which the poet lived is still standing 
in that town. Mr. Bass was reared to manhood in 
his native place and was married to Miss Harriet, 
daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Stewart) 
Bennett. The maternal grandparents of .Mrs. 
Bass were born in Norfolk, where they were also 
reared and married, and where their children were 
born and reared. Her people on her father's side 
of the house were mostly residents of Bedfordshire, 
and all were Methodists in religious belief. In the 
history of Olney the catching of eels formed one 
of its important industries, there being a large eel 
trap in the river and a portion was given annually 
to the crown, according to law. This was in an 
early day. 

In 1851 our subject and his wife, with father 
Bennett and family of four sons and one daughter, 
emigrated to the United States on the sailing vessel 
" Vanguard," landing in New York City after a 
voyage of nineteen days. Thence they proceeded 
to Buffalo by rail, and from there by the lake to 
Toledo, at which point they took a canal boat to 
Attica, Ind., from which point they came overland 
by team to this county and located in Middle Fork 
Township. Mr. Bass opened the first store of gen- 
eral merchandise in the town of Marysville, but a 
year or two later decided he would prefer farming 
and accordingly settled to that occupation. 

In a burying ground near the old English home 
of our subject is a stone which marks the resting 
place of one of his ancestors, Amos Bass, who died 



probably 100 years ago at the age of ninety-three. 
The family had been for several generations resi- 
dents of Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire, and 
were people generally well-to-do and universally 
respected. Our subject is the father of seven 
children, three of whom — Thomas, Samuel and 
Harriet, died young. Mary is the wife of W. F. 
Burt of Middle Fork Township; Fanny married 
Samuel, the son of James Gilbert of Ross Town- 
ship; Fred is selling goods in Armstrong; Arthur 
S. is farming in Middle Fork Township. Mr. and 
Mrs. Bass have been able to surround themselves 
with all the comforts of life and are held in high 
esteem bv their neighbors. Both are members in 
good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

\f, AMES II. STEVENS, a gentleman very pop- 
ular in his community and possessed of 
more than ordinary intclligi nee, is engaged 
in farming on a modest scale on section 9 
where he has eighty acres of well developed land 
with comfortable buildings. He makes a specialty 
of market gardening, his produce finding a ready 
demand among the coal miners in that vicinity. 
Honesty and integrity form the leading qualities 
in a character of superior excellence, and which has 
gained for Mr. Stevens in a marked degree the es- 
teem and confidence of all who know him. 

Our subject was born at his father's homestead 
on section 'J, near Brooks' Point in Georgetown 
Township, Vermilion County. Jan. 5, 1826, and 
there spent the opening years of his life. He ob- 
tained his education in the subscription schools, 
which were conducted in a log house built in the 
primitive fashion of those times with puncheon 
floor, seats and desks of slabs, greased paper for 
window panes, and a few other finishings and furn- 
ishings incident to pioneer times. He was at an 
early age taught to make himself useful around the 
homestead. The nearest mill for a number of years 
was at Terre Haute, Ind. There was for a long 
time only two wagons in the neighborhood within 
a radius of ten miles, and the neighbors for some 
distance arouud used to each send a bag of corn to 



.V.l.s 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



be ground, while two men would go in charge of 
the grist. Later a mill was established half a mile 
from the home of the Stevens family and operated 
by horse power. This was considered quite a lux- 
ury, being a great saving of time and travel. 

Upon approaching manhood young Stevens be- 
gan making arrangements for a home of his own. 
and in 1857 took unto himself a wife and helpmate, 
Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Charles Rountree. 
This lady was born in Ohio and removed with her 
parents to Indiana when a girl. She lived at home 
until her marriage with our subject, which took 
place near Crawfordsville, Ind. Prior to and for 
some time after his marriage Mr. Stevens engaged 
as teacher in Illinois and Indiana, covering a period 
of fifteen years. He met with success as an in- 
structor and was proffered the professorship of a 
seminary in Missouri. On account of the outbreak 
of the Rebellion he declined, feeling it his duty to 
assist in the preservation of the Union. He raised 
a company in Catlin, of which he was to have been 
Captain, but upon reporting to the Governor un- 
der the call for 75,000 men, the quota was found to 
be full and they were not accepted. 

Mr. Stevens now turned his attention to agri- 
culture and purchased his present farm of eighty 
acres, where he took up his abode and has since 
resided. Three children were born to Mr. and 
Mrs. Stevens, namely: Charles Fremont, Winfield 
S. and Jessie F. Mr. and Mrs. Stevens are mem- 
bers of the North street Methodist Episcopal 
Church at Danville, and our subject politically is a 
strong Republican. Upon becoming a voting citi- 
zen he joined the Democratic party, but in 185G, 
finding his party had violated their professed prin- 
ciples, he wheeled into the Republican ranks the 
year of their organization, voted for John C. Fre- 
mont, and has since labored for the success of Re- 
publican principles. He takes a warm interest in 
educational matters and keeps himself well posted 
upon topics of general interest. 

The parents of our subject were James and Su- 
sannah (T uomas ) Stevens, the father a native of 
Kentucky and the mother born in Knox County, 
E. Tenn., in the old fort of historic fame. The 
paternal grandfather, Solomon Stevens, was born 
in England, and when coming to America settled 



in one of the Carolinas, whence he removed later to 
Kentucky and finally came to Illinois in 1826 in 
.company with his son James. They settled near 
Brooks' Point, and Grandfather Stevens lived to 
be seventy years old. James Stevens was seventy- 
six years old at the time of his death, and his wife, 
Susannah, was sevent3 r -three. The latter was of 
German descent and was an offshoot of the family 
of the Union General, George H. Thomas, who dis- 
tinguished himself during the late war. Grand- 
father Stevens was an own cousin to Alexander 
Stevens of Georgia, and one of the noted Confeder- 
ate leaders. Both father and grandfather served in 
the war of 1812. James Stevens was then only a 
boy and could only enter the army under his father's 
permission. They fought side by side in the same 
company. The parental household included nine 
children, namely: Lovina, William, Polly A., James 
IL, Henderson P.. John, Sarah E.. Nancy and Sam- 
uel. 



-~^t — *iia2'©~i©* < -s 



.^f^ tJ2re»v- -vw» 



ffi OHN R. KINSEY. The community of Oak- 
wood Township recognizes in the subject 
of this notice one of its most useful and 
worthy citizens, a man liberal and public 
spirited, one who gives generously to his church 
(the United Brethren), in which he is a Class 
Leader and Steward and an active worker in 
the Sunday-school, and who in all the walks of 
life strives to makes the best of circumstances and 
follow that line of conduct by which he may be 
enabled to leave a good record for his children to 
look upon in future years. Conservative in poli- 
tics, he was first identified with the Old Line 
Whigs and upon the abandonment of that party by 
the organization of the Republicans, he identified 
himself with the latter in whose principles he 
thoroughly believes and votes accordingly. His 
occupation is that of a farmer, and he operates 
forty acres of good land on section 23, also owning 
fifty-seven acres in Catlin Township. lie has 
neat and substantial modern buildings and a com- 
fortable home, built up by his own energy and in- 
dustry. 

The native place of our subject was a few miles 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



599 



west of the city of Dayton, Ohio, and his birth oc- 
curred Oct. 20, 1831. His parents were Jacob and 
Eliza (Ressor) Kinsey, the former a native of Ohio, 

and the latter born in Germany, whence she was 
was brought to America by her parents in early 
childhood. Grandfather John Kinsey, of Pennsyl- 
vania, removed at an early day to the vicinity of 
Dayton. Ohio, and purchased land from which he 
constructed the farm which now belongs to the 
grounds of the Soldier's Home. There his son 
Jacob was born about 1812. The latter was reared 
to manhood and married in his native State where 
he followed farming and carpentering and became 
owner of a fine property. Later lie met with re- 
verses and had little to leave to his children at the 
time of his death. 

The mother of our subject was a lady possessing 
all the womanly virtues, and a member of the 
United Brethren Church. There were born to her 
and her husband, nine sons and four daughters and 
live of these children are living. Four of the boys 
entered the Union Army during the late Civil 
War. Jacob was in the 35th Illinois Infantry and 
died in the. service; David passed safely through 
the vicissitudes of army life and after the war took 
up his abode in Spring River, Mo., where he died 
about 1867 or 1868; Benjamin Franklin contracted 
measles in the arm}-, was sent home and died; 
Daniel, of the 35th Illinois Infantry, was taken 
prisoner and wounded but recovered; returning 
home, he is now a resident of Butler County. Kan. 
The mother has long since passeil away. Her 
children cherish and revere her memory above all 
Others for she was truly a mother in every sense, 
devoted to her husband and regarding her children 
as her dearest treasures on earth. Mr. Kinsey, the 
father was twice married after the death of his first 
wife anil spent his last years in Kansas. 

Our subject remained a resident of his native 
State until a youth of sixteen years, then in 1847, 
removed with his father's family to Peru, Ind. He 
lived there until 1853, then coming to this county 
he located on a farm just east of his present home- 
stead. He had received a common school educa- 
tion, but was of that temperament and disposition 
which led him to keep his eyes open to what was 
going on around him. and he thus became a well- 



informed and intelligent citizen. When ready to 
establish a home of his own he was married at 
Peru, Ind.. to Mrs. Elizabeth Chronister and soon 
afterward, coming to this county, purchased fifty 
acres of land from his father where he put up a frame 
house and became involved in debt. Then selling 
out he rented land of his father for a year and a 
half, after which he purchased forty acres — his 
present farm. Here he hewed his own logs and 
built a house and stable and since that time has 
given his attention to the cultivation and improve- 
ment of his land. It has been well tiled and 
drained and is very productive. Besides this he 
has fifty- seven acres in Catlin Township. lie rents 
other land of his neighbors and besides raising 
quantities of fruit, having a flourishing orchard, he 
feeds each year a goodly number of cattle and 
swine. 

Mr. Kinsey and his family now occupy a two 
story frame dwelling, thirty-six feet square and 
which was erected in 1881. It makes a very at- 
tractive home, beautifully located in the edge of 
the timber, and is elsewhere represented in this 
work. To Mr. and Mrs. Kinsey there have been 
born live children. The eldest. Margaret A., is the 
wife of Thomas J. Peterson, lives in Kansas and 
has two children. Jasper N., and the youngest 
child — Sardis II., remain at home with their 
parents. John A., is unmarried and a resident of 
Dakota. Sarah Ellen, Mrs. Daniel Clapp, has one 
Child and lives in ( lakwood Township. 

<f ACOB J. ROBERTSON, the son of a well- 
known pioneer family of Newell Township, 
his native place, is now classed among its 
prominent citizens and practical agricultur- 
ists who arc ably sustaining its highest material 
and social interests. His father. Zachariah Robert- 
son, was born in Harrison County, Ky , and his 
mother Elizabetb (Storr) Robertson, was a native 
of Ohio. (For further parental history see sketch 
of Z. Robertson). 

Our subject was the eldest of their large family 
of sixteen children, eight sons and eight daughters, 



600 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



and his birth took place here Scut. 22, 1848, He 
was reared to man's estate on liis father's farmi 
gaining a thorough knowledge of the vocation that 
lie afterwards adopted as his life-work, and receiv- 
ing his education mostly in the public schools. 
Since attaining manhood he has devoted himself 
exclusively to farming and stock-raising, making a 
specialty of Short-horn cattle, and his fine herd of 
that breed compares with the best in the neighbor- 
hood. He owns a good farm whose 100 acres of 
fertile soil are under the highest state of cultivation, 
and yield him a reliable income. The buildings 
standing on the farm arc in good order, and he and 
his family have a comfortable home. 

Mr. Robertson was married at State Line, Feb. 
6, 1872, to Miss Melissa Brithingham, who has 
greatly aided him in his work as only a capable, de- 
voted wife can do, anil to her he frankly acknowl- 
edges his indebtedness. Her parents, Benjamin 
and Eliza (Maechinson) Brithingham, natives of 
Ohio, where they were married, were among the 
early settlers of Vermilion County. He died in 
Middle Park Township, and she died on the old 
homestead in Pilot Township. They had a family 
of six daughters and four boys. Mrs. Robertson 
was the ninth child and was born on the old farm 
in Pilot Township, Nov. 24, 1848, and has always 
resided in Vermilion County. Five children are 
the fruit of her happy marriage with our subject — 
Ilallie G-., an infant, Charles B., Orace M. and 
Faj\ Charles B. died when two years old. 

In our subject his native township sees one who 
is an honor to its citizenship, both in public and in 
private life, as his career has been without a stain. 
His manly, honest, straightforward disposition has 
secured him the confidence of his fellowmen and he 
has proved an invaluable civic official. He has 
been Tax Collector for two years, and has been 
School Director, taking much interest in educational 
matters, lie was elected Supervisor of Newell 
Township in the spring of 1887 and served with 
great credit to himself and the community. Dur- 
ing his term of office an investigation was made 
into the affairs of some of the county offices and a 
shortage was discovered of $3,800. < )ne of the 
county officials offered to compromise by paying 
into the treasury $2,000. Our subject with but 



one other of the supervisors voted not to accept 
the amount, failing to see why a shortage of 13.800 
should be settled for scarcely more than half of the 
amount. Mr. Robertson had the appointment of 
one of the grand jurors and he gave him special 
instruction to do all in his power to find an indict- 
ment against the guilty parties, and if unable to do 
so. then to use his influence to have the entire 
Board of Supervisors indicted, as all hut two had 
voted to accept the $2,000 offered in settlement of 
the deficit. An indictment was found against the 
guilty officials, and but one was cleared of im- 
plication in the affair; the others reimbursed the 
county for the full amount. Mr. Robertson is a 
prominent member of the I. 0. O. F., being Vice- 
Grand of Illini Lodge, No. 240. He and his wife 
are true Christians, and valued members of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he has been 
Trustee. 



EV. FRANCIS A. POETTKEN, pastor of 
\\z$ J St. Joseph's Church, came to Danville in 
V, September, 1880, and is discharging the 
Ml duties of his calling with that conscien- 
tious fidelity which has gained him the confidence 
and esteem of all with whom he is associated. He 
is a native of the Prussian province of Westphalia, 
and was born in the town of Muenster, June 2, 
1838. He received a thorough education in his 
native tongue, and was ordained as a priest Nov. 
11. 1861. at Mentz. Subsequently, until 1875, 
he officiated as pastor of different churches in Ger- 
many, and in September, that year, came to the 
United States. 

The church edifice in which the congregation of 
St. Joseph's worship, is a handsome brick structure 
located on Green street. It was first opened for 
services in 18C7. under the pastorate of Rev. M. 
Rosenbauer. In 1886 the building was enlarged, 
and a steeple added. It was consecrated Aug. 1 , 
1886, by lit. Rev. Bishop Spaulding, of Peoria. It 
belongs to the Peoria Diocese, and has a member- 
ship of ninety families. A parochial school was 
established in 1875. and is now under the charge 




^0N S EC36S°rCrrv 



PROPERTY OF JAMES BARNETT, INDIANOLA. 




RESIDENCE OF ANDREW GUTHRIE.SEC. 25. SIDELL TP VERMILION CO. 



POUT HA IT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



603 



of the Franciscan Sisters, with an attendance of 
sixty-five pupils. 

In connection with St. Joseph's Church there is 
St. Joseph's Benevolent Society, which was organ- 
ized in 1877. The following named priests have at 
different times officiated in this parish: Rev. Anton 
Reck, now deceased, Henry Koehne, William Kuch- 
enhtich, Thomas Frouenkefer, deceased, Peter Jo- 
seph Schmal, Peter Joseph Gerhardy, C. Schurtz, 
Bernhard Wenning, deceased, and Father Poett- 
ken. 

A very important institution in connection with 
this church, and known as St. Elizabeth Hospital, 
was established in 1881, and the huilding it now 
occupies was erected in 1888. This is a handsome 
brick structure, three stories in height, with base- 
ment, covering a area of 49x102 feet and with its 
finishings and furnishings is a most valuable piece 
of property. It is in charge of fourteen Francis- 
can Sisters, and at present accommodates thirty 
patients. 

\¥ AMES BARNETT is one of the leading' busi- 
! ness men of Indianola. He owns and oper- 
, ates an extensive livery, sales and boarding 
Ssg/' stable, and has acquired a reputation in his 
business that is praiseworthy. He also ownsa beau- 
tiful farm of 222 acres, which he carries on in con- 
nection with his other business. On this farm is a 
pleasant commodious residence, which is illustrated 
by a fine view given elsewhere in this work, and 
which is surrounded by stately trees and gardens 
of beautiful flowers. 

Mr. Barnett is the son of James Barnett, who was 
a native of Kentucky, and settled in Illinois in 
1828. The father was married twice, the first time 
to Miss Conway, by whom he had five children: 
while his second wife, the mother of the one of 
whom this sketch is written, was named Rosa Neil. 
He became the owner of about GOO acres of land, 
and was one of the most prominent farmers in this 
part of the country. His ancestors were from Ire- 
land, and after coming to America settled in Penn- 
sylvania, away back in Colonial times. The father 
of James Barnett, Sr., was born in the State named, 

i 



and was there married to Miss Delila Davis, of 
Welsh lineage. The father of our subject died in 
1866, while his second wife died the same year, at 
the age of sixty-seven years. She was the mother 
of seven children, whose names follow: Emily, 
Eliza, Lenora, Mary, Willis. .James and Harris. 

James Barnett was born April 1 1, 1845, on the old 
Barnett homestead, where he was reared to man- 
hood. He attended the common schools, working 
alternately on his father's farm, thus acquiring his 
knowledge of agriculture and of horses, which has 
served him well. In 1874 he was married to Miss 
Lueinda Martin, a native of Douglas County, III., 
and a daughter of John and Mary (Wheeler) Mar- 
tin, the latter of whom were natives of Athens 
County, Ohio. John Martin was married three 
times. Airs. Barnett being a child of the first mar- 
riage. His children are as follows: Susannah, John 
Joseph. Margaret. Nancy, Levi, Isaac, Mary and 
Lueinda. Mrs. Barnett was but four years old 
when her mother died. Fight children were born 
to her father's second union, and by his third mar- 
riage he was the father of one child. 

After their marriage Mr. and Airs. Barnett re- 
sided on the old homestead, where they met all the 
responsibilities thrust upon them with characteris- 
tic industry and intelligence. He has since added 
to the old farm, so that now it is a beautiful place 
of about 222 acres. In 1878 Mr. and Mrs. Barnett 
removed to Jewell County, Kan., where they 
owned a quarter section of land. This move was 
made on account of Mrs. Harnett's health, and 
while there she improved greatly. In the mean- 
time the Kansas land rose in value, so much so. that 
they concluded to dispose of it. which they did to 
a good advantage and returned to Illinois, where 
they have since resided. They have an interesting 
family of five children, whose names are: Hose A., 
Wilbur J., Armilda Pearl. Edith F. and Glenw 1. 

Mrs. Barnett belongs to the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, of Indianola, and is always found at the 
front in anything that will forward the interests of 
her chosen faith. Mr. Barnett is a member of Ver- 
milion Lodge No. 265, A. F. & A. M., and of the 
Modern Woodmen. Politically there is no more 
anient Republican in the Stale than he. Mrs. Bar- 
nett is one of the best of neighbors, and tenderest 



604 



PORTRAIT AND P.IOGRAPH1CAL ALBUM. 



of mothers. She is justly proud of her family, and 
of her home, while the interior of the latter shows 
that the hand of the mistress is never idle. 




.„ NDREW GUTHRIE is one of the promi- 
nent and well-to-do farmers of Sidell 



Township, where he owns and operates 
0J eighty acres of well-improved land on sec- 

tion 25. His father and mother, George and Mar- 
garet Guthrie, were born in Ireland. The poverty 
and reign of landlordism in that country is one of 
the great causes of its people coming to America. 
Here if they arc industrious and sober they can 
find occupation for themselves and land for their 
children, and in pursuance of this object, the elder 
Guthrie concluded to leave his native country and 
seek the more hospitable shores of America. He 
first settled in Pennsylvania, where he was married, 
and later, about L850, lie came to Carroll Town- 
ship, Vermilion County, where he lived on his 
farm until death called him away, at the age of 
seventy-three years. His wife died at the same 
age. They had ten children, of whom five were 
sons and five daughters, and but three of these are 
now living, namely: Thomas, Andrew and Sarah. 
Thomas resides in Sidell Township, and is prosper- 
ing; Sarah married George Powell, and is residing 
at Danville. 

Andrew Guthrie was born July 6, 1826, in 
Washington County. Pa., twenty-four miles south 
of Pittsburgh. He grew to manhood in that coun- 
try, and married Miss Rachael Reynolds, a native 
of Fayette County, Pa. He" lived in that State two 
years after marriage, until in 1854, he heard of the 
wonderful resources of this part of Illinois, he con- 
eluded to remove here, and upon his arrival settled 
in Vermilion County, where for a few years he was 
obliged, on account of the lack of means, to rent a 
farm. Put industry and honesty will win. In 
1873 he found himself able to buy forty acres of 
land, and to which he has since added another 
forty. His farm, though not large, yields good re- 
turns upon the investment, and is a model in every 
respect, as its owner does nothing at all but that 



which he can do well. He has erected a commo- 
dious residence on his - homestead, and we are 
pleased to present on another page a tine view of 
this pleasant country home. 

Mr. and .Mrs. Guthrie have six children: Mary 
E., Ella, Wilbur, George. Samuel and Ernest. 
Mary E. married Abner Orr. who is a large farmer 
of Clark County, 111. They have six children, and 
all are well-to-do; Ella and Wilbur are at home 
with their parents; George is a carpenter, and is 
living in California; Samuel is a telegraph opera- 
tor at Allerton; while Ernest is at home attending 
school. Mr. Guthrie has taken a great interest in 
educational matters, and is always found ready to 
do anything that will benefit the common schools. 
Mrs. Guthrie was a teacher, and held a first-grade 
certificate in Vermilion and Edgar counties, this 
State. They are members of the Cumberland Pres- 
byterian Church, and largely aided in building the 
edifice in which they worship. In 1869 Mr. Guth- 
rie had the misfortune to lose an eye, but other- 
wise he is in perfect health and strength. 

Mr. Guthrie is an adherent, mainly, to Demo- 
cratic principles, but when he votes he scrutinizes 
the candidates' record and qualifications, and then 
invariably votes for the best man. He is one of 
the best men of his township, and is held in high 
esteem by his neighbors. 



yfclLLIAM REES. There is a goodly repre- 
sentation of the peaceable Friends in 
Elvvood Township, and among them the 
subject of this notice is one of the prominent 
members. He is a man justly proud of his 
ancestry, who made for themselves a good record, 
and has inherited from them many excellent traits 
of character. His life-long occupation has been 
that of a farmer, and he is at present located on 
section 24 in Elwood Township. Here b} r his in- 
dustry and perseverance he has made good use of 
his time, built up a very desirable home and accu- 
mulated a competence for his declining years. 

Our subject was born in Greene County, East 
Tennessee, April 16, 1819, and is the son of Will- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



COS 



iam Rees, Jr., who was born near Richmond, Va., 
and who died many years ago. The paternal 
grandfather of our subject was also William Rees. 
who removed with his family to Guilford County, 
N. C, about 1771. when his son William was but 
two years old and prior to the Revolutionary War. 
The family were at onetime within three miles of 
the battle-ground of Guilford Court-house and 
heard the report of cannon and musketry at that 
battle. The army, however, moved on, but, for 
some time the cannonading could still be heard. 

William Rees, Sr., the grandfather of our sub- 
ject, was also a native of Virginia and the son of 
Thomas Rees, who emigrated from Wales ^»>n 
after his marriage and a short time before his son 
William was born. The parents of Thomas Rees 
were of the Saxon race. Thomas was married in 
his native country to Miss Mary Bowen, and they 
immediately set sail for America. Upon their ar- 
rival they settled near Richmond, Va , and became 
the parents of four sons. William, Robert. Solomon 
and David. William married Miss Charity Dillon, 
of Irish ancestry, and by her became the father of 
seven children. Moses. William, James. .John, 
Mary, Margaret and a daughter whose name does 
not appear. Thomas Rees lived to be 105 years 
old. 

The father of our subject was the second child 
of his parents and upon reaching manhood was 
married to Miss Susanna Jones, a native of Virginia, 
who was taken by her parents to Tennessee when 
but a chihl. There were seven other children in 
the family, three of whom are living: Mary, Mrs. 
Bales; Rachel, who is unmarried, and our subject, 
who was the youngest born; the others, who all 
lived to mature years, were named respectively. 
Charity, Deborah, John, James ami Jane. 

Our subject came to this county in 1830, settling 
in Klwood Township, where he has since lived. In 
the following winter occurred the deep snow which 
fell two feet on the level and when nearly all 
the deer and wolves were frozen to death. The 
Rees family experienced all the hardships and diffi- 
culties of pioneer life, living far from mill and 
market and struggling for a number of years to 
make both ends meet. Their grinding was fre- 
quently done in a horse-mill. Three days after his 



arrival our subject received a wound on his right 
knee and still carries the sear, by reason of an 
injury in a horse-mill. 

Young Rees studied his first lessons at the sub- 
scription schools, conducted in a log cabin, with 
slab seats and desks set up on rude wooden legs, 
with a clapboard roof, a huge fireplace extending 
nearly across one end of the building and the 
chimney built outside of clay and sticks. Win- 
dow glass was too expensive or unattainable in 
those days and in its place there was used greased 
paper for panes. The system of instruction was 
conducted in a manner corresponding to the time 
anil place. Our subject remained at the farm as- 
sisting his father in its development until ready to 
establish a home of his own. 

The marriage of William Rees and Miss Rebecca 
Hester was celebrated at the bride's home in El- 
wood Township, Nov. 7, 1843. This lady was the 
daughter of Thomas Hester and a sister of William 
Hester, whose biography appears on another page. 
She was born in Randolph County, Ind., Jan. 23, 
1824, and removed with her parent to Tazewell 
well County this State, in 1829. Six years later, 
in 1835, they came to this county. Ten of the thir- 
teen children born of this union are still living, 
viz: Levi. Martha. Mary, Sarah. Thomas, Sibyl, 
Perry ().. Omar II. and Bertram. 

Levi Rees was married to Miss Rebecca A. Par- 
ker. At an early age he exhibited an uncom- 
monly bright mind of a deeply religious turn, and 
he is now pastor of the Friends' Church in Indian- 
apolis: he has no children. Martha married Mr. 
Seth Haworth, who is now deceased, and lives near 
her father. She is the mother of five children, 
only one of whom is living, Anna L.; Mary is the 
wife of Thomas Ilolliday. of Douglas County, this 
State, and is the mother of three children, Grace, 
Alice and Lizzie: Sarah is the wife of Pleasant 
Cook, of Champaign County, and they have two 
children. Lewis and Arthur; Thomas married Miss 
Florence Elliott, and lives in Carroll Township; 
they had one child, Lucille, deceased. Sibyl mar- 
ried Zimri Haworth. of Elwood Township, and 
they have t wo children, Mary and Albert. 

The Rees homestead includes ninety-two acre- of 

choice land which, under the careful management 



606 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBIM. 



of its proprietor, is the source of a good income. 
Our subject is fi stanch Republican politically but 
lias never sought office, and in religious matters 
belongs to the Soeietj- of Friends. His father was 
born in 1769 and voted for Washington at his 
second election for President. He subsequently 
voted for both of the Adamses and was always a 
Whig politically. 



-£-«.**> 




... LEXANDER D. OWEN, a fanner widely 
till and favorably known, and Hying in Grant 



Township, was born in Washington County, 
Ohio, Sept. 6, 1845, and came to this State 
after his marriage in 1869. His great-grandmother, 
Mary (Gardner) Owen was the first white woman 
who ever crossed the Ohio River and set foot upon 
the soil of the Imperial State of that name, and her 
history is given in its annals. James Owen and his 
wife Mary (Gardner) Owen, were the great-grand- 
parents of Alexander D., our subject. They were 
both natives of Rhode Island and left their home in 
South Kingston, R. I., in 1798, for the territory of 
Ohio. They settled at Fort Harmer. now the site 
of Marietta, Ohio, landing there June 5, 1798 — 
in company with (Jen. James Varnum. As before 
stated Mrs. Owen was the first white woman to 
setUe in the Northwest Territory. Her son. Daniel 
Owen, grandfather of Alexander D., was therefore 
one of the earh' settlers of Washington County, 
Ohio, and became the owner of a farm on the Mus- 
kingum River, on which he lived until his death 
It was near what was then known as Ft. Harmer, 
where Marietta now stands. His wife also died at 
that place. 

Their son, Vincent, was the father of the subject 
of this sketch and was born at the above mentioned 
place in 1811. He likewise was a farmer and a life- 
long resident of his native county, where he died 
in 1876 aged sixty-five years. He was a stock 
dealer and raiser as well as farmer, and accumu- 
lated a handsome competency as a result of his in- 
dustry and correct business habits. lie was mar- 
ried to Jane Adams, also a native of Ohio, who died 
several years before her husband's decease, leaving 



a family of nine children, of whom but two are 
now living — Alexander 1). and a sister, Louisa, 
wife of D. 1'. Adams, a plumber, now residing in 
Washington County, Ohio. Three of the sons were 
in the Union army and one died in the service at 
Pulaski, Tenn. The others died after the war at 
their homes, the one in Ohio and the other in 
West Virginia. 

Alexander I). Owen was reared on the farm 
where he was born, living there until January, 
1863, when at the age of eighteen years, he too, 
offered his services to his country, enlisting in 
Company L, 1st Ohio Cavalry, with which lie 
served until Dec. 1865. His company served as 
Gen. Thomas' body guard and was also on detailed 
duty as despatch- bearers, carrying messages along 
the lines, especially during engagements, the serv- 
ice being especially hazardous. They were so en- 
gaged at Lookout Mountain, Buzzard's Roost, 
Macon, Ga,. Dallas, Ala., Peach Tree Creek, where 
Gen. Harrison ascended the first step that led to 
the White House: Three Forks and in all engage- 
ments of that army down to Atlanta. After peace 
was declared the company was ordered to Nash- 
ville, Tenn., where they were on duty until De- 
cember, 1865, when they were mustered out. 
Being honorably discharged, Mr. Owen returned to 
his home and resumed work on the farm, remaining 
there until his marriage Dec. 2, 1868, to Miss 
Catherine Rubrake, daughter of Jacob and Cathe- 
rine Uubrake, natives of Germany, who emigrated 
to this country after their marriage, over forty 
years ago. The father died in Noble County, Ohio, 
in March 1888 aged nearly seventy-five years, while 
the mother is still living at the same place and is 
now about sixty-five years old. 

In February following their marriage Mr. and 
Mrs. Owen removed to Logan County, 111., where 
they lived for seven years, then came to the place 
he now owns on section 5, in Grant Township, 
where he has a good farm of eighty acres, on which 
he has built a fine residence. All the improvements 
on the place have been made by himself, as his land 
when purchased was nothing but raw prairie. To- 
day it is one of the best improved and most desir- 
able pieces of property in this part of the county. 
It is all thoroughly tiled, fenced, and in a high state 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



607 






of cultivation. Beside his general fanning, Mr. 
Owen gives considerable attention to dairying in 
which lie has met with success. 

Mr. Owen is a member of Harmon Post No. 115 
G. A. R. of Hoopeston, and both he and his wife 
are communicants of the First Baptist Church of 
that place. In politics he is a Democrat. By the 
people who know him, Mr. Owen is spoken of as an 
upright, honorable and trustworthy man, and a 
good citizen, who can always be depended upon to 
do just what he promises, and he justly merits 
the respect and confidence of his neighbor. 

AVe invite the attention of our numerous readers 
to a handsome engraving of the elegant home and 
surroundings on the farm of Mr. Owen. 

EORGE M. SULLIVAN is the enterpris- 

and industrious Pathmaster of Sidell, 
Icil position he has held for the long- 
period of eleven years. A native of the Blue 
Grass State, he was born Sept. 16, 183(1, and there 
spent his childhood days amid its pioneer scenes, 
attending the subscription schools in a log house, 
with its seats and desks made of slabs and the other 
furnishings and finishings corresponding to that 
period. He was harnessed into work at an early 
age, following the plow when a lad of nine years, 
and thus were formed within him those habits of in- 
dustry which have made of him a wealthy and 
successful man. 

In 1854 the Sullivan family, leaving Kentucky, 
emigrated to Decatur County, Ind., and our sub- 
ject engaged first in breaking land upon the new 
farm. After a time, however, longing for a change 
of occupation, he secured a position as Freight 
Agent with the Indianapolis A Cincinnati Railroad 
Company, anil was entrusted with the purchase of 
ties, timber and general construction lumber, being 
in the employ of this company about eight years. 
In the meantime be was married, in I, SCI, to Miss 
Lucinda Ann Baker, who was then an attractive 
young lady of nineteen years. 

In 1866 .Mr. and Mrs. Sullivan settled on a farm 
in Shelby County, Ind.. where they lived two years. 



In 1868 they came to this county, and Mr. Sullivan 
rented a farm of 160 acres in Sidell Township from 
Mr. Oakwood. He was prospered in his labors as 
a tiller of the soil, and in 1871 purchased forty 
acres of raw land on section 30. Upon this he 
effected some improvements, and three years later 
sold it to good advantage. Later he purchased the 
100 acres on section 31, which constitutes his pres- 
ent homestead. To this he has given his undivided 
attention, with most excellent results. The land is 
highly productive and embellished with a set of 
good buildings, the dwelling being a neat frame of 
one and one-half stories, well fitted up with the 
conveniences of modern life. The outbuildings, 
live-stock and machinery are what might be natur- 
ally expected from a man of Mr. Sullivan's push 
and enterprise, and compare favorably with those 
of the others enterprising farmers of this section. 

Seven of the ten children born to Mr. and Mrs. 
Sullivan are still living, viz: James H., Oliver P. 
and Henry A. (twinsj, Carrie B., Home II.. Charles 
W. and Arthur G. .lames H. married Miss Lucy 
Clester, and is the father of one child. He is em- 
ployed as salesman for Charles Forbes, the agri- 
cultural implement dealer of Sidell, and in this 
capacity ranks second to no man in the county. 
The other children are at home with their parents. 
Oliver and Henry are cultivating 120 acres of 
rented land on section 2. making a specialty of 
corn. Our subject, politically, uniformly votes 
with the Democratic party, and with his wife is a 
member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. 
He has held several of the township offices, giving 
general satisfaction in the discharge of his duties. 

The parents of our subject were natives lespect- 
ively of Maryland and Kentucky, the mother born in 
Mercer County. Her maiden name was Mary Hill, 
and her mother was a native of Scotland. The ten 
children of the parental family were named, re- 
spectively, Nancy ft., John II., Louisiana, Myriana. 
Sarah. George Marion. our subject, Martha J., Mary 
F., James I'. and William J. Both the grand fathers 
served in the Revolutionary War. Grandfather 
Sullivan was a Sergeant under the direct command 
of Gen. Washington. A fife belonging to him and 
used during that war. is still in possession of the 
family. The father of our subject died in Wash- 



608 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



jiigton County, Ky.. at about the age of sixty-one 
years, when George M. was a lad of eleven years. 
The mother died ten years later and was also sixty- 
one years old. 

Mrs. Sullivan was born in Decatur County. Intl.. 
and is the daughter of James II. and Louisa Bowen, 
the father a native of Ohio. They were the parents 
of six children — four daughters and two sons. 



ffiTJDGE JACOB W. WILKINS, one of the 
Justices of the Supreme Court of Illinois. 
has enjoyed a large and varied experience 
in his profession, while his learning and 
dignity and the deep sense of justice he is gifted 
with, especially tits him to grace this honorable 
position. His naturally good judgment and sound 
learning, together with his studious habits and 
legal ability have long since gained for him the 
highest esteem of his fellow citizens and the respect 
of his professional brethren, while his fidelity to 
duty has ever been apparent in his rulings and pro- 
ceedings. He is an Ohio man by birth, and was 
born near Newark, Licking County, June 7, 1837. 
When our subject was a mere child his father 
decided to seek the farther West, and coming to 
Crawford County, 111., settled on a farm in Licking 
Township, where Jacob W. lived until a youth of 
eighteen years. He had up to this time pursued 
his studies in the common schools, and by close 
application prepared himself for McKendree Col- 
lege at Lebanon, St. Clair Co., 111. He entered this 
institution and for the following two years prose- 
cuted his studies with his well known energy and 
thoroughness. He left the college halls in 1801 and 
begun the study of law under Judge John Scofield, 
who was afterward his law partner, residing at 
Marshall. At the outbreak of the Rebellion he en- 
listed as a Union soldier, but was soon obliged to 
return home on account of ill health. His patriot- 
ism however, would not permit him to remain at 
home, and soon again he presented himself to the 
enrolling officer and joined Company K, 130th Il- 
linois Infantry, and was mustered in as Captain. 
His regiment was thereafter in different divisions 



of the Army of the Cumberland, and later in the 
Department of the Gulf. It passed through the 
Vicksburg campaign and participated in all the bat- 
tles connected therewith, after which they joined 
the army assigned to make the Red River expedi- 
tion. Our subject was engaged in the battles of 
Sabine Cross Roads, Spanish Fort and Fort Blake- 
ley, and was before Vicksburg during the siege of 
that city. Later he was on duty at the headquarters 
of Gen. Grant and served until the close of the 
war — a little over three years — receiving his dis- 
charge in the fall of 186*5 with the rank of Major. 
Then returning to Marshall he completed his law 
studies, and was admitted to the bar in the spring 
of 1866. He opened an office in Marshall and com- 
menced the regular practice of his profession, 
following it alone until 1867. That year he asso- 
ciated himself in partnership with Judge Scofield, 
and they remained together until 1873, when the 
partnership was dissolved by the election of Judge 
Scofield to his present high position, being also a 
member of the Supreme Court of the State of 
Illinois. 

For a time our subject continued his practice 
singly in Marshall, then formed a partnership with 
a younger brother and they continued together 
until in June, 187'J, when Mr. Wilkins was elected 
Judge of the Fourth Judicial Circuit of Illinois, the 
other two judges of that circuit being Judge ( ). L. 
Davis, of Danville, and ('. I). Smith, of Cham- 
paign. In June. 1885, he was re-elected, and. 
Judge Davis retiring, Judge Wilkins took up 
his residence in Danville, where he has since 
resided. He was assigned to duty on the 
bench of the Appellate Court of the Fourth Dis- 
trict in 1885, and was elected to the Supreme 
bench in June, 1888. 

Politically, Judge Wilkins is a sound Republi- 
can, and has been of signal service to his party, 
frequently being sent as a delegate to the various 
conventions. On the 21st of September, 1865, he 
was married to Miss Alice Constable, who was the 
daughter of Judge Charles II. Constable, a man of 
prominence and broad attainments in legal lore. 
This union resulted in the birth of three children 
— Harry O., John Scofield and Jessie Belle. Mrs. 
Alice Wilkins died at her home in Marshall in 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



609 



March. 1883. Her children are still living, and are 
being given the best advantages in the way of ed- 
ucation and careful training. 

Judge Wilkins contracted a second marriage in 
July. 188"), with Mrs. Sarah E. ( Whitlock) Archer, 
daughter of Judge William C. Whitlock, of Mar- 
shall. The family resilience is pleasantly located 
in the central part of the cits', and its inmates are 
surrounded by all that ample means and cultivated 
tastes can supply. They occupy a high social po- 
sition in their community. The Judge has accumu- 
lated a comfortable property. 

The father of our subject was Isaac Wilkins. a 
native of Virginia, and born July 11, 1806. When 
ayoung man he emigrated to Licking County, < >hio, 
where he was married to Miss Sarah Burner in 
1827. In Ohio he operated as a contractor and 
builder, but after his removal to Crawford County, 
this State, turned his attention to fanning and be- 
came the owner of 320 acres of land, which he 
brought to a good state of cultivation. He also 
dealt considerably in live stock, and finally accu- 
muluated a good property, so that he was able to 
retire from active labor. He died Nov. 17. 1886. 
His wife is still living, and a resident of Marshall. 
She was born in Virginia Nov. 9, 181 1. and is the 
daughter of Henry Burner, who removed with his 
family to Licking County, Ohio, about the same 
time that the Wilkins family settled there. The 
parental family included nine children, live of 
whom are living. 

<ffl JMLLIAM T. STEVENS. Among other ven- 

\rJ// turesome spirits who sought the frontier 
V»P\y during the early settlement of Central Il- 
linois came the subject of this notice, and he has 
made for himself a record worthy of preservation. 
We find him a well preserved old gentleman, ap- 
proaching his three-score and ten years, having 
been born March 18, 1821. Mis native place was 
Rush County. Ind., and his parents were James and 
Susannah (Thomas) Stevens, both of excellent 
families, which produced names of historic fame — 
Alexander Stevens on one side of the house and 



Gen. George H. Thomas on the other. In the 
sketch of James H. Stevens found elsewhere in this 
volume, is given a more extended notice of the 
parental history. The family of ten children were 
named respectively: Lovina, William Thomas, 
James II.. Mary A., Henderson P.. Nancy, Samuel 
<■.. John A., Sarah and Stephen C. 

Mr. Stevens has resided in Vermilion County for 
the long period of sixty years, and for forty years 
has occupied his present farm. There is nothing 
which confers dignity and stability in a larger 
measure than a prolonged residence in one commu- 
nity, especially if the career of the man has been 
such that he has found favor in the eyes of his fel- 
low-men, as in the case of Mr. Stevens. He came 
to Illinois a child with his parents, grew up on a 
farm, was trained to habits of industry, and ob- 
tained a limited education in the subscription 
school. The tales which he could tell of pioneer 
life would verify the adage that '-truth is stranger 
than fiction." For several years after the settle- 
ment of the Stevens family in this region there was 
no mill nearer than Terre Haute, Ind., to which 
one member of the family would travel on horse- 
back, carrying his bag of coin or wheat with him. 
and returning in the same manner with the meal or 
Hour. To guard against bad weather or accidents 
preventing the journey to the mill, they made 
ready what was called a hominy mortar block, be- 
ing simply a large oak log. hollowed out by burn- 
ing and scraping, in which they could pound their 
main and thus prepare a sort of meal which could 
be made into bread. If not fashionable it was -it 
least unadulterated and sweet, and formed when 
cooked very palatable food. They made a rude 
sieve out of a deer skin, in which they sifted their 
meal. The finer portion of this would be made 
into bread, and that which would not go through 
the sieve was made into hominy. 

In due time a small mill run by horse power was 
established near Brooks Point, which later was suc- 
ceeded by a larger mill, and the settlers felt very 
rich in its possession. In order to build a school 
house all of the people within a radius ,,f several 
miles, brought in two or three logs and put up a 

temple of learning. The master who undersl I 

the "Rule <>f Three" was < sidered sufficiently 



010 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBl'M. 



competent, and each head of the family would pay 
so much a quarter for each scholar. Thus the 
teacher received a part of his salary and "boarded 
around" for the rest. 

Young Stevens, like his brothers and sisters, was 
required to make himself useful at an early age, 
and as soon as strong enough followed a breaking 
plow, the old "bar share," driving an ox team. He 
remained a member of the parental household until 
his marriage, which occurred in 1848, with Miss 
Martha, daughter of Robert Alexander, who died 
leaving no Children. Mr. Stevens contracted a sec- 
ond marriage Feb. 1, 1*72, with Miss Nancy, 
daughter of William and Susan (Ellis) Blakeiie}'. 
Mr. Blakeney was an old pioneer of this count}*, 
and served in the Black-Hawk "War. lie was of a 
splendidly developed frame, and bore the reputa- 
tion of being the strongest man west of the Wa- 
bash. He and his aged partner are still living, 
being respectivel}' seventy -six and seventy-five 
years old. They occupy a neat and comfortable 
dwelling a few rods from the house of their daugh- 
ter, Mrs. Stevens, by whom they are cared for with 
the most filial affection and their wants studiously 
looked after. They are the parents of twelve chil- 
dren, of whom Mrs. Stevens was the sixth in order 
of birth. She was born in this township, Vermilion 
County. May 16, 1813, anil by her union with our 
subject has become the mother of three children — 
Ina J., Susanna and Savannah E. 

The Stevens homestead comprises III."* acres of 
thoroughly cultivated land, which is very valuable 
and a portion of which is underlaid with a rich 
coal deposit which has never been developed. Our 
subject and his amiable partner are members in 
good standing of the Christian Church, in which 
Mr. Stevens officiates as Elder. Socially, he be- 
longs to the Masonic lodge at Catlin. He assisted 
in the erection of the church building at Westville 
and has been Superintendent of the Sunday -school 
four or five years. He has served on the Grand 
and Petit Juries, and politically is a solid Demo- 
crat, casting his first vote for Andrew Jackson. 
Mr. and .Mrs. Stevens some time ago bound a little 
girl, Matilda Ann Guess, whose mother had died 
when she was a small child, and whose father fell 
in the Union service at the battle of Knoxvillc. 



The child, now a woman grown, is the wife of C. 
S. Downing, who is represented elsewhere in this 
work. There is no pleasanter place of resort in 
Vermilion County than the hospitable home of the 
Stevens family, made so as much by the prudence, 
good judgment and cultivated tastes of the wife as 
by the business capacities, resolution and perse- 
verance of the head of the house. Mr. and Mrs. 
Stevens deserve honorable mention among the pio- 
neers of Vermilion County. 




ILAS MENDENHALL, a peaceful and law- 
abiding citizen of Elwood Township, re- 
sides at a comfortable homestead on sec- 
tion 13, where he pursues the even tenor of 
his way, making very little stir in the world and 
striving therein to do the least possible harm. He 
was born in Greene County, Ohio, May 28. 1829, 
and is the son of Malachi Mendenhall, who was a 
native of North Carolina, and spent his last years 
in Carroll Township, passing away years ago. 

From the South, the father of our subject re- 
moved to ( )hio when a small boy, whence he came 
to this county in 1838. and thereafter made his 
home in Carroll Township, where his death oc- 
curred in January, 1880. He had married in early 
manhood to Miss Elizabeth Stair, and to them 
were born ten children, live of whom are living — 
Joy, Frederick, Silas, our subject, James and 
Lewis. The}' were given a common-school edu- 
cation and Silas has always followed the occupa- 
tion of a farmer. 

Our subject was first married April 10, 1854, to 
Miss Asenath, daughter of William Maxwell and of 
tin's union there were born live children — Dora C, 
Frank W.. Kate G, Anna M., and Hattie. Dora 
married Oscar Larrance, of Carroll Township, and 
has three children — George S., Hugh M., and 
Claude E. Frank married John Morris of this 
township, and they have three children — Ivy A., 
Mabel A., and Odbert A. The mother of these 
children departed this life Jan. 8, 1885. 

Mr. Mendenhall was married a second time on 
March 11. 1889 to Mrs. Hannah M„ widow of 




^ cu yv\ j > Jy-u/yytfhc^ 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



6 1 3 



Thomas Hawortb. Mr. Mendenhall supports the 
principles of the Republican party, but has never 
been an office-seeker and prefers the quiet home 
life to the responsibilities connected with office. 
He is a member of the Society of Friends, and lias 
followed farming all his life, giving of late consid- 
erable attention to stock-raising. His mother is 
still li viiii>' and resides at the old homestead. 



(3 <S 



— fc— 



J 'AMES THOMPSON. Many are the hours 
which have been passed in a pleasant and 
profitable manner by the biographer, listen- 
ing to the stories of the pioneers of this 
county, some of whom still survive and furnish a 
valuable link between the past and present. In 
looking upon them it is almost impossible to realize 
the toils and dangers which they encountered dur- 
ing the period of their early life on the frontier, 
the battle with the primitive soil, the disadvantage 
of the distant market and the numberless other 
difficulties which beset those intent upon building 
up a home from the wilderness. 

The subject of this sketch is a man of large ex- 
perience, and one who has watched the growth and 
development of central Illinois, with more than 
ordinary interest, as the friend of progress and all 
the enterprises tending to elevate the people. He 
has had the unspeakable satisfaction of witnessing 
the downfall of slavery in this country and the 
preservation of the Union, and in his day suffered 
mi little on account of his sympathy with the 
cause of freedom. He is now quite well advanced 
in years and has the satisfaction of knowing that 
his life has been honest and upright, and that he has 
lived in an age, which, perhaps, has witnessed 
more of change and advancement than that of any 
other period since the world began. 

The first forty-five years of the life of our sub- 
ject were spent on a plantation in his native State 
of Kentucky, where he was born in Mason County. 
Aug. l.'i. 1818, near Maysville. He attended the 
subscription schools, and al the age of twenty-four 
was married, in 1842, to Miss Mary A. Harrison. 
He settled with his young wife i plantation near 



Maysville. Mrs. Thompson had taught school 
prior to her marriage and was a lady of decided 
ideas. Our subject, as well as his father, was a 
strong Whig, and it finally became not only very un- 
pleasant, but absolutely dangerous for him to 
remain in his native State, especially after the out- 
break of the Rebellion, lie was finally obliged to 
flee with his wife and children for safety, and 
crossing the Ohio River made his way to Carroll 
Township, this county. That period of his life, 
more than anj' other, brought out the true charac- 
ter of the man, and developed the fact that he 
would sacrifice his property rather than his princi- 
ples, and he consequently met with great loss. 
Three or four years after coming to this county he 
purchased a tract of land which he sold later and 
finally removed to Sidell Township, where he now 
owns two farms. That upon which he resides 

comprises 160 acres and is supplied with very g 1 

buildings. He has in all 344 acres of fine, well- 
cultivated land. Mr. Thompson is spending his 
declining years, retired from active labor and in 
the enjoy ment of a competence. 

Of the seven interesting children born to Mr. 
and Mrs. Thompson, the eldest son, John J., died 
when a promising young man of twenty-four years; 
Elvira is the widow of George Clarkson, who is 
represented elsewhere in this work, she has four 
children — Henry Thomas, Mary J., Alice B., and 
George James; Charles M., married Miss Lucy 
Sconce, is a resident of Sidell Township, and the 
father of one child — Mary C.j Mary J. became the 
wife of John S. lies, a farmer of Sidell Township, 
and has three children — Ivory Y.. Jacob J., and 
Grace A.; William H. died at the age of seven 
years; Joseph II. married Viola Parrisb and is a 
resident of Sidell Township; he is represented else- 
where in this work; Benjamin A. died when 
twenty-one months old. 

Mr. Thompson is now as strong a Republican as 
he was a Whig in the early days, and has frequently 
served as a delegate to the various conventions. 
Both he and bis wife are members of the Cumber- 
land Presbyterian Church. Mr. Thompson has 
served as School Director in his District and has 
taken a warm interest in educational matters. lie 
is the offspring of an excellent family, being the 



614 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



son of John and Eliza, (Cole) Thompson, the father 
horn in Washington County, Pa., and the mother 
in Mason County, Ky.; they were married in the 
Blue Grass State, and the father was a farmer by 
occupation. He died in 1848, when about sixty- 
five years old. The mother survived her husband 
for the long period of twenty-eight years, dying in 
L876, when about eighty-four years old. Benja- 
min Cole, the maternal grandfather of our subject, 
served in the Revolutionary War and was wounded 
at the battle of Brandywine. 

Mrs. Thompson is the daughter of Alfred and 
Sarah (Vice) Harrison, theformera native of Lewis 
County, Ky. Her paternal grandfather, John Har- 
rison, was a native of Virginia. The parents of 
Mrs. Thompson, spent their entire lives in Ken- 
tucky, the father dying when a young man of 
thirty -five years, and the mother at the age of sixty- 
four. They had a family of eight children, four 
sons and four daughters of whom Mrs. Thompson 
was the eldest, she being born May 13, 1825. 

An excellent portrait of this worthy citizen and 
well-known resident of Sidell Township is pre- 
sented on another page of this Album, and will be 
highly valued both by the younger generation and 
the sturdy old pioneers of the county. 



fflOHN R. NEWKIRK, an insurance agent and 
a leading undertaker of Indianola, is also 
an old and faithful public servant, having 
served in various capacities for many years. 
He has held the offices of Collector, Assessor and 
Justice of the Peace, filling these positions with 
ability and fidelity, and for the past thirty-one 
years has been a resident of the State of Illinois. 

Mr. Newkirk was born in Somerset Township, 
Washington Co., Pa., on Dec. 12, 1827. His 
father. Tunis Newkirk, and mother, Jane Rainey, 
were also natives of the same place as their son. 
His grandfather. Newkirk, was a native of 
Virginia, where he entered land from the gov- 
ernment immediately succeeding the Revolu- 
tionary War. The Newkirks are of German ex- 
traction, while the Rainey family were English. 



The elder Newkirks died in Pennsylvania, the 
father being seventy-two years old at the date of 
his death, while the mother was forty-two years 
old when she died. She left eight children, seven 
of whom grew to maturity. Their names are: 
Isaac J., Eliza, and. Sarah A., deceased. John 
R., Rhoda A., Carolina O., deceased, and Will- 
iam. John K., learned the trade of cabinet-making 
and undertaking and became very proficient in his 
calling. His ingenuity and industry aided him in 
soon mastering the intricacies of his trade, so that 
he was able to start out in life, master of the 
situation. 

On Dec. 12, 1854, Mr. Newkirk married Miss 
Elizabeth Neblick. He remained in Pennsylvania 
until 1857. At this time he concluded that the 
West offered a better field for his trade and in 
pursuance of that idea, he concluded to emigrate to 
Illinois. The journey from his native State to 
Vermilion County was made the entire distance, in 
wagons. He located on the east side of Sidell 
Township, on what is now called the Rowand farm, 
which he rented for five years, afterwards buying 
twenty acres and living on that for five years. 
He rented Barnett's farm for two years, at the 
expiration of which time he came to Indianola 
and here he has resided since, working at his 
trade and prosecuting the insurance business 
in a manner that has won for him success, lie 
is the father of four children: Lolie J., Wil- 
mot, Albertis and Alaquinpa. Lolie married 
E. E. Weaver, who is a leading merchant of Em- 
poria, Kan; Wilmot married Dora Smick and is 
residing at Cushman, Edgar Co., 111. They have 
two children — Cassius and Maud; Albert is en- 
gaged in the restaurant business; Alaquinpa mar- 
ried Edward McVey, who is residing in Pittsburg, 
Pa., where he is an expert in the electric light 
business. 

Mr. Newkirk, as before indicated, has served in 
various public capacities, and his terms as Assessor 
and Collector have covered the period of twelve 
years. He is now serving as Justice of the Peace. 
These matters of record are pointed out to exhibit 
the esteem in which he is held by his fellow-citizens, 
lie has been a member of the Masonic Order since 
he became of age and is enthusiastic in everything 



PORTRAIT AND BIO< iRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



C15 



pertaining to that ancient organization. The 
Democratic party has no more faithful follower than 
he. as he believes that true Democracy teaches the 
correct principles for the administration of the gov- 
ernment. He believes that the leaders of his party 
are better fitted to choose candidates than anyone 
else, and therefore, usually votes the straight ticket. 
He has inherited his honesty and patriotism for the 
reason that his ancestors were of the very best peo- 
ple of their section of the country. 



■~w "■t£MJl'S^S^-i 



-8£~3/IT37«'v* , v\/v- 



/p^EORGE F. SANDERS is one of the farm- 
Ill (= ei's of Elwood Township, who exhibit 
^^j| great interest in all benevolent enterprises, 
and in matters that look to the education of the 
rising generation. His farm, which is situated mi 
section 10. is improved by the best methods known 
to modern agriculture, and the buildings on it are 
of the best, the dwelling house, especially, being- 
noticeable for its fine appearance and its comforta- 
ble arrangement. The place is well tiled and 
fenced. 

Mr. Sanders was born in Pittsylvania County. 
Ya., on Feb. 11, 1836, where his father, Coleman 
Sanders, was also burn. His mother was a native 
of the same place and was born Aug. 15, 1815. 
They were the parents of fifteen children, seven of 
whom are living: George !•'., Daniel. Elizabeth. 
Ruth, Virginia, Amos, and Maria. One daughter. 
Susan, died after having attained maturity. .Mr. 
Sanders had two uncles. James and Leonard San- 
ders, who were soldiers in the War of 1812, the 
latter holding the commission of captain. Mr. 
Sanders' maternal grandfather, Stephen Sea, also 
fought in the War of 1812, and his remains are 
interred at Yankee Point, where his grave is deco- 
rated each Memorial Day. 

Mr. Sanders came with his parents to Eugene, 
hid., in the fall of 1810, when Gen. W. II. Harrison 
was a candidate for president. The excitement of 
that memorable campaign, with its log cabins, coon 
skins and hard cider, is vividly recalled by him. 
and especially the ceremonies which occurred 'it 
Terre Haute, lie was in his fifth year at the time 



and was glad to have the honor to vote for the 
grandson of Gen. Harrison for the same high office 
forty-four years later. The famil\ lived in Yer- 
million County, hid., until Feb. 1. 1855, nhenthey 
came to Elwood Township, settling on section 10, 
where the subject of this sketch now resides. 
Here he owns 240 acres of land and is engaged in 
general farming and stock raising. He takes great 
pride in raising the best of cattle and horses, and 
in this way has made a great deal of money. He 
is a thorough and energetic farmer and does every- 
thing well. 

On June the 4th, 1856, Mr. Sanders was united 
in marriage to Nancy J. Shires, daughter of James 
and Ruth Shires, the latter deceased. There are 
four generations living in Mr. Sanders' house. 
Politically he votes the Republican ticket, and has 
held the office of Highway Commissioner for five 
years, but has never sought an office. His family 
are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian 
Church, and while Mr. Sanders is not a member of 
any denomination. he gives liberally to the support 
of the gospel and every charitable purpose. While 
he was a boy he was obliged to work early and late, 
and therefore his advantages to secure an educa- 
tion were limited. He now sees where the benefits 
of a school can aid the rising generation, and he 
therefore does everything in his power to promote 
educational enterprises. By his own efforts he has 
risen from poverty to the position of a wealthy- 
farmer, as a survey of his fine farms and buildings 
will demonstrate. Mr. Sanders is one of the best 
citizens of his neighborhood, and by the people 
who are best acquainted with him he is held in the 
highest estimation. 



EMANUEL SNYDER. Oneof thebesl regu- 
lated farms in Carroll Township belongs to 
the subject of this notice, and where with 
his large and interesting family he is extracting 
much comfort out of life. Providence has blesl 

him in his labors and enabled him to acci late a 

good property, while he is endowed with the quali- 
ties which have inspired him to an upright life and 



GIG 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



gained hiru the esteem and confidence of his fel- 
low-men. He owns and occupies 278 acres of 
choice land on sections 9 and 10. which with its 
improvements constitutes a fine estate, upon which 
is paid in taxes a round sum annually. 

Our subject was born in Clay Township, Fair- 
field Co., Ohio, May 6, 1830, and was there reared 
to man's estate, attending the common school, and 
becoming familiar with the various employments 
of rural life. When a young man of twenty-three 
years, he was married, in 1853, to Miss Lovina 
Glick, a native of the same count}' as her husband, 
and born in Bloom Township. A year later the 
young people removed to Bartholomew' County, 
Ind., where Mr. Snyder purchased a farm, where 
he lived five years. Later he removed to Tippe- 
canoe County, where lie sojourned seven years and 
came thence, in 1867, to this county, settling on 
his present farm, to which he has since added. 

Mr. Snyder has almost rebuilt his present resi- 
dence, which is large and commodious, admirably 
adapted to the convenience of the inmates. His 
barns and sheds are substantial structures like the 
dwelling, with little ornamentation, to be sure, but 
.•imply adapted to health and comfort. Much of 
the labor upon them has been done by his own 
hands. The fences are kept in good order, the 
fields well tilled, and everything about the premises 
is indicative of thrift and good management. Mr. 
Snyder makes a specialty of live-stock, Short-horn 
cattle, Poland-China swine and good horses, and 
has raised a great deal of winter wheat. He has 
done a large amount of very hard work, and while 
in the Hoosier State, engaged considerably in 
threshing, log-rolling, etc. He is at present inter- 
i -led in bee-keeping, having about forty-six swarms, 
which produce a very fine quality of honey, with 
which the family is amply supplied the year 
around. 

The household circle of our subject and his wife 
was completed by the birth of ten children, the 
eldest of whom, a daughter, Catherine, became the 
wife of Thomas Bone, of Champaign County, and 
died in 1888; Simon married Miss Lydia Jones, 
and they are living in Carroll Township; they 
have two children — Emery and Edith. Martha A. 
is the wife of 1'. Laurence, a farmer of Carroll 



Township; Henry D. married Miss Jane Hinton ; 
they have one child, and live at the home farm. 
Monroe is married and farming in Broadland. 
Champaign County; Jonathan, William, Erma. 
Perry and Maude remain at home with their 
parents. Mr. and Mrs. Slider are members in 
good standing of the Cumberland Presbyterian 
Church, and our subject, politically, is an uncom- 
promising Democrat. 

The parents of our subject were Henry and 
Elizabeth (Tosh) Snyder, natives of Germany, who 
came to America after their marriage. The father 
had settled in Fairfield County, that State, about 
1840, and there both parents spent their after 
lives, Mr. Snyder dying at the age of seventy-five 
years, and the mother at the age of eighty, in 1878, 
ten years after the decease of her husband. Six of 
their children grew to mature years, viz.: Philip, 
Henry, George, Fred. Emanuel and Elizabeth. 



~*-§*- 



fir'OHN W. NEWHN, a native-born citizen 
j of this county, and a veteran of the late Civil 
War, in which he consecrated the opening 
years of his manhood to the service of his 
country, and won an honorable record as a fearless, 
patriotic soldier, being promoted from the ranks — 
is to-day one of the leading citizens of Caflin 
Township and one of its most able and popular 
civic officials. He has a good farm on section 31 
and a fine residence near Catlin village, and is 
actively engaged in buying, feeding and shipping 
stock. 

He is derived from worthy parentage and comes 
of good old pioneer stock. His father, Thomas B. 
Newlin, is supposed to have been born in Harrison 
County, Va., and his mother, whose maiden name 
was Angeline Griffith, was born in Wayne County, 
Ind. Her father was Stephen Griffith, one of the 
earliest settlers of this county, coming here in 
182G, the mother of subject being then about nine 
years old. The father of our subject had attained 
manhood when he accompanied his father, John 
Newlin, to this county in 1837, coming from 
Champaign County, Ohio, and settling in Catlin 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Township, and thus becoming pioneers of this 
place in an early day of its settlement. After 
marriage the parents of subject settled inOakwood 
Township, where the father carried on his occupa- 
tion as a fanner for many years, being an impor- 
tant factor in developing the agricultural resources 
of that township. In 1866 he and his wife re- 
moved to Kansas, but in 1872 they returned to 
this county and established themselves in Danville, 
where he died in February, 1877. thus closing a 
life that had been an exemplary one and leaving 
the precious legacy of an honorable name to its de- 
scendants. The mother of subject makes her 
home in Kansas and is held in high respect in her 
community as a woman of true worth and tine 
character. 

Our subject was the eldest of seven children, 
and he was born June 13, 1840. in what is now 
known as Oakwood Township. He was reared to 
man's estate on his father's farm and there obtained 
that thorough training in agricultural pursuits that 
has contributed so much to his success in later 
years, lie obtained an excellent education in the 
common schools of Vermilion County and was 
thus well equipped to start out in life on his own 
responsibility. He was not twenty-one years of 
age when the great Rebellion broke out, and while 
watching its course with intense interest he longed 
with patriotic ardor to fling himself into the cause 
and aid in fighting his country's battles. In a 
short time he was enabled to leave home and enter 
the army, and in July. 1861, the month following 
that in which lie became of age, he enlisted in 
Company I, 3">th Illinois Infantry, and served 
with great credit till September, 1801, a period of 
more than three years. He took part in the bat- 
tles of Pea Ridge (Ark.). Stone Rivet, Siege of 
Corinth, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, etc., and 
was with Gen. Sherman on his famous inarch to 
the sea. He was slightly wounded at the battle of 
Kenesaw Mountain, and was twice taken prisoner 
lint managed to elude the vigilance of his captors 
and make his escape both times. Thai his services 
were of value on the field is shown by the fact that 
he was mustered out at Springfield with the rank 
of Sergeant, he having received deserved promo- 
Lion for gallant conduct in the face of the enemy. 



After retiring from the army Mr. Xewlin re- 
turned to his native township and there engaged 
in farming and also in teaching. After assuming 
the cares and responsibilities of married life li<- 
took his bride to Winterset, Iowa, where they 
established their home. He engaged in agricul- 
ture there one year, and at the expiration of that 
time returned to this county with his family, and 
lias since resided in Catlin Township, where he 
owns a choice farm of eighty acres, and. as before 
mentioned, is quite extensively engaged in the 
stock business. 

Mr. Newlin has been blessed by a good wife, who 
has not only added to his happiness lint lias aided and 
encouraged him in his work, as a sensible, practi- 
cal woman alone could do. They were united in 
marriage Sept. 11), 1865. Her maiden name was 
Ivea E. Taylor, and she is a daughter of the late 
Thomas A. Taylor, Sr., and his wife Ivea (Allen) 
Taylor. They came to this county in 1853 and 
located in Catlin Township, where he died Sept. 
1'.). 1S7G. Mrs. Taylor survives him and makes 
her home with her daughter, Mrs. Smith. Mrs. 
Newlin was bom in Tippecanoe County, hid.. 
Fell. 2. 1845, and received from her mother care- 
ful instruction in all household duties, so that 
when she came to have a home of her own she was 
amply able to manage it. Five children have been 
born to her and our subject, as follows: Tempie J.. 
Nora. Mildred. Lena, Lowell T. 

Mr. Newlin possesses a clear head, sound busi- 
ness faculties, a strong will and a stable character, 
which traits, with his well known incorruptibility, 
render him one of the best township officials, and 
he has held sonic of the most important and re- 
sponsible local public offices. He has been Super- 
visor of Catlin Township three terms, has been 
Assessor and Collector and has also been an incum- 
bent ot the various school offices. He is a man of 
exceptional public spirit, always favoring all feasi- 
ble plans for the advancement of the township or 
county. He is a Republican to the heart's core, 
taking an active part, in political matters, although 
his official course is never biased by party prefer- 
ences, and he stanchly supports those principles for 
which he fought so nobly in days of yore. He is 
identified with the A. F. & A. M. as a member of 



G18 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Catlin Lodge, No. 285; Vermilion Chapter, No. 89, 
and Athelstan Commandery, No. 45. He and his 
wife are zealous members of the Cumberland Pres- 
byterian Church and take an active interest in 
Sunday-school work. He has been elected Elder 
of the church but did not feel inclined to serve in 
that capacity. 

. oc?o . 

' OCX) ~ 

\|p=T>ERDINAND M. HACKER. This gentleman 
lL4ff) came to Danville in 1853, when it was only 
!1^ a small place, .and the country roundabout 

was still in a wild, sparccly settled condition, deer 
in the vicinity, and squirrels and rabbits and other 
game abounding near the city. Since that time he 
has been closely identified with the industrial in- 
terests of this part of Vermilion County, both as a 
practical farmer and as a skilled mechanic, lie now 
devotes the most of his time to the cultivation of 
his highly productive, well-improved farm in this 
township. 

< )ur subject is of foreign birth, a representative of 
the German nationality, born in the province of 
Pomerania, Prussia, Oct. 18, 1831. His father 
John Hacker, and his grandfather, Joseph Hacker, 
were natives of Mecklenburg, the latter being a 
life- long resident of that province. The father was 
reared in the land of his nativity, and when a 
young man was an overseer on a large estate be- 
longing to some person of wealth. He was but 
eleven years old when the great Napoleon invaded 
his native place and he was drafted into the ser- 
vice Of the French, and made to drive a team a 
short time. He went from Mecklenburg to Prus- 
sia, and was a resident there, engaged there as be- 
fore mentioned, till 1852. In September of that 
year, accompanied by his wife and the four chil- 
dren that had been born to them, he set sail from 
Hamburg and going to Liverpool, Eng., embarked 
on board of an American-bound vessei, and landed 
in New York on the day of the National Thanks- 
giving, after being forty-six days on the ocean. 
The fares had been paid to Wisconsin, but the 
family were swindled out of their tickets, and bav- 
in" no money concluded not to go further than 
Chicago, and there the father and the children that 



were large enough, found work. In 1853 Mr. 
Hacker, Sr., made the acquaintance of Judge Pear- 
son, who induced him and other families to come to 
Danville, giving to each, who would build a house, 
a lot, and he and his family started for this place 
in the month of July, that year, coming with a 
horse and wagon and taking their household goods 
along. The father built a log house here and was 
a resident of this city till his death in 1881, at the 
venerable age of eighty-two years. Thus he was 
an interested witness of much of the growth of this 
flourishing, busy city, and aided in bringing about 
the great change. The maiden name of his wife 
was Dorathe Lewerenz, and she was a native of 
Pomerania. She is now a welcome inmate of the 
household of our subject, and has attained the ad- 
vanced age of seventy-eight years. There were six 
children born to her and her husband: Ferdinand 
M.; Fred C, living in Danville; Charles, in New- 
port, Ind.; Minnie married John Balls, and after- 
ward died. Two died in Germany. 

Ferdinand, of whom we write, attended school 
in his native place quite steadily until he was four- 
teen years old, and as is the custom of his church, 
was then confirmed, and was afterward employed 
with his father. In 1847 he commenced to learn 
the cabinet-maker's trade, his father paying $24 
cash for that privilege, and he received his board 
during the three years he served. At the expira- 
tion of that time he did journeyman work a few 
months, and then, in 1852, came to America with 
his parents. After coining to this country he 
worked for a time in a box-factory in Chicago, and 
in 1853, after settling in Danville, went to work at 
the carpenter's trade till the fall of the year, and 
then engaged at his old calling as cabinet-maker, 
doing journeyman work till 1855. In that year he 
went to Fithian Station and worked on a farm a few 
months, and then returned to town and worked at 
his trade till 1856. After that he was actively and 
prosperously engaged as a carpenter, and was a res- 
ident of Danville till 1870, when he bought the 
farm where he now resides. On this he has made 
many fine improvements, greatly increasing its 
value, has erected a good set of frame buildings, 
and has brought the land to an excellent state of 
cultivation so that it is highly productive, yielding 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



619 



bountiful harvests in repayment for his toil. Here 
lie anil his family have a pleasant, cosy home, and 
its generous hospitalities are appreciated by the 
weary stranger who happens within their gates. 

Mr. Hacker was married Aug. 13, 1854, to Anna 
Beal, a native of Germany, who came to America 
when quite young. To them came seven children — 
Albert. Mary, Charles, Martin, Edward, John and 
Emma. This bappy home circle was invaded by 
death in 1874. and the wife and mother was taken 
from her sorrowing family and friends. 

Mr. Hacker was married to Ids present wife in 
187l>, and their peaceful wedded life has been 
blessed to them by the birth of three children — 
Annie, Ferdinand B. and Ida May. Mrs. Hacker's 
maiden name was Emma Kaley Sheets, and sbe 
was born in Reading. Burks Co., Pa. 

Mr. Hacker stands well in this community as a 
man and as a citizen, and in all the relations of life 
that he has been called on to till, as son, husband, 
father and neighbor, he has done his duty, and no 
one can bring aught against his character or his re- 
cord, which are stainless. That he has a comforta- 
ble home he owes to his incessant industry, di- 
rected by sound common sense and excellent 
judgment. Mr. Hacker has a deeply religious na- 
ture, and in him the Lutheran Church finds one of 
its most active supporters, he having been one of 
the first members of the denomination in Danville. 
He belongs to the Fire Beck Lodge No. 4'. 19, I. O. 
O. F., and to the Turner Society. 



[JFORD TAYLOR, M. 1).. one of the favor- 
ite sons of Georgetown Township, is now a 
i; resident of Westville, and is rapidly making 
his mark as a physician and surgeon, and 
also as a politician. He is married to one of the 
accomplished daughters of Georgetown, and they 
occupy a neat and comfortable home in the village 
of Westville, where they enjoy the warm friend- 
ship of many acquaintances. The Doctor has a 
good practice, and living as he does in the midst 
of the coal regions, has frequently the opportunity 
to exercise his skill as a surgeon among the miners. 




who often meet with accidents requiring his ser- 
vices. In political circles the Doctor is a member 
of the Republican Central Committee, and promi- 
nent in the councils of the party in this section. 
He has attained to his present position, both in the 
profession and among men generally, by his own 
exertions, paying his way through college and sig- 
nalizing himself by the industry and perseverance 
which is the surest guarantee of success in every 
avenue of life. 

Our subject was born May 15, 1862, and grew 
up familiar with farming pursuits. He attended 
the common school and made such good headway 
that when but fourteen years old he began teach- 
ing, and followed this five winters in succession. 
In the meantime he conceived the idea of becoming 
a physician. He began the study of medicine un- 
der the instruction of Dr. .1. E. Balch, of Westville, 
with whom he remained two anil one-half years, 
then entered the office of Dr. W. A. Yohn, of Val- 
paraiso, Ind. Later he became a student of the 
Medical College at Indianapolis, from which he 
was graduated Feb. 18, 1885. He commenced the 
practice of his profession in Westville, and has 
since been making steady progress toward the top 
of the ladder. 

A few months after receiving his diploma, being 
prepared to establish a home of his own, the Doc- 
tor was united in marriage with Miss Viola Padgitt, 
the wedding taking place at the home of the bride 
in Georgetown, July 20, 1885. Mrs. Taylor was 
born in Georgetown Township, April 3, 18C0. and 
is the daughter of John L. and Ellen (O'Neal ) 
Padgitt, who are well known in this part of the 
county as among its most esteemed citizens. She 
acquired a good education, and, like her husband, 
engaged in teaching, which she followed six years. 
After their marriage the Doctor and his bride set- 
tled in Westville, where they have since resided, 
ami where our subject enjoys the patronage of its 
best people. He is pardonably proud of some of his 
performances in surgery, especially a case which he 
recently had in charge, where a very difficult am- 
putation was required, and which he executed with 
great skill and with successful results. 

To the Doctor anil his estimable wife there have 
been born two children, bright little daughters — 



620 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Louie and Bertha E. Mrs. Taylor is a member in 
good standing of the Christian Church. The poli- 
tics of the Doctor have already been indicated. 
Socially, he belongs to the Masonic Fraternity of 
Georgetown, and is also identified with the Sons of 
Veterans at Danville. He is serving as a School 
Director in his district, and is recognized as a lib- 
eral and public-spirited citizen, one always ready 
to contribute of his time and means for the ad- 
vancement of the enterprises calculated for the 
general good of the community. 




R. PATRICK II. SWAIM, of Ridge Farm, 
is recognized by the people of Elwood 
Township and the outlying country as one 
of the most successful physicians and sur- 
geons in the county. He is comparatively a young 
man, on the sunny side of forty, having been born 
Oct. 19, 1849. His native place was Guilford 
County, N. C, from which he removed with his 
parents in 1852 to Parke County, Intl., they settling 
nine miles north of Montezuma, where the father, 
Brantley Swaim, died in 1882. The mother, Mrs. 
Irene (Fields) Swaim, is still living at the old 
homestead in Indiana. 

Eight children comprised the family of the pa- 
rents of our subject, seven of whom are living, 
viz: Byron, Christopher W., Isabelle, William 15., 
Patrick H., John B. and Milton. Our subject first 
attended the common schools of Bloomingdale, 
Ind.. then entered the academy conducted by 
Prof. Barnabas B. Hobbs. When twenty-three 
years old — in the fall of 1871 — he began teaching, 
and followed this profession thereafter for five 
years in his own neighborhood. He then began 
reading medicine, and in the meantime attended 
medical lectures in Rush College, Chicago. Later 
he attended the College of Physicians and Surgeons 
of Indianapolis, by which he was graduated in 1879. 
He began the practice of his profession at Annapo- 
lis that same year, but shortly afterward removed 
to (Quaker Hill, Ind.. and from there a year later 
to Bethel in this county. In the latter place he 
remained three years, and we nest find him in 



Humrick, Hi., where he sojourned until April, 1885. 
Thence he changed his residence to Ridge Farm, 
where he has built up a large practice and been 
eminently successful. In the fall of 1888 he treated 
fort3 7 cases of typhoid fever successfully, losing no 
case from that epidemic. In the fall of 1887 lie 
journeyed to the Pacific Slope, visiting the princi- 
pal cities of California, and spending two months 
very pleasantly and profitably. He is a man of 
large observation, and leaves no stone unturned in 
the acquirement of useful knowledge. 

The marriage of Dr. Swaim with Miss Carrie 
York was celebrated in December, 1875. This 
lady is the daughter of Eli York, who met his 
deatli on the battlefield at Spring Hill during the 
late Rebellion. The Doctor and Mrs. Swaim are 
the parents of two interesting children — Musa and 
Mabel. Politically, the Doctor is a sound Re- 
publican, lie belongs to the Modern Woodmen, 
being Examining Surgeon of his lodge at Ridge 
Farm. 

s&m- — 



<T^>RANCIS p - S MI/1TI. The young genera- 
— (at Hon that lias sprung up since the pioneers 
\ of this country have passed off the stage of 
action, is composed of young people, who have 
profited by the experience through which their 
fathers have passed. They have had before them 
an object lesson that has taught them the facts 
that nothing is gained without labor. Some 
of them have passed through — in their early life — 
scenes of hardship and know what privations are 
and what it is to want for the necessaries of life. 
They farther know what it is to procure an educa- 
tion under difficulties. But those who have been 
born within the last thirty 3'ears have had compar- 
atively easy sailing on the seaof life. Their parents 
have become able to educate them and give them 
a start in life. This young generation appreciate 
all these things, and none more than the man 
whose name appears at the head of this notice. 

Francis P. Smith is one of the young and enter- 
prising farmers of Elwood Township. He is proud 
of his father's record, ( which appears in this vol- 
ume) and he has every reason to be. lie is resid- 




RESIDENCE OF JOHN M.BIalalOTT SEC 25., ElaWOOD «FR, VERMIIalON CO. 




RESIDENCE OF WMGRAY SEC. 30..SIDELLTR, VERMILION CO. 



PORTRAIT AN!) BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



623 



ing on the old homestead, which is situated cm 
section 18, range 11, where he was born Dee. 31, 
1854. His father, George W. Smith, is a native of 
Tennessee and a worthy pioneer of Vermilion 
County, having emigrated here with his father, 
Jesse Smith, at a time when this country had little 
evidence of civilization. Francis received his edu- 
cation at the common schools, and the Vermilion 
Academy. He has worked on a farm since he has 
been old enough to do anything, and he has been 
prosperous. 

Oh Feb. 22. 1877, Mr. Smith was married to 
Sarah J. Canaday, daughter of Henry Canaday, 
who was a farmer in this township. She was born on 
a farm adjoining her present home July 15. 1850. 
She is the mother of four children, three of whom are 
living — Everett, Ethel, and Noble. Mr. Smith is 
the owner of 178 acres of first-class land, all of 
which is perfectly cultivated. He follows general 
tanning and stock-raising, and does so intelligently. 
His stock consists of graded horses. Short-horn 
cattle, Poland-China hogs and Merino and Shrop- 
shiredown sheep. He has many line specimens of 
good stock and is an enthusiastic admirer of blooded 
animals. 

Mr. Smith anil his amiable wife are always found 
at the front, where their duly calls them. They 
.".re enthusiastic members of the Cumberland Pres- 
byterian Church at Sharon. 

JIOHN M. ELLIOTT. As a rule, if a man 
belongs to the society of Quakers, no other 
recommendation need he given him. Il is 
a rare thing to find a dishonest or idle man in 
this most excellent sect. They are conceded to he 
honorable, just and industrious, and if a person pos- 
sesses these qualities, we place in him implicit con- 
fidence and unbounded trust. John M. Elliott is 
a Quaker. 

Mr. Elliott owns and operates 125 acres of land 
on section 25. Range 11, Elwood 'Township. His 
father, Nathan Elliott, was a native of Guilford 
County, N.C., and a sou of Exuni Elliott, who emi- 
grated to Wayne County, Ind.. when Nathan was 



five years old. Indiana was a territory at that 
time and the Indians and wild animals held almost, 
undisputed possession of the country. This was 
just after the war of 1812. 'The mother of John 
M. was Betsey Maxwell, daughter of John Maxwell. 
She was born where Earlham College now stands, 
and died in Indiana May 17, 1841 . leaving three 
children: Jane, ( Mendenhall ), Sarah (Larrance) 
and John M. The father afterward married Naomi. 
daughter of Jonathan .Mendenhall. and by this last 
marriage he was the father of nine children, seven 
of whom are living: Henry C, Anna E., Wesle}-, 
Alvin, Clayton T... Mary E. and Delphina. One 
son, David, died in his seventh year, in 1853, and 
another one died in infancy. 

John M. Elliott was born Dec. 22, 1839, and 
emigrated with his lather to this county in 1855, 
locating in El wood Township, one mile and a half 
west of Ridge Farm. He received his education 
primarily at the public schools, he having also 
taught two terms. Otherwise he has worked at 
the business of farming since he was old enough to 
do anything. He was married on Jan. 31, 1861, 
to Miss Sarah, daughter of John Mendenhall, a 
prominent resident of Carroll Township, where she 
was born. Mr. and Mrs. Elliott are the parents of 
nine children: Melbourne, Florence, Francis A., 
Ada R., Orange, Howard J., William II.. Martha 
and Mary, the latter being twins. Melbourne mar- 
ried Grace M. Patton and lives on the old home- 
stead in this township: Florence is the wife of 
Thomas H. Rees, of Carroll Township and the 
mother of one child, born June 15, 1889, died July 
22, 1889; Frank is in the Cascade Mountains of 
Oregon, connected with a surveying part}'. 

'The whole family belong to the Friends' Church 
and take great interest in religious matters. .Mr. 

Elliott has been a Scl I Director for twenty years, 

and is a Trustee of the Vermilion Academy being 
one of the original incorporators of that institution. 
Politically he votes the way the most of the people 
who belong to his church do — with the Repub- 
lican party — and is always willing to do what he 
can honorably to enhance its interests. lie has 
never aspired to official honors but in religious and 
educational affairs exhibits great solicitude. His 
pleasant home is always open to his friends and he 



624 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



and his most excellent wife are liberal in their hos- 
pitality. We present on another page of the 
Album a fine view of the residence of Mr. Elliott, 
where he lives in comfort and happiness with his 
wife and those of his children who yet remain at 
home. 



<a felLLIAM GRAY is pleasantly located on 
\rjfl his valuable farm of 240 acres, and, al- 
W^ though at an advanced age, still retains 
the active management of all its details. He was 
born in Butler County, Ohio, about seven miles 
north of Hamilton. His father, Louis Gray, was 
a native of New Jersey, but came to Fort Cincin- 
nati in 1801 and built a log cabin on what is now 
known as Third street in the city of Cincinnati. 
Here he purchased 200 acres of land at a shilling 
an acre, which, upon his removal to Butler County, 
Ohio, the so-called land of promise, he sold at a 
small advance on the original cost. He was mar- 
ried to Miss Mary Wiunigs, this event taking place 
in New Jersey a short time previous to their re- 
moval to Ohio. Louis Gray was a strong sup- 
porter of the old Whig party and an ardent ad- 
mirer of Henry Clay, Harrison, and other men of 
his party. When the Republican party was formed, 
in 1856, he joined that political organization, but 
died regretting the fact that he could never have 
the opportunity of casting his vote for John C. 
Fremont. At the time of his death, in 1856, he 
was seventy-eight years old. Early in life he was 
crippled, a fact which prevented him from enlist- 
ing in the war of 1812. He made an endeavor to 
join the army, but was rejected. Louis (hay was 
married twice, his first wife being the mother of 
William. His second wife was Mrs. Ann Collins, 
a native of New Jersey. By his first marriage he 
was the father of five children ; Amos, who was 
drowned in boyhood; Phoebe, Daniel, William and 
Harvey. The grandfather of the subject of this 
sketch was born in America, but his father was a 
native of England, coming to this country in 
colonial times. 

William Gray's birth occurred on May 9, 1816. 
he is the only survivor of his mother's family, but 



has three half sisters living. His first boyish recol- 
lections are of the old log house in the woods on 
the banks of the Miama River, but this stream has 
since washed away the site of the structure. Here 
the happiest moments of his childhood were passed. 
His father was a contractor for the building of the 
Miami Canal from Dayton to Cincinnati, and 
about the first work in which William engaged, 
was driving a yoke of oxen on this contract, while 
his father had charge of 100 men and about forty 
or fifty teams of cattle. William was obliged to 
stand on a flour barrel in order to put the yoke on 
his oxen. His father, in common with other sturdy 
pioneers of this country, believed implicitly in the 
plan of rearing his sons to industry, a fact which 
has left its imprint upon the generation succeeding 
him. After the canal was completed, William's 
father invested his earnings in Butler County land, 
but in 1841 he concluded to remove to Indiana, 
which he did, locating near LaFayette. 

It was under these circumstances that the sub- 
ject of this sketch grew to manhood. He attended 
the subscription schools in the winter time, and 
during the summer months worked upon the farm. 
He also learned the cooper's trade, as his father 
owned a cooper shop in connection with his grist- 
mill. In 1811, when he was twenty-five years of 
age, he was married to Miss Sarah A. Harman. who 
was born three miles east of Lebanon, Warren Co., 
Ohio. She is the daughter of Samuel and Mary 
Harman, who came to Warren County while they 
were children. Her grandfather, Henry Harman, 
was a native of Germany, while her mother's peo- 
ple came from an old American family of Scotch- 
Irish descent, Her parents continued to live in 
Warren County several years, but finally removed 
to Tippecanoe County, Ind., and later spent their 
declining years with Mrs. Gray, her father dying 
in March, 1875, at the age of seventy four years, 
while her mother passed away in February, 1887, 
at the advanced age of eighty-four years. This 
venerable couple were the parents of twelve chil- 
dren, whose names are herewith given: Sarah A., 
Alfred, Elizabeth, Susan, Henry, David, Rebecca 
and Mary (twins), Samuel, Catherine, Martha and 
Emma. 

Mrs. Gray was born Oct. 14, 1822. Her early 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



625 



days were passed in a manner similar to those of 
her husband. They lived only twelve or fourteen 
miles apart, and became acquainted while yet 
children. In 1844 Mr. Gray with his family — and 
also accompanied by his father's family — removed 
to Clinton County, Ind., and resided there until 
1859, when they settled on their present home- 
stead in Vermilion County. Mr. Gray purchased 
400 acres of land, which at the time was uniin 
proved. He staked off the foundation for his 
house by the shadow of the sun at noontide, but 
his watch being a little fast, the foundation was 
not located due north and south. While in Indi- 
ana Mr. Gray began to pack pork, working at it 
every winter, and in company with John Blair 
built a plant for this purpose and also for packing 
beef. His packing house was located at Crawfords- 
ville, and in this industry he was prospered, killing 
about 20,000 hogs each year, for three years. Since 
.Mr. Gray has lived in Illinois, however, he has 
devoted his entire time to farming, and in this 
occupation has been eminently successful. 

Mr. and Mrs. Gray have become the parents of 
nine children: Harvey, Mary Jane, Alfred, Will- 
iam H.. who died at the age of live years; Elizabeth 
A.; Sarah C.who died when fiteen years old ; Milton, 
who died when six months old; Clara and Alice. 
Harvey enlisted in Company I).. 25th Illinois In- 
fantry, and at Chickamauga was wounded and 
taken prisoner, but being disabled was left by the 
rebels on the field of battle. He was taken to a 
L'nion hospital at St. Louis, where he died a victim 
of small-pox. Mary Jane married James Mills, a 
1'nioii soldier, and he died in April, 1879, leaving 
three children — Alfred, Elma and Effie. Since the 
death of Mr. Mills his children, as well as their 
mother, have lived at the home of Mr. Gray. 
Alfred married Miss Vena Carroll, and is farming 
in Sidell Township. They have two children, 
John and William. Elizabeth A., is the wife of 
John Wilson, also a Union soldier, and a farmer 
of Sidell Township. They have two children — 
Otto and Charles. Clara is at home. Alice mar- 
ried Samuel Guthrie, who was also a soldier of the 
Union army and now a farmer near Tuscola. HI. 
They have four children — Eva, Sarah, Ola and 
Harrison. 



Mr. and Mrs. Gray are living in a very pleasant 
home, which is illustrated by a fine view on an- 
other page of this volume. All of the surround- 
ings indicate the refinement and good taste of its 
occupants, while their splendid line of books also 
exhibits the fact that Mr. and Mis. Gray are fond 
of good reading. Mr. Gray has served as School 
Director for several years, and is much interested 
in educational matters. He has also been a Justice 
of the Peace, holding that honorable office for six 
years, and for many years held the position of 
Highway Commissioner. Politically he is a stanch 
Republican, and does good work for his party. In 
all this section of the country there is not a more 
generous, hospitable and public-spirited couple 
than Mr. and Mrs. Gray. 




AVID JOHNSTON. It is a fact gen er- 

| ally acknowledged and widely commented 
upon, that in the great world with its mil- 
lions of men no two are alike, although 
they may be possessed of many corresponding 
traits of character. Mr. Johnston is one of those 
who have assisted largely in the development of a 
portion of the soil of Vermilion County, and has 
distinguished himself by hard labor, sobriety, 
honesty and the other solid qualities which go to 
make up the useful citizen. His life occupation 
has been that of a farmer, and we find him com- 
fortably located at a snug little homestead on sec- 
tion 1 , Oakwood Township. He has been reason- 
ably rewarded for the toil and sacrifices of his 
earlier years, and has been surrounded by all the 
comforts of life, while at the same time enjoying 
many of its luxuries. 

The first record we have of this branch of the 
Johnston family was the settlement in Pennsyl- 
vania of Grandfather David H.Johnston, who sub- 
sequently removed to Mason County. Ky.. during 
the peiiod of its earliest settlement, where he dealt 
extensively in fat cattle, horses and mules, and be- 
came one of the wealthiest men in that region. He 
also owned ami operated a distillery, but distin- 
guished himself as a patriot, and was appointed 



626 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



by the American Congress during the Revolution- 
ary War to visit the Tories in his region and con- 
fiscate whatever he could lay his hands upon of 
their property, which he sold, anil applied the pro- 
ceeds to the carrying on of the war. It is easy to 
imagine that nothing pleased the old hero better 
than this errand, and none rejoiced more than he 
at the result of the Declaration of Independence. 

Among the sons of Grandfather Johnston was 
John, the father of our subject, who was born in 
Mason County. Ky., was reared upon a farm, and 
removed to Ohio about 1826. He had three sis- 
ters — Hannah, Nancy and Polly Ann. He married 
Miss Sarah Mathaney, a native of that Slate, 
and the daughter of Elias Mathaney, who was 
born near Harper's Ferry, in West Virginia, and 
in connection with fanning pursuits became one 
of the best breeders of fine horses in the Blue 
Grass regions. He was married three times, and 
died about 1862. 

The parents of our subject after their marriage 
visited Kentucky, then settled in Adams County, 
Ohio, and there spent the remainder of their days. 
John Johnston was a well-educated man, and be- 
came prominent in his community. He was by 
nature a polished gentleman, and a man always in 
demand at public meetings to introduce the 
speakers to the people, and make other various 
little arrangements so essential to the smooth work- 
ings of those gatherings. He departed this life at 
his home, in 1834, and the mother followed her 
husband to the land of the hereafter, four years 
later, in 1838. The latter frequently related the 
incident of her father "poling" a keel boat from 
New Orleans to Pittsburg before the days of steam. 

To John and Sarah (Mathaney) Johnston there 
were born five children, three sons and two daugh- 
ters, of whom three are living, and of whom 
David, our subject, was the eldest. He was born 
in Mason County, Ky., Feb. 6, 1826, and at the 
early age of twelve began to paddle his own canoe. 
His education was very limited, ami he worked for 
his uncle about three years after leaving home. 
Later lie was employed by John Dalton, of Brown 
County, Ohio, several years. In September, 1844, 
when a youth of eighteen, he started for Illinois 
on horseback, and upon his arrival in this county 



was employed the first year on a farm for Henry 
Florher. and he was similarly occupied until his 
marriage. This important and interesting event 
was celebrated Nov. 11, 1852, the bride being- 
Miss Mary A. E., daughter of Dr. A. W. Britting- 
hatn, an old Thompsonian physician who came to 
Illinois in 1830, and was a very prominent man in 
his day. His grandfather, William Brittingham, was 
born in Maryland, and married a lady whose first 
name was Elizabeth. His parents were Jeremiah 
and Mary (Williams) Brittingham, the latter a 
daughter of John Williams, of Maryland. Jere- 
miah was born Dec. 3, 1764, and his wife, Mary, 
Oct. 12. 1760. 

Jeremiah Brittingham removed to Ohio in 1810, 
and to Illinois in 1830, arriving in this county 
Nov. 5, 1830. He became the father of eight chil- 
dren, five of whom died when quite young in 
Maryland. The three who grew r to mature years 
were: Benjamin A., Mary and Arthur W., the lat- 
ter the father of Mrs. Johnston. To the latter and 
his excellent wife there were born eight children, 
of whom five are living, viz: Mrs. Johnston, Mrs. 
Lucretia Osborn, Mrs. Julia Ann Osborn, Arthur 
W., Jr., and Jeremiah. The last-mentioned is still 
unmarried, and makes his home with our subject. 
He is a prominent member of Oakwood 1. O. (). F. 
Lodge No. 564, in which he has passed all the chairs, 
and in February, 1889, finished his term as Past 
Grand. Arthur W. Brittingham departed this life 
Aug. 19, 1885. The mother of Mrs. Johnston was 
in her girlhood Miss Matilda Watson, daughter of 
the Rev. Henry and Mary Ann Watson, who were 
among the early settlers of this county. She was 
born Sept. 3, 1801. and died Aug. 11), 1877. 

Mrs. Johnston is a native of this county, and 
was born Nov. 8, 1833. After their marriage Mr. 
Johnston operated on a rented farm about seven 
years, then entered 160 acres of land from the 
Government, and purchased forty acres. This he 
he sold later, and bought 100 acres, which he now 
owns and occupies. His landed possessions com- 
prise 297 acres, nearly all under cultivation. He 
erected his present residence in 1876. He raises 
considerable stock, feeding a carload of cattle each 
year. Only a son and daughter have been born to 
Mr. and Mrs. Johnston. The latter, Matilda Jane, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



G27 



became the wife of David Young, and lived on 
one of her father's farms until her death in 1880; 
she left one child, who is being- reared by the grand- 
parents. 

John W. Johnston, the only son of our subject, 
is a very bright and promising young man. and re- 
main-; on the homestead with his parents, assisting 
in the operation of the farm. He is a prominent 
member of Lodge No. 71 1, A. F. & A. M.,at New- 
tow ii, in which he lias been Secretary five years and 
Senior Warden three years, still holding the latter 
office. He is also a member of Vermilion Chap- 
ter No. 82, at Danville, and of Athelstan Com- 
mandery No. 45, at Danville. He is also Record- 
ing Steward of the Methodist Episcopal Church, a 
School Trustee and Vice-President of the Town- 
ship Sunday-school Association. 

Both Mr. and Mrs. Johnston have been mem- 
bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church for the 
l>ast six years. Mr. Johnston cast his first Presi- 
dential vote for Zachary Taylor, and has always 
kept himself well posted upon the political issues 
of the day. He identified himself with the Repub- 
lican party at its organization, in 1K56. and since 
that time lias steadfastly remained a supporter of 
its principles. 



KA ATTHEW TRIMBLE, one of the sub- 

/// \\ stallt ' a l a,K ' successful men of Sidell 
/// ii Township, and one who is well ideri- 
" tided with the advancement of his com 

munity. is now engaged in general or mixed 
fanning. He is one of the substantial men of his 
township, and is entitled to a place in history as a 
self-made man. He was born Dec. 27, 1827 in 
Ohio, and was reared on a farm, and in anew 
country. His father was one of the pioneers who 
was obliged to hew his way through the forest, in 
order to make a farm, and as Matthew was the 
oldest boy of the family, he was obliged to work 
hard at plowing and breaking among the stumps. 
His boyhood days, as before stated, were desti- 
tute of any of the advantages calculated to give 
him an education, as the school teachers in those 



days were on a par with the schoolhouses, exceed- 
ingly crude. Later, as he grew to be a young 
man. a brick school-house was built, of which he 
aided in the construction, and there he attended 
school for three terms. When he came from Ohio 
in the summer of 1863, he brought with him a 
drove of 700 sheep, driving them the entire dis- 
tance with the aid of a boy and a dog, and this was 
his first substantial start in the stock business. His 
first wife, whose maiden name was Cassandria Pig- 
man, died in 18(12. when he sold his farm and engaged 
exclusively in the stock business. He has traded 
and dealt in live stuck of all kinds since his boy- 
hood, and at the time of selling his farm was con- 
sidered one of the shrewdest buyers in this section 
of the country, and up to this time he had made 
an even $2,000 on his sheep. 

He was married the first time in 1849 and by 
this union he was the father of four children: 
Rebecca A., William, Raehael and James. Rebecca 
married Scott llildreth. a farmer of Carroll Town- 
ship. They have three children, Elizabeth A.. 
Joseph and Blaine: William resides in Powesheik 
County, Iowa; Rachel married George Bennett. 
They have four children: Clinton, Minnie, Frank 
and an infant. Frank is a tinner by trade. Mr. 
Trimble was married a second time in 1864 to Mrs. 
Lvdia Harvey. She was born in Pennsjlvania and 
came to Indiana when a small girl, and in 18G2, 
emigrated to Vermilion County. Her first husband, 
whose name was Oliver W. Harvey, died in the 
army, leaving two children — Jane and Charles W. 
Mr. and Mrs. Trimble have two children — Cliaun- 
cey and Lucy. The former is at home working on 
the farm, while Lucy married Elmer llite. who lives 
in Kansas. Mr. Trimble has assisted his children 
in getting a start in the world, and they are the 
pride of his declining years. lie lias taken an 
active and intelligent pari in all the matters per- 
taining to public schools, and has served as Direc- 
tor fifteen years, lie has also filled various other 
positions in the township, although he has never 
aspired to political honors. Mr. and Mrs. Trim- 
ble are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church 
at Sidell, and they an' materially aiding in the erec- 
tion of a new house of worship, lie is an original 
Lincoln Republican, as be considers that the prin- 



028 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



ciples of that great man are the correct ones for 
the government of politics. He belives that the 
Union Labor party of America is, some day, bound 
to succeed. Mr. Trimble since he has commenced to 
do for himself, has been successful, which is wholly 
due to his judgment of men and his industrious 
habits. He takes hold of all matters of business 
with energy, and never has known that there is such 
a word as "fail." 




\ ICHAEL FISHER has for the past ten 
years been engaged in the hardware busi- 



ness in Indianola, where he has conducted 
a large and prosperous business. His 
store is one of the finest in the town, and is always 
the scene of activity. 

He was born in Carroll Township, within half a 
mile of Indianola, Nov. 0, 1835. His father, David 
Fisher, came to this county in 1833, bought school 
lands from the State, and also entered a tract of 
o-overnment land in the same year, and at the time of 
his death, which occurred in 1878, he owned nearly 
1,000 acres of land. He was born in Ohio, li is 
father being of good old Pennsylvania stock. The 
Fishers were of German extraction and pioneers of 
Pennsylvania, where they settled during Colonial 
times. David Fisher was married in Carroll Town- 
ship to Miss Jane Weaver, who is still living. She 
is a native of Ohio, her father coming to this conn- 
try in 1828 and being therefore one of the very 
earliest pioneers. He lived to be one hundred 
years old, while his wife was past ninety when she 
was called away. 

David Fisher was the father of five children, 
whose names are: Michael, John W., Mary J., 
George and Lucinda. Michael was reared on a 
farm and received good educational advantages in 
the schools of his childhood, which were of the 
subscription sort. He was married in 1801 to Miss 
Maryette Baum, daughter of John W. Baum, an 
old settler of Carroll Township. She was born in 
Indianola. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Fisher 
continued farming until 1877, when he engaged in 
the hardware business, as before indicated. He 



started the erection of the -'Fisher Block" in 1881, 
completing it'the next year. The store is 44x00, 
and comprises two store rooms, the Masonic and 
Fisher's Hall. 

Mr. and Mrs. Fisher have three children: Frank. 
Maud and Eva. Frank is attending the Univerity 
of Illinois and is"' a member of the class of '90. 
He is taking the civil engineering course. Maud 
is the wife of Joseph J. Sidell — whose sketch ap- 
pears in this volume — while Eva is at home. In 
addition to his hardware business Mr. Fisher deals 
largely in agricultural implements, and also owns 
and manages two farms near Indianola. He has 
served his neighbors in several offices, having been 
Justice of the Peace for sixteen years and Asses- 
sor and Collector for four years each. While liv- 
ing in Kansas in 1857, he joined the Odd Fellows 
fraternity to which society he has since adhered. 
Politically he belongs to the Democratic party, but 
is in favor of the best man being elected to any 
position, and in consequence he votes independ- 
ently. As before stated he has held many town- 
ship offices and with distinguished honor, but he 
has never been an office-seeker, as his neighbors 
have recognized in him the qualities which should 
belong to every man occupying a public position. 
His fine education coupled with his splendid judg- 
ment has been recognized and appreciated. 

Mr. Fisher was a student at the Georgetown 
Seminary where he acquired a classical education, 
and in his younger days was a teacher, being eminent 
in his profession. He is one of the leading citizens 
of Vermilion County and is respected and hon- 
ored as such. A fine view of the home of Mr. 
Fisher is shown in this volume. 



^-f-i-^^4-^ 




ANIEL OAKES, a gentleman of unusually 
modest demeanor, may be usually found 
at his homestead, on section 11, in Vance 
Township, where he carries on farming 
and has lived since 1809. The inroads upon his 
health, made by the rigors of war when he was hut 
a youth, have had their lasting effect upon his con- 
stitution, so that he has not been enabled to realize 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



6-29 



the full measure of his ambition among the bus}' 
laborers of the world. He is, however, a man 
highly respected among his fellow-citizens, possess- 
ing tliat integrity of character which has enabled 
him to live uprightly and at peace with all the 
world. 

The early tramping ground of our subject was 
in Seneca County, Ohio, where he was born Aug. 
26, 1843. His father. Michael Oakes. was a native 
of Pennsylvania, a farmer by occupation, and mar- 
ried Miss Rebecca Farner, who was born in Ohio. 
In 1850 they moved to Clark County, 111., ami 
later returned to Ohio to make a visit, and Mrs. 
Oakes died while on the journey thither. The 
father was subsequently married, and after some 
years, about 1858, returned to this county. The 
children of his first wife comprised three s(ms and 
one daughter, of whom three are living. Oneson, 
John, during the Civil War, enlisted in Company 
F, 25th Illinois Infantry, and died in camp at 
Scottsboro, Ala., in the winter of 1862. Michael 
Oakes departed this life at his home in Vance 
Township, in 1882. 

The subject of this notice attended school in 
Clark County, 111., the temple of learning being an 
old log schoolhouse, with its primitive accommoda- 
tions, and the system of instruction far inferior to 
that of the present day. When a youth of seven- 
teen, the Civil War being in progress, he enlisted 
as a Union soldier in Company F, 71st Illinois In- 
fantry for three months. At the expiration of this 
time he re-enlisted in Company F, 26th [nfantry, 
for three years, and took part in many of the im- 
portant battles which followed — Atlanta, Scotts- 
boro, Savannah, New Hope Church. Kenesaw 
Mountain, Grape Creek — and went with Sherman 
in his memorable march to the sea. He had the 
pleasure of witnessing the surrender of the rebel 
Oeneral Johnston in North Carolina, and after the 
surrender of Lee, repaired with his comrades to 
Washington, and took part in the Grand Review. 

On the 28th of July. 1864, at Atlanta. Mr. 
Oakes received a gunshot wound in the right side, 
but he kept on fighting, and never lost a day on 
accouut of it. At Savannah he was wounded in 
tin' right knee. His health was greatly impaired 
by hardship and exposure, and it is hardly possible 



that he will ever regain his former robust health. 
Mr. Oakes was first married in 1867, to Miss 
Melissa Morrison, who became the mother of four 
children (two of whom are living), and who died 
in 1880. The two children remaining are Charles 
and Eva, who are living with their father. Mr. 
Oakes was married a second time in 1881, to Miss 
.Margaret Hickman, and they have one child — 
Willie. Mrs. Oakes is a member of the Presbvte- 
rian Church. Our subject takes no active part in 
politics, but goes regularly to the polls, and votes 
the Republican ticket, even if he has to leave a 
sick bed, as at the last election. He is a member 
of Homer Post, G. A. R., but on account of frail 
health, has not been. permitted to attend the regu- 
lar meetings. The most of his time is spent on 
his snug farm of 110 acres, which is finely located 
on section 7. and is under a good state of cultivation. 




NDERSON W. ELDER, The subject of 
this notice came to this county from Ohio 
li\ in 1878, for the purpose of taking charge 
(^ of the large farm which he now operates, 

and which comprises 320 acres, the east half of sec- 
tion 34, in Sidell Township. His efficient, manage- 
ment is observable in the well-cultivated fields and 
the general appearance of the premises. While 
operating as a tiller of the soil. Mr. Elder is also 
engaged in the cultivation of his mental capacities 
— a man who has read and observed much, and 
who has decided ideas coupled with the faculty of 
giving them expression, and with the good sense 
which usually inspires him to temperance of speech 
and prevents him from giving offense to those dif- 
fering from him in opinion. He is in the prime of 
life, active and energetic, and the son of one 
of the most wealthy farmers of the Buckeye 
State. John Elder, who was the owner of nearly 
1,000 acres of land in Clark County. Ohio, ami 
who died May 31, 1889, at the advanced age of 
eighty-one years, one month and nineteen days. 

The subject of this notice was born near Sorine- 
field, in Greene Township, (lark Co., Ohio, Aug. 
26, 1852. and was there reared to man's estate on a 



630 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



farm. About 1877, he started on a traveling tour, 
visiting the Eastern States, the Dominion of Can- 
ada, also Kentucky and Missouri, after which he 
came to this county. He was married in 1881. to 
Miss Libby, daughter of W. B. Squires, of Sidell 
Township. Mrs. Elder was born in Iowa, whence 
her parents later came to Illinois, then removed to 
Kentucky, and she was reared in these two States. 
Of her union with our subject there have been 
born four children, viz.: Edna, Inez, Edith and 
Johnie B., who are all living and at home with 
their parents, and are looked upon by the latter 
with pardonable pride, being remarkably interest- 
ing and intelligent. Mr. Elder, politically, is a 
sound Republican, and is able to give a reason for 
the faith that is in him. He is no office-seeker, 
and has had very little to do with public affairs, 
simply serving on the Circuit Jury. 

The father of our subject was a native of Harris- 
burg, Pa. ; the mother, whose maiden name was 
Phebe Casey, was born in Springfield, Ohio. She 
died in 1860 at the age of forty-five years. Nine 
children comprised the parental family, who were 
namerl respectively, Ann J., Wallace, Findlay, Me- 
linda, Samuel, Anderson W., David, Robert and 
Charles. 



jjr^ICHARD R. WORTHINGTON, M. D., 

|lWif physician and surgeon, is one of the 
—>\ best of the profession in his community, 
^p; where he has resided for the past fifteen 
years. He is a native of Mason County, Ky., 
having been born near Ma3'sville on Aug, 14, 
1851. His father and mother were also natives of 
the same county, and were very prominent citizens 
there. The father, the Hon. Samuel Worthington, 
was elected as a Whig to the State Legislature and 
was noted as an independent, outspoken man. He 
died in his native county, in 1862, at the compar- 
atively early age of fifty-four, and in this world's 

g Is he was fairly well off. He was killed by one 

of his former slaves. His wife is still living at 
her old home and is a lady of seventy-one years of 
age. The elder Worthington had been married 
three times and by his first wife was the father of 



two children, who grew to maturity. He had three 
by his second wife and eight by his third, four of 
whom grew to maturity; the latter of whom wen- 
Mary R., who died in Mason County, Ky.; Anna; 
Richard Runyon, of whom this sketch is written; 
and Martha L. Anna married Elder W. G. Cox, 
and is residing at Middletown, Ky. Martha L. is 
the wife of J. G. Thompson, who is a prosperous 
merchant and laud-owner of Fernleaf, Ky. 

Dr. Worthington was reared on a farm. He at- 
tended the common school, and later on, the col- 
lege at Minerva, Ky., which institution he entered at 
the early age of thirteen. Here he continued a 
student for three years when he relinquished his 
studies to take charge of his father's farm, which 
occupied his time for two 3'ears. In 1870, he 
removed to Catlin, Vermilion County, where he 
began to read medicine under Dr. T. II. Runyon. 
He continued his studies in this manner for about 
eight months, when he entered the .Medical College 
of Ohio at Cincinnati, graduating from that insti- 
tution in the class of 18,74. In October, of the 
same year he located at Indianola, entering upon 
a successful medical career. 

He was married in 1871) to Miss Vina McMellan, 
daughter of 'Squire William McMellan, one of the 
leading men of Indianola, whose biography ap- 
pears in this volume. She was born in Carroll 
Township, and attended the common schools of her 
town, gaining a good education. She is the mother 
of three children — Samuel Lester, Chester Allen 
and Anna Love. Dr. Worthington put in a stock 
of drugs the first year he located at this place, buy- 
ing out the store operated by Dr. J. L. Hull. His 
practice has increased until to-day he has all the pa- 
tients that he can attend to. He is a member of the 
County Medical Association and is constantly 
studying, thus keeping apace with the practical de- 
tails in the improvements of medicine. As a physi- 
cian he is patient, constant, sympathetic, yet in the 
hour of extremity, cool, calm and courageous, thus 
inspiring the sick and distressed in scenes of dan- 
ger, lie is the Examining Physician for the Little 
Vermilion Camp of Modern Woodmen, of which 
he is a charter member. He was a charter member 
of the I. O. 0. F., Lodge No. 584, and passed 
through chairs of that order, and was Representa- 





/r 



<-A C/urCUtLAVCO 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



633 



tive to the Grand Lodge. He was the first Presi- 
dent elected under the incorporation act of the vil- 
lage and served with fidelity and intelligence, and 
has held that office ever since. He was elected 
Supervisor in 1889. 

Dr. Worthington is an adherent to the princi- 
ples of the Democratic party and is an active 
worker in its ranks, lie was one of the original 
projectors of the Indianola Building and Loan As- 
sociation, being President of that organization. He 
is veiy prominent in the affairs that look to the 
improvement of his town, and a public-spirited 
citizen in every sense of the word. 



^OHN F. ROWAND, Supervisor of Sidell 
Township, although quiet and unobtrusive in 
manner, possesses strength of character and 
from the fact that he has just entered upon 
his seventh year in this capacity, it is evident that 
he stands high among his fellow-citizens. He is a 
farmer by occupation, owning and operating 300 
acres of choice land, 200 on section 12 and 100 on 
section 1. Nature has endowed him with a gen- 
erous fund of sound, common sense, a quality des- 
cended to him from a most excellent ancestry. 

The native place of our subject was the present 
site of Springfield in Clark County, Ohio, where 
his birth occurred .lime 2, 1853. His parents, 
Edward and Margaret (Smith) Rowand were nat- 
ives respectively of Maryland and Ireland. The 
father emigrated to Ohio at an early date and 
settled on a tract of land near the present city of 
Springfield where he cleared a farm from the wil- 
derness. He was first married to a Miss Luce who 
became the mother of seven children, all of whom 
lived to mature years. Of his marriage with Miss 
Smith there were also born seven children, viz.: 
Edward M., John F., our subject, Isaac, an infant 
who died unnamed, Margaret J., Mary E. and 
Davis. Of these six are living. 

The Rowand family came to Illinois in 1857, 
and settled near Paris in Edgar County, where 
they lived one year; then coining to this county 



they located where the city of Sidell now stands. 
The father was a very able man and especially act- 
ive in church work. He accumulated a comfortable 
property but finally returned East as far as Ross 
County, Ohio, about 1859. Here his death oc- 
curred in 18G1 when lie was seventy-four years old. 
The mother then came back to this county and is 
now living at the old homestead, three- fourths of a 
mile southeast of Sidell. 

Our subject was in the fifth year of his age when 
his parents came to Illinois, and after their return 
to Ohio he attended school in Ross County. After 
the death of his father he went to live with his 
half-brother, William Rowand, in Clark County 
and remained a resident of the Buckeye State until 
1869. In the meantime, upon approaching man- 
hood he worked on a farm at -18 per month, during 
the summer and attended school during the winter. 
He earned the money for his books, notwithstand- 
ing his father left a good property. One of the 
half-brothers managed to hold the estate, which 
was in litigation for a period of five years before 
divided equally among the rightful heirs, being 
settled in 1877. 

Whilearesidentof Illinois oursubject was married 
April 2, 1878, to Miss Elizabeth A. Cross. This 
lady was born in Greene Count}', Ohio, and is the 
daughter of Ethan O. and Nancy Ann (Webster) 
Cross who came to Illinois in 1862 and settled in this 
county. The father prosecuted farming and died 
in 1884, when about fifty years of age. The mother 
had passed away ten years before, at the early age 
of thirty-eight years. Their eight children were 
named respectively, Charles E., Elizabeth Alraira, 
Sarah Matilda, Frank who died at the age of two 
months, Fanny B., Jennie S., Bessie who died when 
one year and ten months old and Nettie Adelaide 

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. I.owand settled 
upon 200 acres of land which fell to our subject as 
his share of his father's estate. Upon this he has 
effected good improvements and for the past five 
years has been largely interested in live stock, 
making a specialty of cattle. In 1880 he purchased 
eighty acres of land on section 1 and in 188-1 
twenty acres on the same section, which is watered 
by the Little Vermilion. The farm is well equipped 
with good buildings and modern machinery, includ- 



634 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



ing a windmill and an artesian well, the latter 210 
feel deep. 

To our subject and his estimable wife have been 
born four children — John F.. Jr., Jennie E., Charles 
I), and Oattie M.,all living. Mr. and Mrs. Rowand 
are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian 
Church of Sheridan in which M>\ Rowand is serv- 
ing his fifth year as Elder. Me has served as Town- 
ship Supervisor and in politics votes the straight 
Democratic ticket. He is quite prominent in local 
politics and a member of the Democratic County 
Central Committee, also of the Democratic Club of 
Sidell. 

Nancy Ann Whit, the great-grandmother of 
Mrs'. Rowand, was the daughter of a Mr. Zanes after 
whom the town of Zanesville, Ohio, was named; 
she was married to Mr. Maxwell at the age of six- 
teen years and in the Revolutionary War carried 
bullets in her apron to the soldiers, said bullets 
being "ran" by her sister. She was a courageous 
and loyal old lady — one of the typical grandames 
of the colonial times. A portrait of Mr. Rowand 
appears on another page of this volume. 



—5- 



4«# 




ARITS BOSWELLREID, President of the 
fl Village Board and Supervisor of George- 
town Township, is recognized as one of 

the leading men of this county, with whose 
interests he has been closely identified for many 
years. A Kentuckian by birth, his native place 
was near Maysville, in Fleming County, and he is 
the son of Joseph C. Reid, who was born on the 
eastern shore of Maryland. The family is of Irish 
origin. Mrs. Rebecca (Montgomery) Reid, the 
mother of our subject was born in Pennsylvania, 
af English ancestry. 

Joseph C. Reid was first married to Miss Susan 
Lee, in Kentucky. She was a high-born lady and 
a descendant of old Gen. Richard Henry Lee, of 
Revolutionary fame. Of this union there were born 
three children, only one of whom grew to mature 
years — a daughter. Mary M., who became the wife 
of Thomas Scott, and at the time of her death left 
two children — Marion and Alexander. The former 



was a soldier of the late war and died during that 
struggle. Joseph Reid was a man highly endowed 
by nature, remarkably intelligent and a great lover 
of music in which he was quite proficient, having a 
fine voice for singing and skillfully playing the 
violin. He taught school during his early man- 
hood and in the meanwhile prepared the manuscript 
for an arithmetical text book, which, however, was 
never published but is still in the possession of the 
family. 

The father of our subject likewise learned the 
trade of a shoemaker which he followed mostly 
during the winter season, while in the summer he 
was engaged in the cultivation of a small farm. 
Horn in 1775, he fought under Gen. Harrison as 
ensign at Ft. Meigs in 1813, and after the war re- 
turned to his home in Kentucky. His first wife 
died in the Blue Grass State and he was then mar- 
ried to the mother of our subject. In 1835, aftet 
the birth of three children they left Kentucky, 
coming to Edgar County, this State, and settling in 
what is now Bruellet Creek Township. They re- 
sided there until 1850, then removed to Wayne 
County, where the father entered 120 acres of land 
on bis war claim. He only lived two years there- 
after, passing away in 1852. 

After the death of her husband Mrs. Reid sold 
the farm and returned to Edgar County. Later 
she came to live with her son, our subject, and 
died at his residence, Dec. 14, 1881, when seventy- 
five years old. She had been a devoted Christian 
tor more than twenty years and was a member of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church. Joseph Reid, 
politically, first belonged to the old Whig party 
and was true to the principles which afterward laid 
the foundation of the Republican party. The pa- 
rental household included four children, the eld- 
est .>f whom, a daughter, Susan J., married .bison 
11. Sprague, who later became Captain of Company 
D, 29th Illinois Infantry, and was killed on the 
battle-field of Shiloh. He left his widow with six 
children — Sarah A., Edgar B., Thomas, Wealthy 
A.. Charles and Mary. Mrs. Sprague died in La- 
bette County, Kan., at the age of forty years. The 
second daughter, Elizabeth A., married Shirley 
Trotter, became the mother of three children and 
died in Wayne County, this State; Sally F. is the 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



G35 



widow of Francis Robinson and resides in Wayne 
County; she has four children. 

The subject of this sketch was born July II, 
1833, and was but two and one-half years old when 
brought by his parents to Illinois. Ilis education 
was confined principally to his own home, his fa- 
ther being his tutor, although he attended for a 
short time the subscription schools in Edgar 
County. There he made the acquaintance of bis 
future wife. He was brought up on a farm and 
after leaving Wayne County the last time worked 
one year in a brick-yard and subsequently was em- 
ployed the same length of time on a farm. He 
came to Georgetown in the summer of 1855 and 
entered the employ of Pike Sprague for a term of 
three years, at the expiration of which time he was 
married, .Inly 14, 1858, to Miss Sarah A., daughter 
of Rev. Patrick and Lurena (Wilson) Cowan. 

The parents of Mrs. Reid were from Virginia 
whence they removed to Indiana and then to this 
State, settling finally in Edgar County. Their 
family consisted of nine children, of whom Sarah 
A . was next to the youngest. She was born in 
Illinois, and was reared in Edgar County; her 
father was one of the pioneer preachers of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church in Eastern Illinois. 
Since their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Reid have made 
their home in Georgetown, and have a snug resi- 
dence in the eastern part of the town. In later 
years our subject turned his attention to carpenter- 
ing and has built, a great many fine residences in 
and about, Georgetown besides churches and school 
buildings. He put up the academy building at 
Vermilion Grove and the Friends' churches at 
Georgetown. 

Seven children came to bless the union of Mr. 
and Mrs. Reid, but the first-born died in infancy. 
Rebecca A., the fourth child, died at the age of 
three years; Mary L., Robert J., James !•'.. Alex. C. 
and Luranah are the survivors. Miss Mary became 
the wife of Enos Campbell, a blacksmith by trade; 
they live in Georgetown and are the parents of one 
child. Robert J. is a telegraph operator and sta- 
tion agent of the Pnion Pacific Railroad Company, 
at Hayes City, Kan.; .lames F., an expert mechanic 
and builder, is in the employ of the P. E. Lane 
Bridge Company, of Chicago, making his head- 



quarters at Lincoln, Neb., where he is at present 
superintending the construction and laying of the 
iron works on one of the public buildings of Lin- 
coln. Alex, has charge of Mr. Keid's farm of 
flirty acres and lives at home. Luranah is attend- 
ing school at Georgetown, being a member of the 
class of '91. 

Politically, Mr. Reid is a strong Republican and 
in full sympathy with the principles advocated by 
that party. He has held the office of Commissoner 
of Highways with great credit to himself for the 
past nine years. He has been School Trustee a 
number of years and for several terms has occupied 
his present position as President of the Village 
Board. In the spring of 1885 the Democrats 
brought forward an opposition candidate for Su- 
pervisor, but notwithstanding this Mr. Reid was 
unanimously elected to the office. He has served as 
juryman several times and thus has made himself 
useful in the affairs of his community, whose con- 
fidence and esteem he enjoys in a marked degree. 
Both he and Mrs. Reid are members in good stand- 
ing of the Methodist Episcopal Church at George- 
town. Socially Mr. Reid has been identified with 
the Masonic fraternity for a period of twenty years, 
belonging to Russell Lodge No. 154, at George- 
town, in which he has served two terms as Master 
and is now Junior Warden. Personally Mr. Reid 
is of large and commanding figure with a counte- 
nance and bearing highly indicative of his true 
character — that of an honest man and a gentleman. 



<>^t3^(2^tf*< ? ~4- 



ellARLES F. GRAY. Prominent among 
the manufacturers of Vermilion County 
_ and a leading citizen of Sitlell, is the sub- 
ject of this notice who has been known to the 
people of this region since his boyhood, having 
grown up among them, being the son of one of the 
earliest, settlers of Sidell Township. His specialty 
is the manufacture of tile and brick, in connect inn 
with which he has a $15,000 plant, and gives em- 
ployment to a large number of men. In addition 
in being a young man of more than ordinary busi- 
ness ability, he is of that generous and genial 



636 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



temperament by which he makes friends wherever 
he goes and is highly esteemed, not only by his 
compeers, but by his subordinates. His aim in 
defiling with his employes is to be not only just, 
but generous. In appearance he would attract at- 
tention most any where, being portly and robust, 
while his high sense of honor shines out through 
his expressive countenance and is at once a pass- 
port to the confidence and esteem of his fellowmen. 
His business affairs necessarily demand much time 
and attention, but these have not prevented him 
from taking a warm interest in the enterprises set 
on foot for the good of his community. 

In glancing at the antecedents of Mr. Gray we 
find that his father, Harvey M., was born near Mid- 
dletown, in Butler County, Ohio, and was the son 
of one of the earliest settlers of Hamilton County, 
( )hio, Lewis ( iray, who located as early as 1 .SOU near 
the present site of Cincinnati and established the first 
cooper shop in that place. He finally became a 
contractor on the Big Miami Canal and accumu- 
lated a large property, operating both a mill and a 
distillery. During the panic of 1837 he lost nearly 
the whole of liis property, but finally regained 
partially liis financial standing and spent his last 
days surrounded by the comforts of life. He died 
in I y ft at the age of seventy-five years at Jeffer- 
son, Clinton Co., Ind., where he had owned and 
conducted a hotel. He was a native of New Jersey 
and of English ancestry. The great-grandfather 
of our subject lived to be ninety -six years old. 

Mrs. Susan (Harman) Gray, the mother of our 
subject was born in Warren County, Ohio, and is 
still living, being now a lady of sixty years. Her 
parents were Samuel and Mary (Anderson) Har- 
man, the former a native of Virginia and whose 
parents were born in Germany. The maternal 
grandmother of our subject was born in New Jer- 
sey and was of Scotch descent. Upon their re- 
moval to Ohio the Harmans settled near what was 
then Lebanon and engaged in farming pursuits, 
and there the childhood and youth of Mrs. Gray , 
were spent until her marriage, which occurred when 
she was a maiden of seventeen. 

The parents of our subject after their marriage 
loaded up their wordly effects and started overland 
for Clinton County. Ohio, where Mr. Gray with his 



father had become the proprietor of a cooper shop 
at Jefferson. Father and son prosecuted coop- 
ing in the winter and carpentering in the summer 
for eleven years, and at the expiration of this time 
Harvey Gray decided to strike out for the farther 
West. By this time the household included six 
children and he was desirous of acquiring more 
laud, also in hopes to regain his failing health by a 
change of climate. Upon their arrival in this 
county they unloaded their goods directly west of 
the present site of Symmes' burying ground, and 
Mrs. ( iray witnessed the first burial there in the fall 
following. They only staid there one year, then 
removed to what has now for many years been 
familiarly known to the people of this region as 
the (iray homestead. 

The father of our subject was an important mem- 
ber of the pioneer community and aided largely in 
forwarding the enterprises leading to its advance- 
ment. Politically, he was a strong Whig and cast 
his first vote for Gen. Harrison in 1840. He was 
a man of progressive ideas and in religion was a 
Universalist. He took particular interest in the 
establishment of schools, and carried out his idea 
of Christianity by assisting those in need immedi- 
ately around him. Many a poor man was fed from 
his table and received the assistance and advice 
most- needed. In his family he was remarkably 
kind and indulgent, a lover of home who found 
his highest enjoyment there. He improved a good 
farm of 160 acres and left his family in comfort- 
able circumstances at the time of his death, which 
occurred in 1 866. 

After the death of her husband Mrs. Gray dis- 
played remarkably good judgment in the manage- 
ment of her family and her property, giving to her 
children a good practical education and training 
them to habits of industry and sentiments of 
honor. She is a bright, intelligent and well-pre- 
served lady, with an attractive countenance, sug- 
gestive of much beauty in younger years, and her 
heart has never grown old. The record of her 
twelve children is as follows: Samuel who married 
Miss Loah Harman, is occupying a part of the 
homestead and is the father of five children; 
Martha A. married G. M. Spry, of Sidell, a sketch 
of whom appears elsewhere in this work; Hannah 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



637 



M. became the wife of Oscar Mitchell and died 
leaving two children, Harvey and Birdie; Sarah 
F. is junior partner of the firm of ('. F. & S. F. 
Gray and presides over the domestic affairs of her 
brother-Charles; Ida E. is the wife of George T. 
Mason of Areola, III., and they have four children. 
Mr. Mason is associated with Chapman Bios., pub- 
lishers of this work. KmmaM. was first married to 
1 1 < ■ 1 1 1 ■ \ Shear who was killed in a well; her present 
husband is J. li. Morrison and they live on a farm 
near Side]]; they have one child. Laura married S. 
\V. j'.aird. a farmer near Indianola, and they have 
one child; Frank married Miss Lilly Harman ami 
resides in Sidell; Lewis M. died when a promising 
youth of nineteen years; Albert at the same age 
and Harvey when three weeks old. 

The subject of this sketch was horn Feb. 11, 
1859, at the homestead where lie spent his boyhood, 
remaining on the farm until twenty-four years old. 
lie then became interested in the tile business at 
Sidell, which enterprise was first inaugurated by 
his brother, Samuel Gray, backed by John Sidell 
and operated under the firm name of S.Gray & 
Co. In 1883 it was merged into Gray Bros. The 
first buildings were put up in the fall of 1882, but 
in July 1, 1884 a cyclone tore the building to 
pieces ami the $5,000 plant was destroyed in less 
time than it takes to write of it. The property 
was then sold under a mortgage and purchased by 
Miss Sarah Gray and was managed by our subject 
for two years, at the end of which time the indebt- 
edness was all paid and the firm became C. F. & S. 
F. Cray. 

Mr. Cray has given his whole time and attention 
to his present business since becoming part proprie- 
tor, and as a result of his enterprise tin- town of 
Sidell boasts of the best tile factory in Eastern 
Illinois. He added to it the manufacture of brick 
in the spring of 188H. lie gives employment to 
about twenty-three men and enjoys an extensive 
patronage throughout the county. The kilns and 
the drying-room machinery are models in their 
way, and constructed after the most approved pat- 
terns. The works turn out about 150 miles of 
tiling annually, running winter and summer. The 
brick business is in its infancy, but there is every 
prospect of its complete success. A railroad 



switch has been made by Mr. Gray so that he lias 
shipping facilities over two roads, the Chicago & 
Eastern Illinois and the Chicago & Ohio River. 

Although the personal interests of Mr. Gray 
necessarily occupy a large portion of his time and 
attention, he is found always willing to put his 
shoulder to the wheel in support of the enterprises 
calculated to promote Hie interests of Sidell and 
vicinity, lie was one of the leading men in the 
erect ion of the elegant new brick school building 
and has been a member of the Board of Directors 
for the past four years. He belongs to the Baptist 
Church of Palermo, and is a Trustee and Treasurer 
of the new Methodist Episcopal Church at Sidell 
which has the lines!, church edifice in the county out- 
side of Danville. lie served as Town Clerk one yc i 
and in the spring of 1889 was the candidate of his 
party for Supervisor, but, liis ticket being in the 
minority, he was defeated. Socially, he is an 
active member of the I. (I. ( ). F., Peace Dale. No. 
225, in which he has filled all the chairs. He also 
belongs to the Encampment at Homer. lie is 
likewise identified with the new Masonic lodge at 
Indianola in which he takes much interest. •>!' 
strictly temperance principles, he is acharter mem- 
ber of the lodge in Sidell. and is a man upon 
whom is naturally conferred many positions of 
trust and responsibility. As the appointed agent 
of the Sidell heirs he is looking after this property 
with that conscientious fidelity to duty which has 
marked all his transactions, and given him a posi- 
tion as a business man and a citizen second to none 
in his county. 



ON. JACOB II. OAKWOOD, a man of 
^ much prominence in public life in Vermilion 

County, who is connected with its agricul- 
tural interests, owning and managing a val- 
uable farm on section :>:{, Catlin Township, is the 
representative of a leading and well-known pioneer 
family of this county w-hose record is interwoven 
with its early history. His parents came here in 
the early days of settlement, and the father being 
a man of more than ordinary ability and under- 




G38 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



standing, though entirely a self-made and self-edu- 
cated man, soon became very influential in the 
administration of public affairs, and was often 
sought out for advice and counsel. Oakwood 
Township, where he located, was named in his 
honor, and during his life he was instrumental in 
advancing its growth. 

The Oakwood family originally came from Ger- 
many, but so long ago that all record of their 
arrival in this country has been lost. They were a 
thrifty, enterprising, well-to-do people, and have 
been land owners and home owners from their ear- 
liest known history. They settled in Virginia in 
colonial times, and the first member of the family 
of whom personal mention is made is the grand- 
father of our subject, who owned 400 acres of land 
in the Old Dominion near the town of Abingdon 
and close to the Tennessee line, lie died when 
the father of our subject was quite young, leaving a 
widow, one sou, and three daughters. One of his 
daughters married the late Jacob Hickman, whose 
family reside in this county. Another married 
Peter Hickman, who died, leaving two sons who 
settled in Missouri. The other daughter married 
a Mr. McC'racken and remained in Tennessee. The 
grandmother of our subject married again, becom- 
ing the wife of Peter Hickman, who owned 800 
acres of land, lying partly in Virginia and partly 
in Tennessee, a part of the dwelling house being 
in each State. The grandmother is said to have 
been a woman of many good qualities, and her 
step-children lauded her very highly, saying that 
she was the best woman in the world, a praise not 
often given to step-mothers. 

Henry Oakwood, the father of our subject, was 
born either in Virginia or Tennessee, probably on 
the line between those States, and there he was 
reared to a vigorous manhood, remaining at home 
till he was twenty or twenty-one years of age, 
when, animated by the spirit of his pioneer sires, 
he sought to build a home for himself in the wilds 
of the more recently settled State of Ohio, and 
thus became an early settler of Brown Count}'. 
He was a volunteer in the war of 1812, and took 
an active part in the battle in which the famous 
Indian chief, Tecuraseh, was killed. He married 
Margaret Remley, who was probably born in Green 



County, Pa., their marriage taking place in Bracken 
County, Ky., and they settled in Brown County, 
Ohio, on land which he had previously bought, 
and there he was busily engaged at his occupation 
of farming. In October. 1833, he and his wife 
with their nine children came to Vermilion County, 
111., and located in what is now Oakwood Town- 
ship the following spring, being among its earliest 
pioneers, and the township was subsequently named 
in his honor. Although he attended school but 
six weeks in his life, Henry Oakwood was fairly 
well educated for the times, his vigorous intellect 
compensating him for the lack of educational ad- 
vantages, and being a man of keen vision, and 
well balanced mind, well dowered with firmness, 
activity and enterprise, he became a conspicuous 
figure in the public life of the township and county, 
and bore an honorable part in their government, 
holding many offices within the gift of his fellow- 
citizens, serving as County Commissioner, Justice 
of the Peace, etc. 1 1 is death in 1855 was consid- 
ered a serious blow to the interests of flic commun- 
ity where he had made his home for more than 
twenty years, and his memory is still held in honor 
as that of a noble man, a leading pioneer, and a 
good citizen. His wife, who was in every way 
worthy of such a husband, survived him till 1877, 
when she too passed away in Oakwood Township. 
Of their family of nine children, six sons and 
three daughters, all were born in Brown County, 
Ohio, and all lived to maturity. 

Jacob H. Oakwood, the subject of this biograph- 
ical review, was their eighth child, and he was 
born Nov. 18, 1828. He was about five years old 
when he came with his parents to Vermilion County, 
and he has always made his home here since that 
time. He was reared to manhood in Oakwood 
Township, receiving such educational advantages 
as were afforded to the youth of his day. In 1 857 
he established himself in the mercantile business in 
Catlin Village, and was successfully engaged that 
and the following year, and in the 3'ears 1862, 1 8 ( J ; '» . 
Aside from that he has given his attention entirely 
to agricultural pursuits and stock raising. He has 
:\ farm of 132 acres, which is well stocked, and in 
point of cultivation and improvements is equal to 
the other farms in the vicinity. Here he and his 



PORTRAIT AM) BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



639 



family have an attractive home, neat in its ap- 
pointments, and replete with al! the comforts that 
enhance the pleasure of living. 

Mr. Oakwood has been twice married. To the 
uife of his early manhood, whose maiden name was 
Isabella Caraway, lie was united in marriage in 
Catl in Township, Feb. 13, 1851. She was a daughter 
of Charles and Elizabeth ( McCorkle) Caraway, who 
died in Catlin Township, of which they were early 
pioneers. She was a native of this township, born 
Nov. 27. 1834, ami here her life closed Feb. 15, 
1882, two days after the anniversary of her wed- 
ding that had occurred thirty-one years before. 
Of her happy married life with our subject eight 
children were born, as follows: .Mary E. died Oct. 
S. ISO 1. aged fourteen years; Charles H. married 
Dora Smith of Georgetown Township; George W. 
married Isabella Graves; Franklin died in infancy; 
Emma .1. is the wife of L. \Y. Jeffres; two children 
who died in infancy; Anna, living at home with 
her father. Mr. Oakwood was married to his pres- 
ent estimable wife, formerly Mis. Rosanna( Coleman ) 
Alexander, widow of the late .1. J. Alexander, in 
Danville, 111., May 1, L884. 

Our subject bears worthily the mantle of his 
honored sire, and since the batter's deftth has seemed 
to fill his place, and has had a distinguished public 
career. His fellow-citizens have twice called him 
to one of the highest offices within their gift, that 
of State Representative, being elected as the candi- 
date of the Republican party, and his course as a 
legislator marked him as a. wise and efficient states- 
man, who looked carefully after the interests of 
his State and county. lie was first elected to the 
General Assembly of Illinois in the fall of 1872, 
ami served one term, and in the fall of 1876 he 
was again elected as a member of that honorable 
body. During his second term occurred the 
memorable contest for the United States Senator- 
ship between Gen. John A. Logan and Judge David 
Davis. Mr. Oakwood has filled several of the 
local ollices very acceptably, such as Township 
Clerk, Justice of the Peace, etc. He has taken a 
prominent part in the movement to deepen the in- 
terest in agriculture, to advance its growth, and to 

promote the study of the best methods of c luct- 

ing it profitably, first in his position as Secretary 



of the Agricultural Society of Vermilion County 
for five years, and then as President of that organ- 
ization, which position he filled ably and intelli- 
gently for the long term of twenty years. lie is 
identified with the A. F. & A. M. as a member of 
Catlin Lodge, No. 285. He is a public spirited 
man in the truest sense of the term, has the dearest 
interests of his county and township at heart, and 
never neglects an opportunity to promote their 
welfare in every way possible. His personal char- 
acter is irreproachable both in public and in private 
life, and he is ever courteous, considerate, and affa- 
ble in his intercourse witli all, and is held in high 
regard by the entire community. 




RANK Y. BARNETT, one of the leading 
ji builders and contractors of Indianola. and 
a very rapid and efficient workman, has left 
the marks of his skill upon some of the most im- 
portant buildings in this part of the county. 
Among them are the extensive steam grain eleva- 
tors at Sidell and Broadlands, the largest structures 
of their kind on the ( hicago and Eastern Illinois 
Railroad, one having a storage capacity of 05, (Mm 
bushels, and a loading capacity of one car in twenty 
minutes. Both are fitted up with the latest and 
mi. .- [ improved machinery, the placing of which 
was superintended by Mr. Barnett, he setting the 
engines and locating the boilers. He takes pride 
in his business ami has always aimed to excel. It 
must, be admitted, he has come vcr\ near the rea- 
lization of his hopes. 

A native of Nicholas County, Ky., our subject 
born within two miles of the celebrated Blue 
Lick Springs, whose name is contemporary with 
that of the Indian hunter. Daniel Boone. His fa- 
ther. Ambrose ISarnett, was the son of John T. 
Barnett, One of the earliest pioneers of the Blue 
Grass Stale. The great-grandfather, John Barnett, 
was a native of Maryland and a noted frontiers- 
man, conspicuous for his bravery and daring, and 
who bore a wound received at Fort .Meigs. Indeed 
the whole family were prominent in the govern- 



640 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



mental affairs of Kentucky, at a time when the set- 
tlers were seldom ever secure from the ravages of 
the Indians, and the agitation following the out- 
break of the Revolutionary War. 

In 1855 the father of our subject emigrated 
from his native State to Illinois, settling near Paris, 
in Edgar County. In 1863 he changed his resi- 
dence to this county, locating on a tract of land in 
Carroll Township, where he labored as a carpenter 
and joiner, and departed this life in 1874, at the 
age of sixty-three years. The men of the Barnett 
family, as far back as the records go, were cele- 
brated for their mechanical genius, being able to 
handle edged tools of all kinds, and to construct 
nearly everything required in those days. The 
mother of our subject survived her husband a num- 
ber of years, dying in 1882, at the age of sixty- 
nine. The household circle was completed by the 
birth of six children, of whom the record is as fol- 
lows: Frank Y., our subject, was the eldest of the 
family; Elizabeth .1. became the wife of Robert 
Anderson, and lives in Western Kansas; Nancy 
married William Spicer, and lives near George- 
town, 111.; Mary A. is the wife of Tillman Smink, 
a farmer of Sidell Township; John died in child- 
hood at Paris, Edgar County ; .lames A. is a 
carpenter and blacksmith combined, and lives in 
[ndianola. 

The subject of this sketch was born Aug. 30, 
1845, and studied his first lessons in the public 
school at May's Lick in Kentucky. He was a boy 
of ten years when the family came to Illinois, and 
distinctly remembers many of the incidents con- 
nected with the journey, and that they were among 
the fust travelers over the new thoroughfare, 
kno.vn as the Terre Haute. Alton & St. Louis Rail- 
road, now the "Bee" or the Indianapolis & St. 
Louis line. He enjoyed the journey immensely, 
and at its end made himself useful in the building 
up of the new homestead. Along with the hard 
work there also came much pleasure and recrea- 
tion, and young Barnett being very skillful with 
his rille was recognized as one of the most expert 
hunters of his neighborhood, bringing down many 
tine specimens of deer, wild turkey and other 
game. 

During those times also our subject assisted in 



the plowing, the sowing of crops and the harvest, 
besides working with his father at the trade of a car- 
penter. His education was obtained mostly during 
the short sessions of the winter school. In Feb- 
ruary, 1865, the Civil War being in progress, he 
entered the ranks of the Union Army as a member 
of Company E, 150th Illinois Infantry, which went 
into Camp Butler to drill, and from there jour- 
neyed south, where the regiment was held as a re- 
serve at Bridgeport, Ala., Cleveland, Tenn., Dalton. 
Atlanta and Griffin, Ga. Not long afterward fol- 
lowed the surrender of the Confederate forces, and 
our subject received his final discharge without 
being required to participate in any active engage- 
ment. I Ie was blessed usually with good health, 
never absent at roll call, never in a hospital, and 
never reprimanded for any misdemeanor. 

After leaving the army our subject resumed the 
peaceful pursuits of farm life one year, then began 
to work with a ditching machine in Edgar and 
Vermilion counties, and was thus occupied four 
years. In 1869 lie was united in marriage with 
Miss Isabel, daughter of John Stark, one of Ver- 
milion County's earliest pioneers. This union has 
resulted in the birth of seven children, namely : 
Carrie E. ; Sissie, who died in infancy; Ella and 
John, twins, both of whom died in infancy; Will- 
iam, also deceased in infancy; Melissa and Ru villa. 

Mr. Barnett has never had any weakness for of- 
ficial preferment, although he has his political pref- 
erences, which may be guessed at from the fact 
that he is best known in political circles as "the 
Democratic pole-raiser." At this business he has 
proved himself an expert, raising liberty poles at 
Ridge Farm, Indianola, Palermo, Catliu, George- 
town, Hume and other places. In addition to the 
structures already mentioned he has superintended 
the erection of school-houses at Indianola and Si- 
dell, besides other important structures in different 
parts of the county. 

Socially, Mr. Barnett was Master of Lodge No. 
265, A. F. & A. M., in 1883-1-5 at Indianola, and 
has filled all the other offices of the lodge. He has 
represented it three times in the Grand Lodge at 
Chicago, and is a warm advocate of the principles 
of the brotherhood. In business and social circles 
he is a general favorite, being recognized as a man 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



643 



prompt to meet his obligations, and one whose 
word is considered as good as his bond. 



¥ a 'MLLIAM VEST WINTERS. We find this 
gentleman in posession of one of the most 
attractive homesteads in this county, located 
in the northwest corner of Sidcll Township. His 
farm is very valuable, under a high state of culti- 
vation, and embellished with a commodious two- 
story frame residence set in the midst of a well- 
kept lawn, surrounded by handsome evergreens and 
other shade trees. We present on another page a 
fine view of this pleasant home with its lovely sur- 
roundings. A fine apple orchard adjacent and the 
well regulated outbuildings, are suggestive of the 
plenty and comfort which is one of the leading 
features in connection with this home, built up by 
one of the leading men of his township. 

Mr. Winters is a man of large experience and 
great intelligence, of fine personal appearance and 
unlimited hospitality. He is a very strong Repub- 
lican, politically, is fond of reading and study, and 
in his home are all the evidences of refined tastes 
— music, literature and the embellishments of 
modern art. The family is universally popular, 
and occupies an enviable position among the intel- 
ligent people of this region. 

A native of Indiana, our subject was born Aug. 
19, 1824, in Washington County, twelve miles 
south of Salem. He grew up on a farm and acquired 
his early education in the subscription schools. He 
first visited Illinois when a youth of nineteen or 
twenty years, but remained a member of the pa- 
rental household until his marriage. This most 
interesting event in his life occurred on the 27th | 
of March, 1847, the bride being Miss Nancy, 
daughter of John and Betsey Hepburn. 

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Winters set- 
tled on a farm in Carroll County, this State, where 
they sojourned for a period of fifteen years. Then, 
in 1868, they moved back to Vermillion County, 
Ind. In 1872 they came to this county, and for 
seven years thereafter made their home in Ross- 
ville, after which they removed to their present 



farm, which comprises 160 acres of choice land 
and which, with its appurtenances, constitutes one 
of the most desirable estates in this part of the 
county. 

Nine children came to bless the union of Mr. 
and Mrs. Winters, the eldest of whom, a son, Will- 
iam, married Miss Martha Cos}' and lives on a farm 
in Beadle County, Dak.; they have eleven children. 
Elizabeth is the wife of B. W. Macklin, who served 
through the entire Civil War, and is now farming 
in Champaign County; they have six children. 
Hannah is the wife of Mr. Harvey Thompson, 
also of Beadle County, Dak., and they have five 
children. .Iohn,a tinner by trade, resides in Huron. 
Beadle Co., Dak.; he married Miss Laura, daughter 
of Dr. Steele of Indiana, and they have two chil- 
dren; Martin married a Miss Brad en and died, 
leaving his widow with two little girls; .lames 
married Miss Rosa Edwards, and is farming in 
Sidcll Township; David married Miss Ottie Cus- 
ter, and lives at the homestead; they have two 
children; Mary is the wife of Joseph Tattinan of 
Sidcll Township, and has charge of the homestead; 
Miranda, the youngest, is unmarried and remains 
with her parents. 

In religious matters our subject and his excellent 
wife believe in an inspired religion, and Mr. Win- 
ters has always been the friend of education, doing 
whatever lay in his power to assist in the mainten- 
ance and establishment of schools in his township, 
and has occupied the unsalaried office of Director 
several terms. 

In connection with his farming operations; Air. 
Winters has followed threshing for the last twenty- 
five years, and thereby has added a snug little sum 
to his annual income. In this he is associated with 
Benjamin Macklin and Samuel Crow, and the three 
arc accounted as among the leading men following 
this business in Vermilion and Champaign counties. 
They have a complete Rumley steam threshing 
outfit, which does beautiful and expeditious work. 

The offspring of a good family, our subject is 
the son of Timothy and .lane (Scritchfield) Win- 
ters, who were natives respectively of New York 
and Pennsylvania. They were married in Wash- 
ington County, Ind. The father made farming his 
principal occupation, although hi' also operated as 



644 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



a pilot on the White River, during which time he 
landed many a cargo safely at its destination. lie 
served in the War of 1812 and spent his last days 
in Indiana, dying in the prime of life. The mother 
survived her husband only one year, her death 
taking place when she was between thirty-five and 
forty years of age. (She was the second wife of 
Mr. Winters and the mother of seven children, viz: 
Margaret, William V., our subject, Clinton and 
Alexander, who died in infancy, Mary, Sarah and 
McAllen. Of his first marriage there had been 
born six children. 




KLIM 0. BALL. This gentleman, a vet- 
eran of the late war in which he did gal- 
lant service for his country, is a fine 
representative of the shrewd and energetic 
members of the farming community of Pilot Town- 
ship, who are prominent factors in upholding its 
material prosperity, and are among its most intelli- 
gent and public-spirited civic officials. He is 
prosperously engaged in mixed husbandry, raising 
grain and rearing stock, and his farm on section 
3G is under a fine state of cultivation, and is pro- 
vided with a neat and tasty set of buildings, in- 
cluding a commodious and well-built residence and 
a substantial, roomy barn, wtih all the needful ma- 
chinery for lightening its labors. 

Mr. Ball comes of sterling ancestry, and was 
bom in West Bloomfield, Essex Co., N. J., Oct. 
5, 1834. His father, Moses Ball was bom in the 
same county in the month of duly, 1801, and lived 
in the place of his birth till the year 1837, actively 
engaged at his trade as a mechanic, and then re- 
moved to Fayette County, Ohio, with his family, 
and is still living at the advanced age of eighty- 
eight years, respected and esteemed as a man of 
upright character, whose long life has been a 
worthy one. The good wife who walked hand in 
hand with him through so many years of his life, 
numbering more than half a century, passed away 
in April, 1884. Her maiden name was Jane Camp- 
bell, and she was, like himself, a native of Essex 
County, N. J. She was of Scotch lineage, and 



among her ancestry were the founders of the city 
of Newark, N. J. To her and her husband were 
born eight children, six of whom grew to maturity. 
John C, deceased, married Annie Davidson, of 
Madison County, Ohio, now living in Nebraska, 
and they had five children; Sarah is a retired 
school teacher, making her home in Ohio; Isaac 
has been twice married, his first wife was Miss 
Stitt of Ohio, and they had two children; after her 
death he married Mary Trimble, of Johnson 
County, Mo., where he is engaged in farming, and 
they have four children. Theodore, living in 
Bloomsburg, Ohio, married Helen Friend, of that 
State, and they have six children; Ilattie married 
Mr. Allison, of Vermilion County, 111., formerly 
of Terre Haute, Ind , now a merchant in Cham- 
paign Count}', 111., and they have two children; 
Scott, a farmer in Colorado, married a Miss Lara- 
more of Ohio, and they have three children; Mary 
and William died in infancy. 

Selim Ball, of this biographical review, was given 
a common school education, and when he started 
out in life had no capital, aside from a strong 
young manhood, and had to make his way unaided 
to the honorable position he has since achieved. 
In January, 1858, he came to Illinois and bought 
forty acres of land in a wild state, but shortly 
after disposed of it at an advance, and purchased 
eighty acres of land unimproved. Selling that in 
1864 he turned away from his personal interests to 
offer his services in defence of the stars and stripes, 
and enlisted in the 10th regiment of Illinois In- 
fantry under command of Col. McWoods and 
Captain Wilson. Our subject was with Sherman 
on his famous inarch to the sea, and was honorably 
discharged at Washington in June, 1865, having 
done his duty as a soldier faithfully and efficiently. 
.After his return from the South Mr. Ball pur- 
chased a farm near Homer, in Champaign County, 
III. This he subsequently sold, making a good 
profit on the sum paid for it, and then invested 
some of his money in his present farm in Pilot 
Township, of which he has since been a highly re- 
spected resident, and, as before noted, has been 
very much prospered in his vocation. 

Mr. Ball has been twice married. His first wife, 
| Eleanor McCoy, of Ross County, Ohio, was born 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



645 



in lH.'K), and died in June, 1867. Her parents, Al- 
exander and Martha (Oeheltree) McCoy, were early 
settlers of the Buckeye State from Kentucky. By 
that union Mr. Ball became the father of five 
children, of whom Mary and Eleanor are deceased, 
and of the others it is recorded that Scott, a farmer, 
married Belle Franklin, of this county, and they 
have one child, Maggie; Jessie married Benjamin 
Strickland, a farmer of this county, and had four 
children: Karl, Mabel, Kstella and Hans, the latter 
deceased. The present wife of our subject, to 
whom he was united in marriage in 1872 was Ze- 
ruah Roberts. She was born Nov. 2*2, 1854, her 
parents, Abraham and Elizabeth (Walters) Roberts, 
being of Welsh and English origin. They came 
to this county in 1865. 

The pleasant home of our subject and his wife 
has been gladdened by the birth of four children, 
namely: Austin A., Sadie, Klise, Arena. 

Mr. Ball is prompt and systematic in the man- 
agement of bis affairs, and brings to his work zeal 
and a good degree of proficiency in carrying it 
on intelligently by the most approved methods. 
These traits also render him invaluable as a town- 
ship official, as has been found in his incumbency 
of the various local offices, and likewise as a jury- 
man. In him the Republican party has an active 
and stanch supporter. He and his wife are mem- 
bers in high standing of the United Brethren 
Church, being among its most earnest workers, and 
be has held the different offices of the church. Mr, 
Ball is a reader of good literature, keeps himself 
closely informed on all topics of general interest, 
and can converse well on all subjects. 

A view of the pleasant rural home of Mr. and 
Mrs. Ball is presented elsewhere in this volume, 
and is a fine illustration of one of the representa- 
tive residences of Vermilion County. 



(^^HOMAS R. RICK, is one of the wealthy 
/Zk||>\1 and influential farmers of Carroll Township 
^Isg^ and one of its largest land-owners. His home 
farm consists of a little over a quarter of a section of 
the productive land of Illinois, and besides this he 



owns about 120 acres in other parts of the county, 
all of which he has accumulated through industry, 
sobriety and a good use of his opportunities. 

Mr. Rice was born June 22, 1825 in eastern 
Tennessee. His father and mother. Charles and 
Mary Jane (Rhea) Rice, were also natives of that 
State. They came to Ohio whin Thomas was a 
child of two years, and in 1835 settled in Ver- 
milion < 1 rove, residing for a few years before that 
in Madison County, Ind. The father was a prom- 
inent farmer and when he died was considered a 
wealthy man. His death occurred when he WH3 
seventy-four years old, and his wife was about 
fifty-four years of age when she died. They had 
five children — William, Thomas R., Jacob, James 
and Mary. 

Thomas spent part of his boyhood days in Indi- 
ana, but most of bis younger experience has been 
in Illinois. He attended private subscription 
schools, but never went to a free school a day in 
his life. During his boyhood days his health was 
extremely poor, and the early schools of the sub- 
scription sort that obtained in Illinois, were not 
calculated to lie conducive to anybody's health. 
Many times they were so far distant that it occu- 
pied from two to three hours to reach them, and 
when they were reached they were destitute of 
comfort and their only characteristic, perhaps, that 
would interest the scholar was the frowns and 
birch rod of the alleged teacher. To compare 
these schools with those of our day, would be as a 
comparison of Sodom and Gomorrah to Eden. Mr. 
Rice grew up among the Quakers of Klwood Town- 
ship, working on his father's farm until after he 
attained his majority. In those days he hauled 
wheat to Chicago, for which he received fifty cents 
per bushel, and transported shelled corn by team 
to Lafayette yetting therefor a shilling a bushel. 

In 1868, Mr. Rice was married to Susan Bauni. 
[See sketches of the Baums in this Album.] Af- 
ter marriage Mr. and Mrs. Rice settled on a farm, 
purchased by him some years before, where they 
have prospered. They have two chlildren — Min- 
nie May and Charles F. Their elegant brick man- 
sion, situated pleasantly just south of Iudianola, is 
a beautiful and commodious one. This house was 
erected in 187t> and contains everything to make 



646 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



life desirable, while the entire premises give evi- 
dence of prosperity aud good management. In 
the pastures of this farm there can be seen some 
of the very finest cattle and horses in this section 
of the country. Mr. Rice is respected by his neigh- 
bors for his public-spirited ness, and many good 
traits of character. Politically, he acts with the 
Democratic party. 



~v\/\,~v«Ji£&r©^i§-»' ; 



*g£3.OT7»v- -V/V/V* 



WfclLLIAM A. VANNEMAN. One of the 
most beautiful homes in Carroll Township 
is that of Mr. Vanneman, which is situated 
on section 27. Everything about it, within aud 
without, gives evidence of the touch that beauti- 
fies and the taste that refines. Thrift and pros- 
perity have gone hand in hand with intelligence 
and culture, and the result is an ideal rural home. 
It has taken years, however, to rear this monument 
to man's industry and woman's refined taste, and 
the proprietor may well regard it and the broad, 
well-tilled and fertile acres, in the midst, of which 
it is situated, with pardonable pride, for both the 
home and farm at large are speaking witnesses of 
the career of patient and persevering industry 
which have been exercised in its construction. 

The life of our subject has been an extremely 
busy one, in which he has used his brains as well as 
his hands, and his prosperity is but the legitimate 
outcome of well directed and intelligent effort. The 
career of such a man cannot but prove interesting, 
and we therefore give below the story of his labors, 
which furnishes but another evidence of the fact that 
success and prosperity seldom fail to reward the 
efforts of those who with dilligence and frugality 
pursue their way, and are content, not only to 
labor, but to wait. 

Mr. Vanneman comes of German ancestry. His 
grandparents on both sides of the house emigrated 
to America soon after the close of the Revolutionary 
War. His parents, Andrew and Ann (Miller) Van- 
neman, were born in Salem County, N. J., about 
the beginning of the present century. The father 
was a farmer by occupation, and died while his son 
William was but an infant, leaving besides him his 



sisters, Annie and Margaret. The former is now 
Mrs. Waddiugton, of Salem, N. J.; the latter mar- 
ried a Mr. Simpkins, and died at the age of thirty 
years, leaving one child. 

The father of our subject was a fine-looking 
tall man, with blonde complexion and light blue 
eyes. He was given a college education, and after 
removing to Brown County, Ohio, operated as a 
farmer and teacher. In 1H39 he came to this State. 
and settled in Elvvood Township, but a few years 
later removed to Carroll Township. He soon be- 
came active in public matters, and served for ;i 
number of years as Township Supervisor and School 
Trustee. During the war he was Overseer of the 
Poor. He died suddenly of heart disease, in the 
seventy-fourth year of his age, and until six months 
prior to his decease was robust, hearty, and appar- 
ently healthy in every way. 

A few years after the death of Mr. Vanneman 
the mother of our subject married Joseph Mapes, 
by whom she had four children — Emily, Joseph 15., 
Thomas and .Tane. William A., our subject, was 
born March 11, 182C, and lived in Salem County, 
N. J., until a boy of thirteen years. He then en- 
tered a drug store in Wilmington, Del., having in 
view the study of medicine. The lack of means 
necessary to give him a college education com- 
pelled him to change his plans, and accordingly, 
returning to New Jersey, he apprenticed himself to 
a painter and grainer. After serving the required 
time, five years, he at the age of twenty and a half 
began work for his instructor as a journeyman. He 
soon became very skillful, and was given steady 
employment at good wages. Painting, notwith- 
standing he liked it, was injurious to his health, and 
a change of occupation became a necessit}'. There- 
fore, at the age of twenty-five years, he and his 
brother-in-law, Joshua Waddiugton, came to Illi- 
nois for the purpose of engaging in agriculture and 
stock-raising. 

Upon their arrival in this county our subject and 
Mr. Waddiugton purchased the farm, then consist- 
ing of 320 acres, upon which Mr. Vanneman's home 
now stands. Before the deed coidd be made out 
Mr. Vanneman purchased the interest of his brother- 
in-law, and in 1853 moved his family from New- 
Jersey to this county. They proceeded by rail as 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



647 



far as LaFayette, Ind., then the railroad terminus 
of the West, and the remainder of the journey was 
made overland by team. 

Being now installed in his new home, in anew 
country, Mr. Vanneman proceeded with the task of 
changing the virgin prairie into productive fields. 
He worked early and late. Daylight was so prec- 
ious and so necessary for pressing work, that he 
made his needed purchases at the store after night- 
fall. The cows were often milked before daylight 
and after dark. In connection with his farm work 
Mr. Vanneman followed his trade of painting. 
graining and decorating, and many evidences of 
his skill as a workman, and taste as an artist, may 
still be found in the neighborhood where he resides- 
The interior decorations of his own handsome resi- 
dence are highly artistic, and exhibit much origin- 
ality. 

As Mr. Vanneman prospered he added to his 
possessions, and enlarged the home place until it 
embraced nearly 400 acres of land. He also ac- 
quired 400 acres in Sidell Township, and twenty 
acres in the heart of Ridge Farm. At one time his 
landed possessions in Illinois and Iowa amounted 
lo about 1,600 acres. When Albert, his youngest 
son. became of age he gave him and his other two 
children. Mary and Franklin, each eighty acres of 
land. He also sold several tracts, leaving as his 
present estate .320 acres in Sidell Townihip, and the 
homestead in Carroll Township. The latter, when 
Mr. Vanneman first moved upon it, in 1853, con- 
tained much swampy land, but by intelligent ditch- 
ing, draining and tiling, he has converted theswamp 
into rich and productive fields, whose exhaustlcss soil 
seems to know no deterioration. As the result of 
many years of hard labor Mr. Vanneman is now in 
well-to-do circumstances, ami ranks as one of the 
wealthiest and most influential farmers and stock- 
raisers of this county. 

In 1849 Mr. Vanneman was married to Miss 
Margaret E. Miller, a native of Cumberland County, 
N. J., and when they came to Illinois, in 1853, 
they were the proud parents of two bright little 
girls. The first great shadow fell upon the house- 
hold in the death of the wife and mother, which 
occurred .Tune 17, 1876, in New Jersey, whither 
she had gone purposing to visit the Centennial Ex- 



position at Philadelphia. The home of her infancy 
and youth was at Bridgeton, in Edgar County, 
where her father occupied himself as a farmer and 
tanner. Mrs. Vanneman in her youth was a Hicksite 
Friend, but after her marriage she and her husband 
joined the Orthodox Friends. She had three sis- 
ters and two brothers — Elizabeth, Margaret, Anna. 
John and Franklin. The latter is now a blacksmith 
in Indianola. 

Mary, the eldest child of Mr. and Mrs. Vanne- 
man, attended school at Bloomingdale, Ind.; Frank 
and Albert were students of the Friends' Academy, 
at Vermilion Grove, and later Albert graduated 
from the Wesleyan University, at Bloomington, 
111; Anne M., the youngest daughter, died at the 
age of four years; and Howard, the youngest born. 
died when but eighteen months old ; Mary M. is 
the wife of William 1). Brown, an active temper- 
ance worker, and a recorded minister of the Friends' 
Church. She is now at Long Beach, Cal. She is 
the mother of two daughters- — Ruth and Mattie, 
aged sixteen and fourteen years respectively. 
Franklin, the third child of Mr. and Mrs. Vanne- 
man, is located at Hickory Grove, in Sidell Town- 
ship; he married Miss Margaret Canady, and is the 
father of three children. Albert, the youngest 
child living, was graduated from Wesle3'an 1'ni- 
versity, at Bloomington, III., and soon afterward 
starting out to seek his fortune, proceeded to Da- 
kota and engaged in teaching school. He is now 
in the real-estate business in California. 

On the 14th day of August, 1877, Mr. Vanne- 
man contracted a second marriage with Miss Emma 
O, daughter of Leonard and Catherine (Baum) 
Patterson. Leonard Patterson was born in Ken- 
tucky, but when a child of eight years removed 
with his parents to Brown Count}', Ohio. John 
Patterson, the paternal grandfather, was of Irish 
descent, and a man who in stature and presence 
universally commanded attention, being very large 
and tall, with a fair complexion and blue eyes. He 
engaged in farming, and for many years was a lay- 
minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His 
mother, Mary Sellers, was a native of Germany. 

Mr. Patterson, politically, was a Whig until that 
party went out of existence, when he identified 
himself with the Republicans. He was the father 



fits 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



of six children — Augustus D., Josephine A., Emma 
C, John H., Charles M., and Albert W., all of 
whom lived to mature years. The last mentioned 
was drowned in the Little Vermilion River, when 
about twenty-five years old and unmarried. Mrs. 
Catherine (Long) Patterson was of Polish ancestry, 
and in whose veins (lowed the blood of kings and 
princes of that unfortunate country. She was the 
daughter of Charles Baum, who after the dismem- 
berment of Poland was banished from his native 
land by the Russians, and made his home in Ger- 
many for a number of years. He came to America 
about the time of the Revolutionary War, and 
served with the militia on the frontier, protecting 
the settlers from the British soldiery and their sav- 
age allies. After the war was over Mr. Baum took 
up his residence in Bucks County, Pa., where he 
continued to live until the year after Gen. Anthony 
Wayne's treaty with the Indians. Then with his 
family he moved back to Ohio, sailing down the 
"beautiful river" in a Hat boat, and landing near 
the mouth of Bullskin Creek. Here they began 
their first settlement, in the then new Territory of 
Ohio. 

It will be seen therefore that Mrs. Yanneman is 
the descendant of a hardy, rugged and liberty- 
loving race. Her parents, Leonard and Catherine 
(Baum) Patterson, were married in Clermont 
County, Ohio, and she was their third child and 
eldest daughter. She was born in El wood Town- 
ship, this county, July 2C, 1810. Her father owned 
140 acres of choice land, and was in good circum- 
stances. He was well read, and religiously in- 
clined, though not a member of any church. He 
died Sept. 19, 1884. 

Mrs. Yanneman is a lady of culture and excel- 
lent education. She is a lover of music, and sup- 
plemented her early education by a judicious read- 
ing of the best authors. The line library which 
adds to the attractions of this beautiful home bears 
testimony to the tastes and inclinations of its in- 
mates. Personally Mrs. Yanneman is very attract- 
ive, and possesses a kindly and loveable disposition. 
She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church at Indianola, and takes an active interest 
in its affairs. 

Mr. Yanneman during his long career of honoi 



able industry has never sought or accepted office. 
An anti-slavery Whig, and a Republican during 
and since the war, he has remained true to his po- 
litical principles with neither noise nor parade, and 
has been the stanch friend of religion and educa- 
tion, contributing liberally in aid of both, and en- 
dowing a scholarship in Vermilion Grove Academy. 
He has served as School Director and on the Petit 
Jury, and is a thorough temperance man, although 
he has never allied himself with those who seek to 
make that a question of political issue. He is self- 
made and self-taught, energetic and progressive, 
and is acknowledged by all to be one of the most 
public-spirited citizens of his county. 



Y 'OIIN MENDENIIALL. Although four- 
| score years of age, this old and highly re- 
| spected resident of Carroll Township is still 
(§gJ//' a sprightly, active and vigorous man. Of 
him it may be said as one of old, "his eye is not 
dimmed nor is his natural strength abated." His 
mind, memory and body have withstood the rav- 
ages of time. As the result of a temperate and 
abstemious life, old age finds him free from the 
decrepitude usually consequent upon advanced 
years. His present hale appearance and rugged 
health give promise of another decade at least, of 
placid and peaceful life. 

Mr. Mendcnhall is the scion of a hardy and long- 
lived Scotch-Irish ancestry, the son of Aaron Men- 
denhall by his second wife. Lydia Anderson. His 
father was born in Guilford, N. C, near the scene 
of the battle of Guilford Court-House, and fought 
between the British and the Continentals during 
the Revolutionary War. His paternal grandfather. 
Richard Mendenhall, was killed by the Indians 
while on his way from North Carolina to Ohio, soon 
after the opening up of that Territory, and was one 
of the many daring and intrepid pioneers who lost 
their lives while endeavoring to plant civilization 
in the Western wilderness in the face of a murder- 
ous and merciless savage foe. 

At this time the father of our subject was a small 
child. His maternal grandmother was a native of 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



G49 



Nantucket, Mass. After marriage she removed to 
Greene County, Ohio, where his mother was born. 
Prior to her marriage with Mr. Mendenhall she had 
buried one husband. By the first, a Mr. Horney, 
she became the mother of five children — Hester, 
Paris, Deborah, Rhoda and Anderson, are all de- 
ceased. By her marriage with Aaron Mendenhall she 
was the mother of six children: John, our subject, 
was born Nov. •'!. 1809; Aaron died half a century 
ago; Lydia is the widow of Joseph Beard, and is 
living in Carroll Township; Nancy is the wife of 
AL L. Larrance, of Carroll Township; Elizabeth, 
the widow of John Mills, also lives in this town 
ship, and Richard died here in May, 1889. 

When Mr. Mendenhall was a youth of fifteen 
years his parents, leaving the Buckeye State, emi- 
grated to this county and settled upon the farm 
now owned by Silas I'.aird. The father entered 240 
acres of land about the year 1824, when Illinois 
was one vast wilderness — a prairie peopled only by 
Indians ami wild animals. Like all the early set- 
tlers his parents endured the hardships and priva- 
tions incident to pioneer life. They were, however, 
brave and stout-hearted and did successful battle 
in subduing the virgin prairie to the uses of agri- 
culture. Being thrifty and industrious people their 
children were early broken into farm work. John's 
rugged frame was made strong and his muscles 
were hardened, following the plow and tilling the 
soil with the rude implements in use in those prim- 
itive days. His educational advantages were few, 
and confined to such instruction as could be ob- 
tained in a subscription school, whenever an itin- 
erant preacher happened along and organized one. 

Politically, to use his own expressive language, 
Mr. Mendenhall was "a Whig morning, noon and 
afternoon" as long as that party was in power. lie 
cast his first vote for Henry Clay, and looked upon 
that leader as one of America's greatest statesmen. 
Later he became a decided Republican. He served 
six years as a School Director and was never sum- 
moned to attend court, other than as a petit juror. 
Religiously, he has been a Friend for twenty-five 
years a7id a liberal contributor according to his 
means to the support of Vermilion Grove Acad- 
emy. Nov. 24, 1831, he was united in marriage 
with Miss Rebecca, daughter of John and Charity 



Mills. Mrs. Mendenhall was born Nov. 8. 1812, 
twenty miles east of Knoxville in Jefferson County, 
Tenn. Her parents prior to this had removed from 
North Carolina. Her mother was a daughter of 
Mordecai Mendenhall, and was of Scotch-Irish de- 
scent. In this family there were eleven children: 
Ruth died at the age of eighty-three years; Wil- 
liams died when past seventy; Hannah died in 
1823, when a maiden of eighteen years; Sarah died 
in 1879, aged nearly eighty; Ira died in Missouri 
about 1881, at the age of seventy- four; Miriam is 
the wife of II. Ilavworth, of Vermilion (irove; Re- 
becca, Mrs. Mendenhall, was the next in order of 
birth; Millican is living in this township, aged 
seventy-four; John died at about the age of thirty 
years, probably thirty years ago; Charty J. died 
when four years old, and Lanty died in infancy. 

Mrs. Mendenhall was nine years of age when her 
parents, in 1822, removed from Tennessee to this 
State. Her educational advantages, like those of 
her husband, were limited, but she learned to read 
and spell at home, and was carefully trained in the 
doctrines of the Quaker faith. Of her union with 
our subject there were born eleven children and 
they can now gather about them forty -eMit grand- 
children and seven great-grandchildren. Their 
eldest child, Millican. died when about fifty-five 
years old; James died when a lad of twelve; Char- 
ity Jane. Mrs. Thomas ( . Reese, and Sarah. Mrs. 
John W. Elliott, live at Ridge Farm; Francis 
Marion died at the age of twenty -six years of par- 
alysis contracted in the ami}- during the late war- 
Rhoda died at the interesting age of eighteen years' 
Aaron II. lives on a farm in Carroll Township; 
Lydia died when four years old; John M. j 8 a f ar . 
mer and a resident of Carroll Township; Emeline 
married Silas Hester and died at the age of thirty- 
three years, leaving four children; Louisa E. is the 
wife of Frank E. Baird and the mother of ft xv 
children — Lester W., Albert O, Blanche R., Algia 
M.. and an infant, Wilbcr J. The son, Francis 
Marion, enlisted in Company A, 79th Illinois In- 
fantry, in July, PSfi-i. and served until Aue. -in, 
18G4; he died shortly after his return home. 

Mr. Mendenhall is a ruddy faced, well built and 
well preserved old gentleman, one of the finest 
specimens of an octogenarian in Central Illinois. 



650 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



His mind is active, his memory bright and clear, 
and his eyesight good. Mis healthful looking com- 
plexion, sparkling eye, and vigorous, active step 
betoken both health and strength not usually found 
in one so aged. His wife is a quiet, placid-man- 
nered, motherly looking old lady, and but three 
years younger than her husband. She does not 
appear to be much above sixty. There is a purity 
of expression in her face, which reveals a mind that 
has often communed in prayer with Him who 
doeth all things well. Although she has known 
sorrow, it has but made her life sweeter and her 
hope brighter. One does not need to be told that 
she is a sincere and earnest Christian, whose faith 
will endure to the end. 



ft, OHN W. FISHER, of Carroll Township is 
recognized as one of its most wealthy 
farmers, who has accumulated a fine property 
solely by the exercise of bis own inherent 
industry and perseverance. His earl}- advantages 
were quite limited, he being thrown largely upon 
his own resources and obliged to fight the battle of 
life for some time with little to encourage him. 
The fact that be is now the owner of 980 acres of 
land is sufficient indication of the manner in which 
lie has spent his time, and illustrates forcibly what 
a man may accomplish by a resolute will, prudence, 
economy and good management. 

The subject of this sketch was born Jan. 25, 
1810,on the old Fisher homestead in this town- 
ship where he grew to man's estate and acquired a 
practical education in the common school. He 
worked on the farm and about the time of reaching 
his majority, was married, in 1861, to Miss Mary 
L. Dye. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Fisher set- 
tled on forty acres of land in Carroll Township, 
which Mr. Fisher had purchased prior to this time, 
and which formed the nucleus of bis present large 
estate. He later received from his father's estate 
176 acres, and like the wise man of .Scripture, has 
been enabled to add to his talent in a marked de- 
gree. Upon locating here, his land was a cornfield 
without trees or buildings, and the improvements 



which embellish the present homestead have been 
effected by him. 

Eight children were born of the union of Mr. 
and Mrs. Fisher, the eldest of whom, a son, Ever- 
ette, died at the interesting age of fifteen years; 
Charles married Miss Jennie Meyers and lives in 
Sidell Township, they have one child, Charles, 
who is farming near Sidell; Olive died when two 
years old; Eddie is at home with his parents; Ar- 
meda married Douglas Miller of Carroll Township, 
and they have one child, Winona; Mattie died 
when eight years old; Josephine and Jacob remain 
with their parents. Mr. Fisher votes the straight 
Democratic ticket, but in looking after his exten- 
sive farming interests, has little time to devote to 
politics. 

Our subject is the son of David P. and Jane 
(Weaver) Fisher, the former a native of Ohio and 
the latter of Massachusetts. The maternal grand- 
father of our subject, Michael Weaver, lived to be 
a centenarian and was one of the leading pioneers 
of this county, to which he came from Ohio where 
he had accumulated a large amount of property. 
He was noted for his strict honesty and upright 
dealings with his fellow men. The Weaver family 
was of excellent ancestry, and various members of 
them are reverted to elsewhere in this Album. 

David P. Fisher, the father of our subject, lived 
in Indiana before coming to this State and had 
only $1 in his pocket when he came to this county. 
By untiring industry and great prudence in living 
he gained a solid footing, financially, becoming the 
owner of nearly 1,000 acres of land. His career is 
that of an upright man and a good citizen and he 
lived to reach the age of seventy-two 3'ears, passing 
away in 1880. His wife survives and lives with 
her son Michael, being now seventy-six years old. 
The five children of the parental household were 
named respectively: Michael, John W., our sub- 
ject, Mary J., George W. and Lucinda. Mary 
was married and died at the age of twenty-four 
years, leaving two daughters, Jennie and Nora. 
The other brothers and the sister of our subject 
are still living. 

Mrs. Fisher is the daughter of Lawrence and 
Mary Ann (Van Treese) Dye, to whom were born 
nine children, viz.: Hiram, (deceased). Martha, 



PORTRAIT AND UK >G R A 1'IIICAL ALBUM. 



651 



Phebe, (deceased). Elizabeth, Albert who died in 
infancy, Angelina, John, Mary I- . Mrs. Fisher. All 

but the youngest were horn in Kentucky. Mrs. 
Fisher was only one and one-half years old when 
her parents came to Illinois and settled in George- 
town Township. The mother died at the age of 
forty-three years. The father lived to he seventy 
years old. During the Civil War and when he 
was past fifty years old, he enlisted as a Union 
soldier from conscientious motives, feeling that it 
was his duty to give his services to his country. 



J" "JOHN B. HILDRETH, one of the first-class 
I agriculturists of Carroll Township, owns 
j and operates a ^well-regulated farm of 352 
' acres, ninety acres of which lie in Vermil- 
ion County and 262 in Edgar County. The resi- 
dence is in the former. The leading features in 
the character of Mr. Hildreth are his Strict atten- 
tion to business, his promptness in meeting his 
obligations and his excellent understanding of all 
the branches of general agriculture. In person, 
he isa man who would attract attention in a crowd. 
being of commanding presence, of portly figure 
and a handsome and intelligent countenance. He 
numbers his friends by the score in this county and 
welcomes beneath its hospitable roof its best people. 
He has a beautiful home where he has effected 
modern improvements, including a commodious 
dwelling, handsomely and conveniently arranged 
and second to none in this part of the county. 
His standing in society is first-class and in his politi- 
cal affiliations he is in sympathy with the Demo- 
cratic party. The Hildreth family prior to their 
removal to Illinois flourished in the South, some 
of them in Bourbon County. Ivy., where Alvin K.. 
the father of our subject, and his wife. Sarah A., 
Retter, were born and where they were reared 
and married. Leaving the Blue Grass State about 
1832 they came to this count}' and settled on the 
Little Vermilion, on the tract of new land from 
which the}' constructed a homestead, where they 
spent the remainder of their lives, anil where they 
died. The father died July 19, 1ST I, and the mother 



July 4. 1877. There were born to them eleven chil- 
dren, viz: Mary E., William H., five who died in 
infancy, Sarah A., John B., our subject, Louvisa and 
l'arthenia; four of these are living and residents of 
Vermilion and Edgar.counties. 

The subject of this sketch was born March 19, 
is 12, in Carroll Township, this county, and here 
has spent his entire life. He was at an early age 
introduced to the various employments of the farm 
and chose its peaceful pursuits as his vocation. 
When ready to establish domestic ties of his own, 
lie was married to Miss Philetta Ross, of Edgar 
County. This lady became the mother of four 
children, only two of whom are living — Carrie A. 
is the wife of William Black, of Carroll Township, 
and Alice remains at home with her father. 

Our subject contracted a second matrimonial 
alliance with Miss Eliza Barnett, daughter of Rob- 
ert Barnett, and of this union there have been 
born two children, only one of whom is living, a 
daughter — Daisy. The present wife of our subject 
was formerly Miss Sarah A. Cook, and they have 
four children — lohn ().. Emma, May Jennie and 
Lennie L. 



-§- 




OBERT S. SLAUGHTER. By far the 

greater portion of the solid men of Ver- 
milion County have been those who com- 
^)menced life dependent upon their own 
resources, and who, gathering together their posses- 
sions little by little, were lilest with the faculty of 
being able to take care of them. It is not alone 
the man who is able to make money that is able to 
keep it; indeed the latter faculty seems to be one 
of the most importance, and the ability to disburse 
with good judgment and free from avarice is, 
perhaps, the hest quality of all. 

The snug farm of the subject of this notice 
Comprises eighty-one and one-half acres of land 
on section 25 in Elwood Township, and makes a 
pleasant and comfortable homestead, every acre of 
which he earned with the labor of his hands. It is 
all under a good slate of cultivation, with good 
buildings, substantial fences, and the other appli- 
ances necessary to the modern and well-regulated 



652 



PORTRAIT AND RIOGRAPIITCAL ALBUM. 



estate. Mr. Slaughter is comparatively a young 
man, having been born Dec. 28. 1849, and is a 
native of Hardin County. Ky. His father, George 
R. Slaughter, also a native of that county, removed 
at an early day to Vermillion County. Ind.. where 
lie sojourned two years, and until I860. That year 
he came to Edgar County. III., settling in Prairie 
Township, where he now lives. 

The boyhood and youth of our subject passed 
quietly and uneventfully, while he assisted his 
father on the farm and attended the common 
school. At the age of twenty- live years he was 
married, March 1, 1885, to Miss Emma, daughter 
of John Ilumrichous, a well-known resident of 
Elwood Township, and a sketch of whom appears 
elsewhere in this work. Mr. and Mrs. Slaughter 
are the parents of two children, a daughter. Artie 
Frances, born May 18, 188(1; and an infant un- 
named. Mrs. Slaughter was horn in Elwood Town- 
ship, March 14, 1807, and remained mostly with 
her parents until her marriage. She is a member 
of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, while 
our subject guides his life by the Golden Rule and 
belongs to the Masonic fraternity. He is firmly 
established as a respected citizen, with the pros- 
pect of a competence for his declining years. 



-efe- 



r: .* 



^px\ IIPISTIAN FAGNER. The character and 
([ [ n standing of a man are usually determined 

v^=#' by what he has accomplished. The life- 
work of Mr. Fagner is finely illustrated in the 
amount of property which he has accumulated and 
the comforts by which he is surrounded. He has 
one of the most attractive homesteads in township 
23, range 12, finely located on section .">:!. This 
embraces 200 acres of choice land while he has a 
farm in the township south. 

The Fagner farm is supplied with first-class build 
ingsand an especially fine and commodious barn — 
one of the best in the township. Everything about 
the premises are kept in good shape, from the live- 
stock to the farm machinery, and the many con- 
veniences which the proprietor has gathered about 
himself and family indicate the progressive charac- 



ter of the man. lie comes of substantial stock and 
is a native of Pennsylvania, having been born in 
Dauphin County, Dec. 15, 1835. When a year 
old his parents removed to Lancaster County, 
where be spent his youthful days until reaching his 
majority. He received the advantages of the com- 
mon schools and became familiar with farming pur- 
suits as carried on in the Keystone State. 

At the age of twenty-one our subject, ambitious 
to do for himself, left the parental roof and making 
his way to Fountain County, Ind., located in Cov- 
ington, where he sojourned eight years, employing 
himself for a time at anything he could find todo — 
principally at painting. Thence he went to War- 
ren County, one mile from the Illinois line and re- 
mained there ten years. In 1867 he rented a farm 
upon which be operated two years; prior to this he 
had worked six years in order to get a team. In 
1877 he crossed over into Illinois and purchased 
200 acres of land from which he constructed his 
present admirable farm. The years which followed 
were replete with labor anil the exercise of great 
prudence and economy in living, this course faith- 
fully followed producing the results which we look 
upon to-day. One of the most attractive features of 
the homestead is a fine large grove adjacent to the 
residence, while around it is choice shrubbery, and 
near by, a fine orchard in good bearing condition, 
with trees of the smaller fruits. 

One secret of Mr. Fagner's success has been his 
faculty of attending strictly to his own concerns. 
In political affairs he has refused to be bound by 
party lines, and supports the men whom he consid- 
ers best qualified for office, independent of Repub- 
lican or Democrat. 

The wife of our subject was in her girlhood Miss 
Louisa Schwalen, was born in Schuylkill County, 
Pa., Oct. is. 1841, and they were married Feb. 7. 
1861 in Pennsylvania. Soon afterward they re- 
moved to Indiana. The three children born to 
them are all living. Frederick E.', is a resident, of 
Dakota; Alice married John Bauman, of Ross 
Township; Anna May is their only child; William 
II. remains at home with his parents. The father 
of our subject was John Fagner. a native of Ger- 
many and born in 1802. He emigrated to America 
when a single man. settled in Pennsylvania and was 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



653 



there married to Miss Margaret Miley. He came 
to Indiana in 1861 and purchased a farm in Warren 
County, near the Illinois line, where he spent the 
remainder of his life, dying in 1884, at the ad- 
vanced age of eighty-two years. The wife and 
mother departed hence twenty-three years prior lo 
the decease of her husband, her death taking place 
in 1861. The}' were the parents of six children, 
five of whom are living and located mostly in Illi- 
nois and Indiana. 



~— "*♦ - 

S7 I'THER A. RIGGS. This gentleman has 
j ((e). been a resident of Illinois since 1860, and 
J — *V with the exception of two years has spent 
that entire period in Vermilion County. He was 
horn in Washington County, Pa., Oct. £9, 1830, 
anil is a son of Joseph Cook and Bethany (Axtell | 
Riggs, the former a native of New Jersey, horn 
March 28, 1788, and the latter horn in Washington 
County. Pa.. April 7. 17!*2. Joseph Riggs was 
about eight years of age when his parents removed 
from New Jersey to Washington County in 17116. 
His early life was therefore one of toil and hard- 
ship in the dense wilderness. All of his life was 
spent in the occupation of farming in Washington 
County, where he died June 19, 1849, at the age 
Of sixty-two years, two months and twenty-two 
days, lie had been married three times and was 
the father of a large family, the subject of this 
sketch being a child of the third wife. His wife 
died in Dec. 1863, aged seventy years and nine 
months. Of their seven children five are yet sur- 
viving: Hannah, born Nov. 13, 1819, is the widow 
of Cephas Condit, and is still living in Pennsylva- 
nia; Eunice was horn Sept. 21, 1824, and is the 
wife of .lames Peden and lives in Danville, this 
county; Sophia was horn Oct. 6, 1833; she is un- 
married and makes her home with her brother in 
Washington County, Pa.; Joseph was horn June 
is. 1838 and also lives in the last mentioned place; 
Luther A., of whom this written. The deceased 

were named: Lucinda, horn Nov. 2, 1827, who be 
came the wife of Washington Gregory and died in 
this county April 16, 1870, and Ksenath. horn 



Feb. i'i 1K22, who was the wife of John Peden and 
died April 5, 1852, in Washington County, Pa. 

Luther A. Riggs was brought up to farming, first 
on a farm on Ten Mile Creek in his native county, 
which had belonged to his grandfather, descending 
to his father. When young, however, his father 
scld his place and removed to Greene County. Pa., 
returning to Washington County several years 
afterward. In these places Luther spent his early 
life, but he had his thoughts turned toward the 
broad prairies of the West, on which he believed 
farming could be more easily and comfortably 
prosecuted. When he was twenty-seven years old 
he made an arrangement with his future brother- 
in-law. John Carter, to come with him to Edgar 
County, 111., where the latter had rented a farm. 
Taking his own team and putting it in with one of 
Mr. Carter's he made the trip alone with the four 
horses, his wagon loaded with household goods. 
He was on the road nineteen days, arriving in 
Grand View, Edgar Co., III.. April 10, 1857, 
where he remained six months, returning to Penn- 
sylvania in the fall. A strong attraction, however, 
existed in Illinois, which brought him back to Ed- 
gar County with a view of settling down, and on 
Aug 25, I860, he was there married to Miss Debo- 
rah Carter, whom he had known about all his life- 
t inie in his native county. 

Mrs. Riggs was born in Washington County, Pa., 
April 9, 1828. Her parents were Harvey and Char- 
lotte ( Clark ) ( alter, the former of whom lived and 
died there in September, 1840, when he was but 
thirty-seven years of age. having been born in the 
year I 803. The mother survived her husband nearly 
forty years, remaining a widow and doing her part 
nobly in bringing up her family of seven young 
children. She died in Vermilion County in No- 
vember. 1878, full of honors and years. Her eld- 
est son, K/.ekiel. came to Edgar County. III., in 
1854, and two years later she. with the rest of the 
family, followed, locating near him. She was ac- 
companied by her sons. William and Harvey, and 
her daughters Deborah and Rebecca. They lived 
in Edgar County, III., two years and then came to 
Vermilion County, locating on a farm about four- 
teen miles southwest of Danville, and there the 
faithful wife and devoted mother lived until her 



654 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



doatli. Four of her sons, E/.ekiel, John, William 
and Harvey are farmers in the southwestern portion 
of tin; county. Her daughter Rebecca is the widow 
of John Ross and resides in Rossville, this county. 
Another daughter named Lottie, died in girlhood. 

Mr. Riggs and his wife removed to Vermilion 
County in the autumn of 1862 and rented a farm 
in Carroll Township, where they lived two years, 
then rented another for a year. His first purchase 
of land was made at this time, when he bought eighty 
acres of uncultivated prairie which was destitute 
of any kind of vegetation except a luxuriant growth 
of grass. He built a small house into which he 
moved in the spring of 1866. At once he began 
the labor of improving it, and soon had a part of 
it broken, giving to itmueh hard labor, and the re 
suit, was a finely cultivated farm, which lias no.v 
on it good buildings, is all well fenced and drained 
and is in every respect first-class. Here he made 
his home for twenty-one years and there his eld :s1 
son, Harvey •'■• now lives. As the years rolled by 
prosperity came to the pioneer and his wife, and 
easier times were in store for them. Three chil- 
dren grew up around their hearthstone, and as thej 
got old enough, shared and lightened the labors of 
their parents. One child died in infancy. 

In the spring of 1887 Mr. and Mrs. Biggs gave 
up their old home and removed to a place of Kit* 
acres, which he had bought in Grant Township. 
Here they have a comfortable home and good sur- 
roundings, and are sitting in the twilight of old 
age, enjoying what they have earned by long years 
of patient labor and thrift. The farm is carried 
on by their sons. Cyrus and Frank. The marriage 
of Mr. and Mrs. Riggs has been blessed h\ the 
birth of four children, as follows: Harvey .1.. born 
Aug. 23, 1861, who married Miss Dora West; 
Cyrus A. was born Feb. IS, 1864, while Frank L., 
first saw the light of day April 15, 1*7(1; John E. 
was born Feb. 11. 1866, and died .Inly ."'I, 1866. 
They have also an adopted daughter. Flora 1'.. 
Devenger, whom they arc rearing as their own. and 
who goes by her adopted parents' name. 

During the more than thirty years that have 
(lapsed since Mr. Riggs lirst came to Illinois, great 
changes have occurred, and since taking up his 
residence in Vermilion County he has witnessed 



and participated in its growth, from its wild and 
unsettled st-..te to its present condition, as one of 
the most prosperous agricultural counties of the 
eastern part of the State. Mr. Riggs has dune 
his share in its transformation. He has been 
a hard-working man all his life, and has but little 
time or inclination for politics, and has held but a 
few minor offices. In his fourteenth year he joined 
the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and he and 
his wife are both members of that organization at 
Pleasant Ridge, of which for several years he was 
an Elder. By the people who know him well. Lu- 
ther A. Biggs is spoken of as an honorable, upright 
and trust-worthy man and must excellent citizen. 



^>^^^yr< 



,-^s • IIARLES A. BAKER, one of the younger 
jl! r members of the farming community of Ross 
^*gf' Township, iscomfortably established on sec- 
tion 9, where he is successfully conducting a well- 
regulated farm and has seemingly a very fair out- 
look for the future. lie is not yet twenty-eight 
years old, Inning been born Oct. 1 !>. 1861, in Har- 
risburg, Dauphin Co., Pa. When a little lad of six 
years he went to live with his Grandmother Yost, 
in Womelsilorf. and remained with her until four- 
teen years old. Thence he repaired to Allentown, 
Pa., where he attained his majority and after one 
or two changes, came to this State in I ss | and 
located at Rossville. this county. In his native 
State he had gained considerable experience in 
mercantile business, having officiated as clerk in 
both a grocery and dry-goods store, but after 
coming to this county, he took up house-painting, 
which he followed a year, and later became inter- 
ested in farming pursuits. 

The paternal grandfather of our subject was b\- 
birth a Frenchman, while his grandmother was of 
English ancestry. Their son Cornelius, the father 
of Charles A. Baiter, was born and reared in Dau- 
phin County. Pa. He was there married to Miss 
Mary Shower, a native of Lebanon County, Pa., 
and who died in 1 M72 at the age of forty-four 
years, leaving a family of eleven children. The 
father is still living and a resident of Reading, Ba. 



PORTRAIT AM) BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Goo 



The brothers and sisters of our subject were named 
respectively, William I'.., Silas O, Emma, the wife 
N. I). Redinger, of Allentown, Pa.; Leah, Mrs. 
[saac Do Turk, of Rossvillc, this county; Edwin 
('., Samuel D., Katie, Mrs. Christopher Garman, of 
of Pennsylvania; Harry M., Magdalena, Mrs. Will- 
iam Ruinmel, of Reading, I'm., ami who (Med in 
April. 1889; ami Susan C. The father married for 
his second wile Miss Sally A. Snyder, of Reading, 
Pa. lie has been a member of the Evangelical 
Churcli since a lad of fourteen years and since 1861 
has officiated as a minister of that body. The 
mother also belonged to the same church and died 
linn in the faith. 

Charles A. Baker was married Feb. 28, 1888, to 
.Miss Catherine, daughter of Thomas Armstrong, a 
sketch of whom will be found elsewhere in this 
Ai .in m. The young people have a very nice hoi ic 
and the wishes of hosts of friends for their future 
happiness and prosperity. 

i«gp5.1lo.\IAS REYNOLDS. Gibbon lias said 
well that even man has two educations, our 
which is given him, and the other and most 
important that which he gives himself. Sir Walter 
Scott emphasized this, when he said: The best part 
of a man's education is that which he gives himself. 
The mind has been endowed with no more powerful 
ambition than that of self-improvement. The self- 
made man carries with him his own capital, a cap- 
ital unaffected by monetary crises, an investment 
whose interest is not regulated by Success of spec- 
ulation — a treasure which none can dispute, and of 
which I in can deprive him. Such a man is 

Thomas Reynolds, the subject of this sketch. lie 
is the son of William and (Jemima (Mead) Reyn- 
olds, natives of Engiand, who lived aboul forty 

miles northeast of London, where their son Thomas 
was born, lie is purely of English descent, his an- 
cestors having been members of the established 
church of that country for many generations. 

Thomas Reynolds was reared in his native coun- 
Irv, prior to the establishment of the Compulsory 
E lu'-ation Law. The father being in limited cir- 




cumstances, the education of the son was com- 
pletely neglected; all the knowledge, therefore, that 
he has acquired, has come to him by virtue of his 
own untiring labor in its pursuit, lie was married 
in England October 1854 to Miss Ann, the daugh- 
ter of .lames and Sarah Perry, who weii' natives of 
the part of England, from which he himself came. 
.Miss Perry's family, like that of her husband was 
of old English origin, but. this is not the only feature 
of similarity between them as they were both mem- 
bers of the Same church. Of this marriage there was 
one son, Philip by name, who was born in England. 
On June 2, in the year 1856, our subject started 
on a voyage to America. His intention was to 
come direct to the United States but unfortunately 
the steamship -'Canadia" in which he. set out was 
wrecked. This occurred about forty miles from 
Quebec after a cruise of eleven days. From the 
Canadian coast they wen- taken by a sailship down 
the St. Lawrence river. As soon as the "Canadia" 
was taken off the Rock on which she was wrecked, 
she sank. It was a scene never to be forgotten, but 
alt hough startling it was not as dangerous as might 
have been expected, as the passengers and crew 
were all saved, by what seemed to some, a miracu- 
lous interposition of Providence. Having landed in 
Quebec, .Mr. Reynolds traveled by railroad to Loda, 
III. From here he walked across the country over 
a matter of some twenty miles, when he arrived at 
Mr. Mann's residence, which was situated near 
Rossville. Me was offered a position by Mr. Mann 
to work on his farm. He accepted the offer and 
labored by the month for about seven years. Hav- 
ing in this manner obtained a line start, he did not 
rest until he had worked his way so far as to enable 
him to purchase for himself a tine farm of 2011 
acres. His estate is now one that attracts the at- 
tention of all who pass that way. Its picturesque 
neatness anil the care and taste with which it is de- 
signed, cannot but be admired. The shade trees 
by which his pretty residence is surrounded are 
unusually line and large. Before the house is a neatly 
sodded lawn and the beautiful arrangement of the 
whole grounds, speaks well for the skill of the 
supervisor. The water used on the farm is con- 
veniently furnished from the well by a windmill. 
Notwithstanding the attention which is paid by 



65 G 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Mr. Reynolds to the cultivation of his property his 
time is not wholly employed in that one pursuit. 
He takes great pleasure in the raisingof the cattle, 
hogs and sheep, with which his farm is well 
stocked. He is also greatly interested in horses, 
his favorite being the Englishshire. 

Our subject and his wife are members of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church of Wallace Chapel. 
lie lias eight children living, their names are as fol- 
lows: Philip; George W.j Susan, now Mrs. John 
W. Smock, who lives in Butler Township, this 
county, and is the parent of five children: Walter, 
Ida Belle. Martha, Thomas and Minnie M. There 
were two other children. James anil Sarah, who 
unfortunately died when young. 

When our subject arrived at Loda he had only 
one cent, aud was in debt $200 to his brothers 
Philip and Samuel. This money which they loaned 
him had paid the expenses of his trip from Eng- 
land. The life of this gentleman has comprised a 
most interesting array of facts and figures; in reading 
it we wonder at the tact and perseverance which 
marked his career. His trials indeed were heavy 
ones, so burdensome in fact that only a strong de- 
termination and a sturdy nature, such as his 
proved to be, could have overcome them. He is a 
stanch Republican and a liberal contributor to the 
interests of schools and churches. 



-> 



■ >3£< - * 



.., ' NTHONY LONG is a young man of more 
than ordinary enterprise, judgment and 
> capacity, aud by those traits has already 
won an assured success as a farmer and 
stock-raiser, although he began life a few years ago 
in comparative poverty. He has a model farm of 
200 acres of land of exceptional fertility, carefully 
tilled and well supplied with comfortable buildings 
and good machinery, his place being very pleasantly 
located on section 34 of the pretty township of 
Pilot. 

Our subject is of Pennsylvania origin. His 
father, Anthony Long, was born in the year 1805, 
mar Ilarrisburg, the capital of the Keystone State. 
and lived in that region many years, being em- 



ployed as a carpenter after attaining man's estate. 
After his marriage with the mother of our subject, 
which occurred Dee. 20, 1843, he moved with his 
family to Ohio, and engaged in farming among 
the pioneers of Seneca County, and was also profit- 
ably employed at his trade. In 18(53 he again took 
up his westward march, and coming to Vermilion 
County purchased a farm here, and devoted the 
remainder of his life to agricultural pursuits on this 
rich soil. He was a man of undoubted worth anil 
stability of character, and during his residence 
here his conduct merited and received the apprecia- 
tion i >f all in the community, who respected him 
accordingly. He was twice married, and the fol- 
lowing are his three children by his first wife: 
Sarah, the wife of Ephraim Norris, of Seneca 
County, Ohio; Catherine, the wife of William 
.Miller, a farmer of Wood County, Ohio; Susanna, 
the wife of Michael Walker, a farmer of Williams 
County, Ohio. The maiden name of his second 
wife, the mother of our subject, was Jane Engler, 
and she was born in Maryland, Oct. 20, 1817, and 
died on the homestead here Nov. 27, 1879. To 
them three children came — Samuel. Walter and 
Anthony. Samuel was a soldier in the late war. 
lie enlisted in the 101st Ohio regiment in 18C2, 
engaged in many hard fought battles, and while in 
the South contracted consumption, of which he 
died March 9, 1867, thus giving up his life for his 
country as much as if he had fallen in battle. 
Walter was born March 23, 1851, and died July 
23, 1869. 

Anthony Long, of whom we write, was born in 
Seneca County, Ohio, Oct. 21, 1855, was an active, 
wide-awake lad of eight years when he came with 
his parents to this county, and he was already large 
enough to be of great use to his father on the farm, 
and received from him a sound, practical training 
in the best methods of conducting agriculture, 
which Mas been of great profit to him in his after 
career as an independent farmer. His educational 
advantages were necessarily limited, but he availed 
himself of what schooling he could get, and by- 
observation and reading has in great part made up 
for the early deficiencies of his education. When 
he first began life for himself he had no capital 
except a stout heart, strong muscles and a clear 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



(357 



bead, and after marriage, not having the where- 
withal to liny Land, be runted sonic for a few years. 
Hi- prudently saved his money till be was enabled 
to buy eighty acres of partly improved land, and 
from that time on has been much prospered in liis 
undertakings, so that be is now the owner of 200 
acres of as tine fanning land as is to be found in 
this part of Vermilion County, and has it under 
good improvement, as before noted. lie engages 
in mixed husbandry, raising considerable grain and 
other farm products and rearing stock of fine 
grades. 

Feb. 22, 1877, Mr. Long took an important step 
in his life, which has undoubtedly contributed much 
to his success, as on that dale be and Elizabeth 
Dixon were united in the holy bands of matrimony. 
She is a native of Kentucky, born Oct. 9. 1856, to 
John and Elizabeth ( Leeper) Dixon, who wire of 
German ancestry. They came to this country dur- 
ing the late war, and settled in Sangamon County, 
111. Two children have blessed the union of our 
subject and his wife: Alice, born May 9. 1879; 
.Maude, born Sept. 7, 1883. 

It is the united testimony of his fellow-towns- 
men that Mr. Long is in all things a man of con- 
scientious principles and exemplary habits, one 
who is free hearted, kind and considerate, ami 
always willing to lend a helping hand to others 
less fortunate than himself, lie and his wife are 
regarded as among the most worthy and consist- 
ent members of the Christian Church, and they 
cheerfully give of their means to its support. Mr. 
Long takes an intelligent interest in the affairs of 
his country, and on all political questions >ide> 
with the Republican party. 



.—*■*-. 



.;«.;.*-. 



JAMES M. CURRENT. Elsewhere in this 
volume is presented a view of one of the 
most inviting homes in Vance Township. 
It belongs to the subject of this notice, and 
comprises a well-regulated farm, embellished with 
a new dwelling and tin- other uecessarj buildings, 
pleasantly located on section 19. The proprietor 
is one of the representative men of his community. 



prominent in religion and polities, liberal-minded 
ami public-spirited, and in all respects a first-class 
citizen. He is a native of this county, and was 
born .Ian. 21. 1842, being the son of one of its 
oldestand most honored pioneers, William Current, 
who with his wife. Mary Baston, were natives of 
Virginia. 

The paternal grandparents of our subject were 
natives of Pennsylvania, and Grandfather Baston 
was one of the most prominent men in his county, 
having much to do'with its affairs generally. Will- 
iam and Mary Current were married in their native 
State, and resided there five or six years after that 
event. Coming to Vermilion County in 1827 they 
settled five miles northeast of Danville, in Newell 
Township, and endured the usual experiences of 
pioneer life. The father secured a trad of land 
and built up a good homestead, where he and hi> 
excellent wife spent the remainder of their days. 
William Current departed this life in 1851. The 
mother .survived her husband the long period of 
thirty-three years, remaining a widow, aim thing 
in 1884. He was born in 1803, and his wife in 
18(17. He served in the Black Hawk War, and the 
family arrived in Illinois in time to experience the 
rigors of the winter remarkable for the deep snow. 
The household circle comprised fourteen children, 
seven of whom are living. 

The subject of this notice was the eighth child 
of his parents, and received his early education in 
the old log structure known as the Lamb school 
house. Although his advantages were, necessarily 
limited, he improved his opportunities, and by a 
steady course of reading has always kept himself 
well informed upon current events. He has been 
a Bible student all his life. He started out for 
himself in life when a youth of eighteen years, and 
when ready to establish a home of his own was 
united in marriage, Oct. 18, 1859, with Miss Mary 
E. Lynch, daughter of Abraham and Sarah Lynch, 
who were natives of Virginia. 

Our subject and his young bride began their 
wedded life on the old Current homestead, in this 
county, where they lived until 1872; then remov- 
ing to Danville Mr. Current engaged in the butch- 
ering and grocery business, operating thus until 
1875, when he established himself on 1; is present 



058 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



farm. This comprises 170 acres of choice land 
in one body, and the whole is under a good state 
of cultivation. Mr. Current makes a specialty of 
stock-raising half or three-fourth blooded Short- 
horn cattle, Poland-China swine, and graded 
Clydesdale horses. In the early days he set out an 
orchard, which is now in fine bearing condition, 
and his residence, erected in 1888, is one of the 
finest in the neighborhood. All that ample means 
and cultivated tastes can do has been brought 
about in the erection of this model home. 

Of the six children born to Mr. and Mis. Cur- 
rent two died at the ages of three and one. Their 
eldest son, William II., married .Miss Lavina 11., 
daughter of Thomas Gibson, and they live one mile 
east of the homestead; they are the parents of one 
child. Abraham L. married Miss Hester A., 
daughter of Francis Roderick, of Newell Town- 
ship; is the father of one child, ami lives three 
miles south of his father. Martin A. and Fay Ray 
complete the family circle. The former, a promising 
youth of nineteen years, is a student in the Junior 
class of Chaddock College, at Quincy, III., where 
he proposes to take the full course. 

Mr. Current at one time held the office of Justice 
of the Peace, but finally resigned. He has also 
officiated as School Director and Road Overseer, 
and in politics votes the straight Republican ticket, 
having been a member of this party since the late 
war. He believes, however, in voting for princi- 
ples and not men, and in local matters supports the 
men whom he considers best qualified to serve the 
interests of the people. Mr. and Mrs. Current 
united with the Methodist Episcopal Church in 
1856, and have been prominent and consistent 
members since that time. Our subject was Assist- 
ant Superintendent of the Sunday-school prior to 
his marriage. In Danville he was Steward in the 
North Street Church, and has been Class-Leader 
for the past fourteen years; likewise Superintend- 
ent of the Sunday-school thirteen years, still hold- 
ing the position. His excellent wife is in no wise 
behind him in all good works, having a class in the 
Sunday-school, and laboring as she has opportunity 
in the Master's vineyard. 

Abraham Lynch, the father of Mrs. Current, 
came to Illinois at an early day, and was soon 



recognized as one of the most worthy citizens of 
Danville Township. His family included seven 
children, all of whom are living, and of whom Mis. 
Current was the second child. She was born in 
Newell Township, this county, March 9, 1840, and 
like her husband pursued her early studies in a log 
school house under the imperfect system of instruc- 
tion given at that day. 



\YMHIN VAN 1)1' VN was born in Parke 
County, hid.. April 2s, is:!."). His farm 
which is situated on section 11) in Klwood 
Township, consists of 150 acres of good land 
all of which is cultivated in a manner that will 
bring about the highest results. He is successfully 
engaged in raising graded Shorthorns and Poland- 
China hogs. 

Cornelius Van Duyn. the father of John, was a 
native of New Jersey, and came with his father to 
Indiana, when a boy. The mother was Catherine 
Pine, a native of Pickaway County, Ohio. She was 
the mother of eleven children, seven of whom are 
living: John. Cornelius. Henry J., William, Tilgh- 
man A. II.. Luther W. and James C. The elder 
Van Duvns were leading citizens of their time and 
were regarded as among the best people in the 
country. They were thrifty and intelligent, and in 
financial matters, generally succeeded. 

John Van Duyn received a limited education at 
the subscription schools which were in vogue in this 
country during the pioneer days. The school-house, 
where he learned to read and write was built of 
logs and contained a tire-place in one end, slabs for 
scats and oiled paper for window panes. Let the 
youth of to-day contemplate the difficulties which 
surrounded their fathers and grandfathers in their 
effort to get an education, and be thankful for the 
splendid school privileges they now enjoy and 
strive the harder to improve them. Mr. Van Duyn 
came to Vermillion County, Ind., with his parents 
in 1 853, whence he removed to this county three years 
later. He was married March 26, 18fi7, to Dorothy, 
daughter of Archibald Edmonston,a native of Bun- 
combe County, N. C. She was born in Vermilion 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



6lil 



County, Ind., where her parents located in 1831 
Her father, an old pioneer of Indiana, was a soldier 
of the war of 1812. Ilei mother Melissa Ander- 
son, was a native of Mercer County, Ky. The lat- 
ter removed with her parents t<> Dubois County, 
Ind., at the age of eleven years, and in 1831, she 
located with her husband in Vermillion County, the 
same State. She was the mother of eight children, 
five of whom are living: Thomas A., Mrs. Van 
Duyn, William, Leroy T. and Melissa. Mother 
Kilmonston still lives in Indiana, six m iles southwest 
of -Newport and is eighty-four years old. She is 
possessed of extra good health for a lady of her 
\ car-. 

Mr. and Mrs. Van Duyn have had five children 
and but one is living, Melissa, who is the wife of 
Professor Mitchell, principal of the Ridge Farm 
school. She is also teaching there with her husband. 
She began work in her profession when but fifteen 
years old. and is a graduate of the State Normal 
School of Terre Haute. Both have State certificates 
of Illinois. They are the parents of one child — 
Verne V. 

Bv his own efforts Mr. Wan Duyn has prospered 
financially, anil is now living in ease and comfort. 
He is generous and hospitable and is never happier 
than when he is smoothing the road of sonic un 
fortunate whose footsteps are handicapped in the 
race of life. 

*g$*3- 



GARLAUGH. The extensive tracl of land 
familiarly known as the Garlaugh farm 

is operated in two divisions by the sub- 
|3) jeet of this notice and his brother, Tay- 
lor Garlaugh, and comprises some of the finest laud 
lying out of doors. It was purchased by the father 
in 1873 at the time of the famous Sidell land sale, 
which is noted elsewhere in this work. 

Mr. Garlaugh, our subject, has effected many 
valuable improvements on this property, erecting a 
commodious two-story frame dwelling, a good barn 
and cattle sheds, has good fences and the latest im- 
proved machinery for the prosecution of his calling. 
A windmill forms one of the appurtenances ami t In- 
land is amply watered and very fertile. In riding 



past the farm the traveler is at once impressed 
with the idea that its manager is not only a man of 
enterprise and energy, but is one bound to succeed. 
Mr. Garlaugh employs two men ami four two- 
horse teams in carrying on the farm and feeds an- 
nually 100 head each of cattle and -wine. He 
makes a specialty of attending to his own concerns 
and does not aspire to political honors, although 
thoroughly in sympathy with the principles of the 
Republican party anil tin' watch-cry "America for 
\ mericans." 

In referring to the parental history of our sub 
jeet we find that his father, Jacob Garlaugh, was 
born in Greene County. Ohio, and remains a resi- 
lient of that State, living near the city of Dayton. 
The mother, formerly Miss Elizabeth Miller, was 
born in Virginia and emigrated to Ohio with her 
parents when a young girl. The first representa- 
tives of the Garlaugh family in America came acr< SS 
the water from Germany and settled in Maryland 
whence Grandfather Garlaugh removed to Greene 
County, Ohio, in 1807. The homestead which he 
built up from the wilderness has never passed out 
of the hands of the family and upon it the father of 
our subject is still living with his estimable wife 
at the ages of seventy-nine and sixty-nine years 
respectively. 

Thirteen children were born to the parents of 
our subject — seven sons and six daughters — of 
whom he was the seventh. He first opened his eyes 
lo the light Feb. 17. 1853. He attended the com- 
mon schools and was reared to farm pursuits, re- 
maining a member of the parental household until 
coming to Illinois in 1879 when a man of twenty- 
six years, lie was married in this county in 1883 
lo Miss Nellie, daughter of Calvin and Elizabeth 
(Collison) Martin now of State Line. Mrs. Gar- 
laugh was born at Bixby, 111., and completed her 
studies in the Normal School at Danville. Subse- 
quently she followed the profession of a teacher 
until her marriage. She became l he mother of two 
children — Mamie E. and Ida M. and died Dec. 26, 
ISST. The young wife ami mother passed away, 
deeply mourned by her husband ami a large circle 
of friends, she possessed many estimable qualities 
and in her death our subject received the sympathy 
of all who hail known them during the brief years 



662 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 




of their happy married life. Mr. Garlaugb is 
looked upon us one of the rising young men of his 
community — one eminently worthy of a record in 
:i work designed to perpetuate the names and deeds 
of the leading men of Vermilion County. 

; HARLES W.Ft >RBES,the leading and pioneer 
agricultural implement dealer of Sidell, car- 

JJj lies an extensive stock of merchandise per- 
taining to his line of trade, and from his long 
residence in this locality and his substantial traits 
of character, is regarded as one of its leading men. 
A native of Medina County, Ohio, he was born 
March 17, 185:3, and in consequence is on the 
sunny side of forty and in the prime of a vigorous 
and healthful manhood. His career has been 
marked by success, and he possesses those mental 
qualities which have not only been of great service 
in the management of his business affairs, but has 
established him in an enviable position among his 
fellowmen. He takes a warm interest in the growth 
of the village and as a liberal-minded and public- 
spirited citizen, contributes as he is able toward its 
advancement. 

Mr. Forbes is the offspring of a good family, 
being the son of Alex and Cornelia Ann I Randall) 
Forbes who are still living and in good health, the 
father being eighty-five years old and the mother 
seventy-six. Charles W. was the eighth in the 
family of ten children, live of whom are living, 
the other four being Medwin, George, Hiram and 
Marietta. Alex Forbes was one of the early set- 
tlers of Medina County, Ohio; where he operated 
prominently as a builder and contractor until he 
retired from active labor, and still reside;- in Ohio. 

Our subject pursued his first studies in the com- 
mon schools, and later at a select school at Litch- 
field, Ohio. When a youth of eighteen years he 
became interested in a creamery at Wellington, with 
which he was connected until coming, in 1881, to 
Shelby County this State. He built a creamery in the 
latter place which he operated two years and then 
removed to Rantoul, where he prosecuted the 
same business successfully for a time, then selling 



out. established himself in Casey, Clark County, 
this State, where he built another creamery, but 
only sojourned six months, coming to Sidell in 
the fall of 1885. In his business here he has been 
Successful from the start, and his progress may be 
indicated by the fact that his sales in 1885 
amounted to $10,000, and those of 1888 to *I7,- 
000. He has erected a commodious store with 
ware-rooms, and now also conducts a thriving 
trade in furniture as well as carriages and wagons. 
He has put up a tasteful and substantial residence 
of modern architecture at the corner of Gray and 
English streets, which with its surroundings forms 
a very pleasant and attractive home. 

The marriage of our subject with Miss Myra 
Fisher was celebrated at the home of the bride in 
Clarksfield, Huron Co., Ohio, Dec. 10, 1871). Mrs. 
Forbes was born at Rochester, Lorain, Co., that 
State, February, 1857, and is the daughter of 
Robert and Olive M. ( Cunningham) Fisher, the 
former a native of the province of Ontario, 
Canada, and the latter of Clarksfield. Ohio. Mr. 
Fisher left the Dominion when a young man and 
afterward followed the trade of a harness-maker until 
his death, which took place in 187G when he was 
fifty years old. The parents were married in Clarks- 
field, Ohio. The mother is living and makes her 
home with her daughter. Mrs. Forbes; she is now 
fifty three years old. Of her five children, Myra, 
Mrs. Forbes, was the eldest born. The next one, 
a son, Foster, died in infancy; Hiram Way, Frank 
S. and Emma D. 

Mr. Forbes, politically, is a stanch Republican 
and is a member of the Masonic fraternity, belong- 
ing to Peace Dale Lodge, No. 225. lie is a charter 
member of the Modern Woodmen of America, be- 
longing to Sidell Camp. No. 105. The maternal 
grandmother of Mrs. Fisher was married the first 
times to Corydon Sheldon, and by him became the 
mother of one child, Jairus C, who was a representa- 
tive from the Fifteenth District of Illinois to the 
Forty-ninth Congress and served two terms. After 
the death of her husband, Mrs. Sheldon was mar- 
ried to Hiram Way Cunningham, and to them were 
born nine children, among whom was the mother 
of Mrs. Forbes and Joseph Oscar Cunningham, 
who is one of the leading lawyers and prominent 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALEUM. 



663 



citizens of Urbana, III., and was for several years 
Probate Judge. The girlhood of Mrs. Forbes wns 
spent in Clarksfleld, Ohio, and she attended the 
High School at Norwalk. Later, at the age of 
seventeen, she entered Baldwin University, taking 
the classical and musical courses, and continued a 
student there Cur some time. Afterward she 
engaged in teaching in Huron County, Ohio, follow. 
ing this profession for four years prior to her mar- 
riage. 

Mr. ami Mrs. Forbes are members of the Metho- 
dist Episcopal Church at Sidell in which Mr. 
Forbes is one of the Board of Trustees and is on 
the Building Committee. This church has one of 
the finest edifices in Vermilion County, outside of 
Danville. Mrs. Forbes was the first, President of 
the Ladies' Aid Society, which was established for 
the purpose of raising means to build a new church. 




^ EW1TT C. BENNETT, familiarly known 
throughout Carroll Township as "Clint 
Beunett," is one of the most popular 
young men of his community and a fanner 
by occupation, operating a tine body of land in the 
southwestern part of the township. He has worked 
his way up from an humble position in life, signal- 
izing himself by his industry and integrity of char- 
acter, and. aside from being on the highway to 
success financially, has fully established himself in 
the confidence and esteem of his fellow-citizens. 
The fact that he was from the age of eighteen 
years until twenty-eight — a period of ten years — 
the "right hand man" of the cattle king, John 
Sidcll, is sufficient indication of Ins true character 
and furnishes as good a recommendation as he 
could possibly wish for. There was also another 
party in the employ of the same family, namely, 
a most estimable young lady, who became the wife 
of our subject and whose record is fully equal to 
that of her husband in point of sterling worth of 
character and cultivated tastes. As the wife of 
our subject, she has been in all respects his true 
companion and helpmate, and they are justly 
piiMd of their blooming family of children, and 



their attractive home, which, without making any 
pretensions to elegance, is the place where affection 
abides and to which they frequently welcome the 
many friends and acquaintances who have watched 
their career with kindly interest. 

The subject of this notice is a native of this 
county, and was born in Vance Township, .tune 4, 
I is ID. He was reared in Vance and Catlin town- 
ships, acquiring his education in the common school, 
and left home, as we have already indicated, at the 
•■'U' 1 of eighteen years. While in the employ of Mr. 
Sidcll. he drove thousands of cattle to the East, 
frequently riding night and day, without sleep or 
rest. His father, Philander Bennett, was a native 
of New York Slate, and married Miss Sarah Ann 
Wolf, who was born in Tennessee, fn the biogra- 
phy of Henry J. Bennett, found on another page 
in this volume, will be noted the parental history. 
Philander Bennett and his excellent wife arc still 
living, making their home in Palermo, Edgar 
County, where the father and his younger sons are 
operating a rented farm. Mr. Bennett is now 
aboul seventy-four years old and his wife ten 
years his junior. They are the parents of nine 
children, the eldest of whom. Ann E., is the wife 
of W. M. Jamison, of Catlin. and the mother of six- 
children: Charles, Kate. Mary. George, Willie and 
Bertie. Henry J. was the second born: DeWitt 
Clinton, our subject, was the third child; George 
Franklin married Miss Rachel Trimble. and is a tann- 
er of Dundee County. Neb., and they have four chil- 
dren, Clinton. Minnie, Frank and a babe unnamed. 
Mary E. is the wife of Jonah Turner, a farmer of 
Edgar County; they have no children. William K. 
died in boyhood; Jacob remains at home with bis 
father; Ida B. married Esau Marsh, resides in 
Missouri, and is the mother of two children: Allie 
married Wilson Glaze, a resident of Chrisman, 
Edgar County, and they have two children. 

Mr. Bennett was married in 1ST 7 to Mrs. Nancy 
.lane Spellman, daughter of Jerry and Mary 
I. Fuller. Her father wa> born in Illinois and 
her mother in Campbell County. Ivy. The par- 
ents were married in the latter State and were of 
Irish descent. They settled first in Cincinnati, 
Ohio, where Mr. Fuller engaged in teaming, and 
later removed on to a farm in Kentucky, where 



664 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



his death took place. The mother was sub- 
sequently married to John Clark, a sketch of 
whom apppears elsewhere in this work, and they 
are living at Sidell. Of the first marriage there 
were born seven children, viz: Reuben, John and 
Mary (who died young). America, Sarah, Louisa 
and Nancy Jane. Mrs. Bennett was born in Cin- 
cinnati, Ohio, but was reared in Kentucky, and 
when nineteen years of age became the wife of 
Thomas B. Spellman. Of this union there was 
born one child. 

For six years after their marriage Mr. and .Mis. 
Bennett continued with Mr. Sidell and afterward 
began farming on rented land. The}' are now the 
parents of six children, namely : Sarah I., Charles 
Clinton, Jacob C, Bessie W. and Luella. Mr. Ben- 
nett is a prominent member of the Modern Wood- 
men at Sidell, and has filled most of the offices of 
the order. Politically he votes the straight Dem- 
ocratic ticket and has been School Director in his 
district. 




DAM STADLER. The armies of the 
North — so statistics exhibit — were coin- 
posed of one-third foreigners, or their 
direct descendants. These, or their par- 
ents, had come from countries where tyranny held 
them in as linn a grasp as the negroes were held in 
America, and their condition was but little above 
that of the slave of South Carolina. They longed 
for that perfect political freedom that characterizes 
this country, and in consequence fought for a prin- 
ciple that was dear to them, and the most, of these 
people, by the peculiar laws of their native land, 
were obliged to serve in the army The person 
whose name heads this sketch is one of those who 
had seen service in his native country. 

His father was Christopher Stadler, a fanner of 
Baden and a native of that country, while his 
mother, Regina (Hoi'SCh) was also a native of the 
same province. This couple were married in Baden 
and came to America in 1854, locating in Henry 
County, Ind.. with their son Adam, who had come 
to America before them. The father died in 1856 
aged sixty-eight, and the mother is still living in 



Ohio with one of her daughters. They had five 
children, three boys and two girls, four of whom 
are now living in America. The oldest boy died 
in Germany. Adam, of whom we write, is the 
second child of the family, and was born Dec. •J.S, 
1821, in Baden. There he went to school until he 
was fourteen years old. receiving a very fine edu- 
cation in the higher mathematics and engineering, 
lie finished his schooling in the military academy 
of Carlsruhe. the capital of Baden, graduating from 
thai institution and receiving his diploma in 184 1. 
Previous to this, lie served his lime as an appren- 
tice at the cooper's trade and continued at that for 
six years, or until he was twenty years of age. 

In 1H1I Mr. Stadler was drafted into the army. 
lie served six months as a private and was pro- 
moted to the ranks of Corporal and Sergeant, serv- 
ing in these positions for one and two years re- 
spectively. In 1848 the rebellion broke out in 
Baden against King Leopold, at which time Mr. 
Stadler was serving as Quartermaster Sergeant. 
The army in which he was doing duty was directed 
against the rebels, but in 1849 the soldiers became 
disaffected and rebelled against the King. Mr. 
Stadler was then elected as Captain of the same 
battery of artillery in which he had served pre- 
viously as a loyal soldier. 

His company fought in every buttle in 1849 In 
the rebel army. At that time the commander of 
the rebellious soldiers was Gen. Miroflefski, who 
turned oul to be a traitor to the cause. lie was 
succeeded by Gen. Fran/. Sigel. who afterward 
distinguished himself in the Union army during 
the late Rebellion. Gen. Sigel was in command of 
about 25,000 men and in opposition to this small 
army, Prussia sent 150,000 troops and the States 
of Wurtemburg, Bavaria and Hesse-Darmstadt fur- 
nished as many more. This immense army of 
troops succeeded in killing many of the rebels, but 
failed to crush them. Sigel's army was driven into 
Switzerland anil the war closed. The remnant of 
I his little army two months after was dispersed. 
The private soldiers were allowed to go where 
they pleased, but the officers were condemned to 
be shot whenever found on their native soil. The 
natural place for them to seek refuge was in America, 
and here they came, Mr. Stadler being on<J&of 



PORTRAIT AM) BIOORAPIIICAL ALBUM. 



66£ 



them. He came in the same vessel that brought 
Lawrence Brcntano, now of Chicago and they ar- 
rived at New York in Nov. 1849. 

Mr. Startler was married May 28, 1846 to Sophia 
Yazell, daughter of John and Caroline (Sweitzer) 
Yazell. Mrs. Stadler was the youngest of the 
family and was born Feb. 2, 1829. She receiver! 
a fine education, and married Mr. Stadler while he 
was a Sergeant in the army <>t' the King. While 
the war was in progress — in which her husband 
took SO active a part — she remained at Carlsruhe, 
and when the army was driven into Switzerland, 
she joined her husband there and sailed with him 
to America. They went to Cincinnati, where he 
was employed at his trade, and also in a brewery, 
for one year. \t this lime both Mr. and Mrs. 
Stadler were seized with typhoid lexer, which was 
followed by fever and ague, their illness lasting in 
all. fourteen months! After recovering their 
health they removed to Indiana, where Mr. Stadler 
started a cooper's shop and remained in that busi- 
ness lor fourteen years. He then rented a farm, 
and began the life of a farmer. 

In 1861, "hen the first call lor troops was made 

by President l.i >ln, Mr. Stadler enlisted in the 

12th battery of Indiana Volunteers, commanded 
by Capt. Stallings. lie went out with the battery 
as first Lieutenant, proceeding from Indianapolis 
to St. Louis and thence to Fort Donelson. After 
the fall of that fort, the battery was ordered to 
Nashville, and from there to Pittsburg Landing, 
am! after the battle of Shiloh, the company was 
changed to heavy artillery, and again returned i<> 
Nashville. In the fall of 1862 Mr. Stadler resigned 
his commission, because of rheumatism. He re- 
turned home and again took up his work on the 
farm in Indiana. lb' had escaped unhurt in the 
many battles in which he was engaged both in 
Germany and America, and while in the service in 
the old country, In- had three horses killed while 
riding them. 

In ( October, 1867 Mr. stadler removed to Illinois 
and bought his present home where lie has lived 
since. He has 1 '-i-< acres of good land, and as a 
farmer he has been successful. .Mr. and .Mr-. 

Stadler have had sis children, three SOUS and three 

daughters, five of whom are living: George C. a 



banker, married Ada Newton; they are living in 
MonticellO, where he is Clerk of the Court, and 
have two children; Adam A., married Anna Hell, 
they are residing at Bement and are the parents of 
one child; Rena is the wife of Dr. Clark Smith of 
Cornelius, Ore.; Jacob I-'., married Susan Simpson, 
and they are living on a part of her father's 
farm, and have one child; Caroline lives at home 
with her parents, and is an accomplished 3'0ung 
lady, being noticeably proficient in painting. She 
has executed many fine specimens, which adorn 
her father's parlor. 

Mr. Stadler is a strong free-trade Democrat and 
while he is not an office-seeker he takes great inter- 
est in politics. He has held the office of Road 
Overseer, filling the [position with his usual energy. 
Before leaving Baden Mr. and Mrs. Stadler were 
members of the Evangelical Protestant Church. 
Inii since coming to America the}' have been united 
with no religious organization but attend church 
regularly. They are held in high esteem by all 
their acquaintances as possessing all the attributes 
that cluster around good neighbors, andjlaw-abiding 

cil i/.ens. 



■ (MIX POLLARD. This branch of the Pol- 
lard family is noted ehielly for its mechan- 
ical genius — the ancestors of our subject 
(KgW being peculiarly gifted in this mr.nner. 
William Pollard, the father of our subject, learned 
mechanical engineering in his native England 
when quite a young man. and the paternal grand- 
father, John Pollard, was a wheelwright, mill- 
wright and wood-worker of great skill. 

To William and Mary Ann ( Bnrtel) Pollard. 
natives of Yorkshire, England, there were born 
live children in their native country: Paul lives 
in ( arroll Township; John, our subject was the 
second child; Sarah J. is the wife of s. p. Dono- 
van, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this 
volume: Peter died in infancy: Martha is the wife 
of Charles Hull, also represented elsewhere in this 
work. The father crossed the Atlantic seven 
times — four linn- before bringing hi- famih here. 



666 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



in 1804 — when he located in Carroll Township, 
this county. He built the first steam sawmill south 
of Danville, and, besides being a first class me- 
chanic, was an excellent business man, and soon 
found himself on the high road to prosperity. Of a 
most generous and easy disposition, it was often 
remarked that he "was too good for his own 
good." He could never say "no" when solicited 
by a friend for a favor, consequently he appended 
his name to various notes for friends, which re- 
sulted in the usual way, namely, the loss of a 
large amount of his property. He lived, however, 
to rally from this disaster, and at the time of his 
death, July 3, 1886, left his family in comfortable 
circumstances; he was then aged sixty-nine years. 
The mother is still living, making her home in In- 
dianola, and is of the same age as her husband was 
at his decease. 

The subject of this sketch, like his parents, was 
a native of Yorkshire, England, and horn May ;!, 
1847. He pursued his early studies under careful 
instruction in a private school, which was held 
under the auspices of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. While still a boy, he began working in a 
factory as a spinner, and at the early age of seven- 
teen was given the position of overseer in the spin- 
ning department of Scott's Woolen Mills, in Eng- 
land. After a time, however, he conceived the 
idea of coming to America, so gave up his position 
and sailed across the Atlantic with his brother, 
the rest of the family coming later. 

The labors of young Bollard were only inter- 
rupted for a comparatively brief time, and, after 
reaching Illinois, he entered the employ of his 
father in a sawmill, and was thus occupied until 
thirty six years of age. Then, as proprietor, lie 
assumed the entire charge. Hundreds of thou- 
sands of feet of lumber have passed through his 
hands, and he has been uniformly successful in this 
department of industry. He purchases the logs in 
the rough, and from them manufactures all kinds 
of lumber for building and other purposes, dealing 
mostly in the finer grades — oak. walnut, and woods 
of that description. He has built up a. regular 
patronage, doing an extensive custom business. 

Mr. Bollard and his family occupy a very pleas- 
annt and comfortable home. His farm comprises 



choice land, with a neat and substantial frame 
dwelling and the other buildings necessary for 
their convenience and comfort. He was married, 
Aug. 21). 1886, to Mrs. Fanny (Thresher) Hunt, 
daughter of Everett Thresher and widow of Ely 
Hunt. Mrs. Bollard was born in Pickaway County, 
Ohio, Dec. 6, 1855. The maiden name of her 
mother was Elizabeth Collins, and both parents 
were bora in Pickaway County. Ohio. Mr. Thresher 
was a farmer by occupation, and when a boy of 
eight years came with his parents to Illinois, set- 
tling in Coles County. Later they removed to 
Douglas County, where the parents still live, and 
are comfortably situated upon a good farm of their 
own. .Mr. Thresher is sixty-seven years of age, 
and his good wife fifty-nine. Of the twelve chil- 
dren born to them ten lived to mature years, viz: 
Sarah, Hugh, Fanny, Mary, John, Mahala, Minerva, 
Celia, Henry and George. 

Miss Fanny Thresher was first married in Doug- 
las County, this Stale, to Ely I hint, a farmer by 
occupation, and they became the parents of one 
child — Lewis, who was born in 1877. Mrs. Hunt 
in 1882 occupied the position of a clerk in Danville, 
where she met our subject, and in due time they 
were married. Both our subject and his estimable 
wife are members in good standing of the Metho- 
dist Episcopal Church, at Indianola, and Mr. Pol- 
lard, politically, gives his unqualified support to 
the Democratic party. 

A view of Mi'. Bollard's place is shown elsewhere 
in this work. 

»ILISI1A C. B. FITIIIAX. The Fithian fam- 
ily has been widely known in Central 
/ jL-^g Illinois for many years. We find the sub- 
ject of this notice comfortably located on section 
lit, in Oakwood Township, where he has followed 
agriculture since 1854. He is the youngest of 
three sons, the offspring of Dr. William and Orle- 
thea T. (Berry) Fithian, who were natives of Ohio, 
where they were reared, educated and married, and 
came to Illinois as early as 1830. [See sketch on 
another page.] They settled at Danville, where 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



ce: 



the father followed his profession continuously until 
about 1879. '1 he manner in which he was prospered 
is indicated from the fact that he is now the owner of 
2,700 acres of land in Oakwood and Vance town- 
ships, 400 acres being in timber and the balance 
under a good state of cultivation. It is mostly leased 
to oilier parties, and our subject is superintendent of 
the whole. The parental family comprised three 
children, only two of whom are living, the eldest son. 
George B., having died in 1871. The son besides 
our subject is William Henry, a resident of Fithian, 
111. 

The subject of this notice was the youngest of 
his parents' three sons, and was born Nov. 8, 1837, 
in Danville, this county. He acquired a practical 
education in the public schools, and at the age of 
seventeen years began farming for himself on the 
land which he now occupies. He met with fail- 
success, and on the loth of February, 1865, estab- 
lished domestic ties of his own by his marriage with 
Miss Annie M. Hays. Mrs. Fithian was the third 
child in the family of John Hays, who came to Illi- 
nois from Ohio, in 1KGl\ and settled near Homer. 
Champaign County, where he occupied himself in 
farming. His family consisted of twelve children, 
eight of whom are living. Mrs. Fithian was born 
March 15, 1X10, in Athens Co., Ohio. 

Since his marriage Mr. Fithian has continued 
the superintendence of his father's farm. The 
Doctor is now past his ninetieth year, and is quite 
feeble in health, lie continues a resident, of Dan- 
ville. He has been a very prominent man in his 
community — active, energetic ami public-spirited — 
and the town of Fithian, which was laid out by the 
Indiana. Bloomington A- Western Railroad Com- 
pany, was named in his honor. His first wife died 
in early womanhood, in 1887, and he was subse- 
quently married to Mrs. Black, the widowed mother 
of (Jen. John C. Black, and she died in 1886. 
John Hays, the father of Mrs. Fithian, died on the 
7th of August, 1886. Her mother is still living, 
making her home in Muncie, III., and is now 
seventy-one years old. 

Mr. Fithian is quite conservative in politics, and 
has always been a member of the Republican parly, 
casting his first vote for Abraham Lincoln in I860. 

lie was personally acquainted with him, having 



often met, him at his father's house, the martyred 
President regarding Dr. Fithian as one of his warm, 
personal friends, and frequently visiting him. Mr. 
Fithian has been a School Director for many years. 
and socially belongs to Fairmount Lodge, No. 590, 
A. F. & A. M., with which he has been connected 
for about sixteen years. The five children of our 
subject and his estimable wife were named, re- 
spectively: Paul II.. Lalla R., Elisha C. B.. John 
C. B. and David W. 




DAM EATON. There is nothing in life 
more beautiful and attractive than a se- 
rene and quiet old age, the result, of a life 
well spent, with a conscience void of 
offetise, and a consciousness of having lived up- 
rightly and in a manner deserving of the esteem 
and confidence of mankind. These thoughts in- 
voluntarily arise in noting the career of the subject 
of this sketch, who is in fair circumstances, and 

occupies a comfortable h estead on section 1, in 

Sidell Township. 

Mr. Eaton is a man of large experience, a native 
of Barren County, Ky., and born near Glasgow, 
March I, 1822. His early studies were pursued in 
the subscription schools of his native township, and 
he accompanied his father's family in their various 
removals through Kentucky to Tennessee. Missis- 
sippi and Alabama. In the meantime, upon reaching 
man's estate he employed himself in connection 
with the " tobacco and the cotton and the corn." 
and was a witness of all the phases of life m the 
South during that period ami prior to the outbreak 
of the Rebellion. In Tennessee he found his wife, 
being married in 1*41 to .Miss Frances Giner, a 
native of that State. 

Mr. and Mrs. Eaton, after their marriage, re- 
moved to Kentucky, and thence, in 1845, to In- 
diana, where I hey lived seven years, and where 
their eldest child was born. In 1852 they came to 
this county and settled five miles east of Danville, 
where our subject rented a farm of Dr. Porter, 

upon which he remained ten years. Then, in l!S7|) 
with the results of his labors, he purchased eighty 



G68 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



acres of kind, from which he constructed his pres- 
ent homestead. He has effected good improve- 
ments and surrounded himself and ti is family with 
all the comforts of life. Living at peace among 
his neighbors and giving his chief attention to the 
interests immediately connected with his home, he 
has had ample time to reflect upon the vicissitudes 
of life and draw his own conclusions therefrom. 
The four living children of Mr. and Mrs Eaton aie 
recorded as follows: David married Miss Rachel 
Raffet, and lived in Sidell; they have seven children 
living. Malen married Miss Ida Soyer, lives in 
this township, and is the father of one chill — Les- 
lie; Mary is the wife of Simon Hill, of Sidell, and 
the}' have two children — Elmer and Walter; Pres- 
ton remains at home with his parents. Mr. Eaton 
voles the straight Democratic ticket, and both lie 
and his wife are members of the New Light Church. 
The parents of our subject were David and Eliz- 
abeth (Thomas) Eaton, the father a native of Ten- 
nessee. They were married in Kentucky, and lived 
there for a time on a farm. About 1845 they re- 
moved to Indiana, settling in Harrison County, anil 
later came to this county, where the lather died at 
the age of eighty-six years. The mother was 
eighty years old at the time of her decease. Their 
family consisted of eleven children — four sons and 
seven daughters — of whom Adam, our subject, 
was the second born. 




j\ AMI' EL W. BALM is one of the many 
well-to-do men of Carroll Township, and 
a popular stockman of Vermilion County. 
For several years he has been engaged in 
breeding Shorthorn cattle, and at this writing has 
on hand a herd of his favorite breed of cattle of 
good pedigrees. The animal standing at the head 
of this fine herd of cattle is the celebrated "Com- 
modore Barney," a well-known prize winner, and 
was owned by the late Harvey Sodowsky, which is 
a guarantee of the excellence of this beautiful 
animal. 

Mr. Baum is the son of Samuel Baum, who was 
a very popular gentleman, and one of the old set- 



tlers of Carroll Township. His mother was Sarah 
Weaver, a daughter of Michael Weaver, who lived 
to be one hundred years old. The elder Baum and 
Weaver came together to this county in wagons 
drawn by oxen. The Baums built up the oldest 
city in the county — Indianola — and were instru- 
mental in directing the outside world to the fer- 
tility and resources of Vermilion County as a 
desirable location. The Baums were also distin- 
guished pioneers of Bucks County. Pa., and of 
Clermont County, Ohio, while that country was 
under territorial rule. The grandfather, Charles 
Baum. was a gunsmith by trade. He volunteered 
in the War of 1812, but was thought to be too 
valuable a man to enter the ranks, so he was em- 
ployed in making and repairing firearms. He made 
a gun for his own use in the army, but gave it to 
another soldier. He was very religiously inclined, 
and respected by all who knew him. Samuel 
Baum was married twice, and by the first union 
had eleven children: Oliver P., Mary, Elizabeth, 
Susan A.. Catherine, Francis, Emiline, Samuel YV.. 
William and Angeline. 

Samuel W. was born Feb. 15, 1813, and was 
reared to agriculture in this county. He is largely 
engaged in the stock business, and is an extensive 
shipper. He owns several farms, the homestead 
( tabling GOO acres. All his land has been im- 
proved by himself, as when he bought it, it was in 
a wild condition. His farms are all well fenced, 
conveniently arranged, and well supplied with 
water; the barns are commodious, and the* pastures 
are of the very best. His dwelling is a comfort- 
able one, and in it can be found a genial hostess, 
whose hospitality is proverbial. The stock on this 
farm is of the very finest. Any one of the ani- 
mals would take a prominent place at a fair or a 
fat stock show. It is safe to make the assertion 
that there are no belter cattle in the State of Illi- 
nois than those owned by Mr. Baum. 

Mr. Baum was married to Miss Delia F.Stewart, 
a daughter of Joseph and Sarah (Cochrane) Stew- 
art, the former being a native of Ohio, while the 
latter was a daughter of Gen. Cochrane, a hero of 
the War of 1812, and who represented his people 
in the Legislature. Mr. and Mrs. Stewart came to 
Georgetown from Woodford County, 111., having 



PORTRAIT AND UK )( : K AI'IIICAL ALBUM. 



669 



settled there first upon coming to this State. They 
floated down the Ohio and came up the Mississippi 
and Illinois rivers, until they reached their des- 
tination. Mr. and Mrs. Stewart are both living. 
and in tliis world's goods are well-to-do. They are 
the parents of seven children, all girls: Tamer E. 
and Mary M. (deceased), twins; Lovina, Sarah A. 
(deceased |, Josephine, Frances, Delphine and Dolly 
.1. Mrs. Baum was horn in Georgetown, where she 
attended the public schools, and at, the age of six- 
then entered the High School at Danville. She is 
an accomplished lady and a faithful wife. Mr. 
and Mrs. Baum have no children. 

Mr. Baum is a strong Republican, a protectionist, 
and a friend of progress and prosperity. He be- 
lieves that liis party's platforms embody political 
wisdom, and that its candidates, as a rule, arc 
good, and, therefore, he votes the Republican 
ticket, though he never seeks office. Mr. Baum's 
reputation among those who know him best is irre- 
proachable. 



\F_^ ENRY B. CURRENT has a pleasant home 
11 in Newell Township, and is a gentleman of 
good family and social prominence in the 
{((§}} community in which he lives. His parents. 
William and Mary (Bastian) Current, natives of 
Monongalia County, W. Ya.. emigrated to Illinois 
in 1827, and located in Newell Township about one- 
half mile from the place which is at present owned 
by the subject of this sketch. Their lot was the 
common one of all the pioneers, but as the reward 
of industry and frugality they were enabled to 
spend their latter years in comfort and ease, and 
now sleep side by side in the silent city of the dead, 
known locally as the Lynch Cemetery, where their 
final resting place is marked by a handsome monu- 
ment which informs the passerby that the mother 
entered into rest in the year 1855, and the fathei in 
the following year, the date of his departure being 
[856. 

When Mr. and Mrs. William Current arrived in 
Newell Township they purchased fort\ acres of 
land on which they erected such buildings as 



they could afford, which it must be confessed were 
built with an eye to convenience and economy. 
rather than to minister to the Aesthetic tastes of the 
beholder. But in those primitive log cabins were 
to be found people of intelligence and frequently 
people of liberal education, who, although often 
obliged to deny themselves many conveniences 
anil limit themselves to the barest necessaries of life 
were yet not inhospitable but welcomed the stran- 
ger and traveler with warm hearts, and provided 
for his needs to the best of their ability. 

Under such conditions and amid such people the 
youth of our subject was passed. His parents 
reared a family of fourteen children, of which he 
was the eldest, and by the blessing of the God they 
served they were enabled to add to their original 
purchase some 312 acres, so that at the time of their 
decease the estate which was left to their heirs em- 
braced 3.">2 acres, finely improved and yielding a 
g 1 income. 

Henry B. Current was born on the 4th of duly, 
1821, hence was a mere child when his parents be- 
came residents of Illinois. 1 1 is early life was spent 
under the parental roof, where he received the usual 
schooling of the times and pursued the ordinary 
round of duties pertaining to a boy's life on a 
farm. The monotony of life in that neighborhood 
was broken on Feb. 10. 1842, by a wedding, the 
principal actors beingour subject and Miss Martha 
Shroff, the ceremony taking place at the home of 
the brides's parents. Mrs. Current's parents were 
natives of Ohio, and removed to Illinois, in which 
State they made their home until released from 
earth's trials and cares. 

Mrs. Current was an estimable woman and be- 
came the mother of nine children, as follows: Will- 
iam, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this 
work: Mary is the wife of David Cuningham ; 
Margaret ; Sarah, the wife of ('. Campbell; Yallie, 
the wife of M. Elder; Amanda (deceased) was the 
wife of 1\. Elder; John died when only two years 
and six months old; David died when two years 
old. and Rebecca died when an infant of tl 
weeks. Mrs. Currenl joined her departed children 
in the beautiful land of rest, leaving to the remain- 
ing members of her family the bright example of 
:i goodly life. Our subject was again united in 



670 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



marriage, taking for his life partner Miss Sarah 
Bewer, by whom he had one child, Martha, now 
Mrs. Perry Adams. Following the death of his sec- 
ond wife our subject was for the third time united 
in the bonds of matrimony, with Miss Emma Walts 
Aug. 17, 1881. This amiable lady , is a daughter 
of David and Frances Watts, natives of Eng- 
land, who emigrated to America while young and 
took up land in Vermilion County, making a. com- 
fortable home in Newell Township, where Miss 
Emma, was born and grew into sweet and gracious 
womanhood, remaining in her childhood's home 
until called to her present sphere of activity and use- 
fulness, where she is the presiding genius ofachast- 
ened yet cheerful family. 

The farm belonging to Mr. Current comprises 
320 acres of land under excellent cultivation, and 
is well supplied with all necessary outbuildings 
and a handsome, commodious residence, which is 
the abode of peace, plenty and content. Our sub- 
ject is a popular man in his district and has held 
the office of Road Commissioner; the right of a 
freeman is exercised by him in favor of the Demo- 
cratic party. The Masonic order claims him as a 
brother. Mr. and Mrs. Current are consistent 
members and regular attendants on the service of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church. 



Nl< • 



• -4; - 



-Er-~~ 




BRUCE SMITH. There are few men 
<( more widely and favorably known to the 
i4m\\ citizens of Danville and vicinity than the 
^§>' subject of this notice. Here have centered 
his life-long interests, and in this city he was born, 
Dec. 26, 1847, when the home of his parents was 
at the corner of what is now Main and Franklin 
streets, in one of the first brick buildings, owned 
by his father. Isaac 1'. Smith, who was one of the 
earliest pioneers of the county. 

Our subject, acquired his education in the schools 
of his native town and entered upon his active 
business career at the early age of fifteen years, 
when he commenced selling the Lafayette Cour- 
ier, which came in on the 10 o'clock 1*. M. train, 
and which he would deliver afterward. During; 



the day he was employed at a news-stand to deliver 
papers to regular subscribers, lie next engaged as 
clerk in a hardware store, and subsequently was in 
the employ of T. II. Mj'ers, the first Mayor of 
Danville, and Agent of the United States Express 
Co. He also operated a grocery and purchased 
furs and hides. Young Smith was in the employ 
of Mr. Myers about five years, and in the mean- 
time officiated as clerk for the Wabash Railroad, 
and for Daniel Gurley, who dealt in hides and furs. 

After leaving Mr. Myers for the last time our 
subject entered the boot and shoe store of I). B. 
Haggard, where he remained one year. We next 
find him in the employ of the boot and shoe mer- 
chant, Mr. McClennathen. He next assumed the 
management of tin 1 postoffice and the book-store of 
W. T. Cunningham, on the southwest corner of 
the public square, and under the post mastership of 
of Mi'. McKibben. Later the office was moved to 
Vermilion street. After the appointment of Sam- 
uel Fairchild as Postmaster, Mr. Smith was ap- 
pointed Deputy Postmaster, and remained con- 
nected with the office some years. 

Upon withdrawing from the postoffice Mr. Smith 
established in the grocery business at the corner of 
Main and Franklin streets, but sold out a year later 
and became bookkeeper for Smith & Piel, butchers. 
During 1 873— '74 he was, on account of ill-health, 
unable to engage in any arduous labor, and during 
the latter year repaired to Chicago and underwent 
a. surgical operation which resulted in the entire 
recovery of his health. Soon afterward he was 
solicited to become the candidate for City Treas- 
urer. He was elected by a majority of 118, served 
his term, and in 1875 was re-elected, beating his 
two opponents by 1*7 votes. Since a youth of 
eighteen years hi' has been occupying his leisure 
time in the reading of law. In 1K78 he entered 
the office of the Danville Commercial, a few weeks 
after it was established, and the way in which 
he wrote up the county fair so pleased the proprie- 
tors of the paper and the people generally that he 
was given the post of City Editor, which he held 

( year. Next he became associated with the 

Danville News, and in due time resigned this posi- 
tion to take one with Mayor Lawrence. 

In the Spring of 18*1 Mr. Smith was one of six 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



671 



candidates for Justice of the Peace, and secured 
1302 out of 1831 votes. This office he held four 
years, and in the meantime continued his law 
studies. He passed a written examination and was 

admitted to the bar in Springfield, and as a Justice 
of the Peace acquitted himself so satisfactorily that 
he was re-elected, receiving 18.il out of 2400 
votes, beating the closest competitor of seven can- 
didates by 299 votes. In the spring of 1889 he 
was elected on the Republican ticket by 125 major- 
ity, the first time in which party politics had any 
tiling to do with the election of this officer. He 
pursued his law studies first under Col. Jesse Har- 
per eighteen months, and then with W. R. Law- 
rence six months. After being admitted to the bai- 
lie opened an office on East Main street and prac- 
ticed in all the courts, besides discharging the 
duties of his office as Justice of the Peace. He 
also operates as a real-estate dealer and loan agent. 
and has just put out a Directory for the city of 
Danville. It will thus be seen that lie must p, ,s- 
sess great energy and has few idle hours. So 
ciallv lie oelongs to the I. 0. < >. F., the K. of 1'.. 
and Modern Woodmen of America. In religious 
views he coincides with the doctrines of the Presby- 
terian Church, lie at onetime officiated as Editor- 
in-chief of the Danville Argus, and as Special 
Correspondent of the Chicago Times, and Tribune. 
Isaac P. Smith, the father of our subject, was 
horn near Snow Hill, in Worcester County. Md., 
in 1792. His boyhood days were spent upon a 
farm and his education was acquired in the com- 
mon school. In his youth he learned the trade of a. 
Carpenter, also that, of a baker, and later became a 
contractor and builder, of his first marriage there 
there were born eleven children, all of whom lived 
to mature years. Finally he left Maryland and 
took up his abode in Pickaway County. Ohio, 
where he entered a tract of land, which he im- 
proved, and also followed his trade. I. titer' he 
moved to Northern Indiana, whence he came to 
this county in the summer of 1832. All these 
journeyings had been made overland with teams, 
the teams being utilized in hauling the goods, 
while the family came most of the way on fool. 
Alter arriving in this county .Mr. Smith entered a 
trad of land in what is now Danyille Township. 



and situated six or seven miles south of the pres- 
ent city. He set out a great many trees, especi- 
ally sugar maples, from which he made a large 
amount of maple sugar, and lost considerable by 
the Indians. 




i, BRAM MANN. Picture to the mind's eye 
an imposing and beautifully appointed resi- 
dence situated on a gentle rise of ground 
in the midst of shade trees and shrubbery, 
with tasteful walks and driveway, with the var- 
ious needed carriage barns ami outbuildings in the 
reai-. a choice apple orchard of bearing trees in 
good condition and trees of the smaller fruits, 
yielding abundantly in their season, and we have 
the surroundings of the subject of this sketch. 

The Mann family originated in England prob- 
ably several hundred years ago, .-md this branch of 
if was represented in the United States about 183 I. 
by Abram Mann. Sr. 

The paternal grandparents of our subject were 
people in good standing in their community and 
members of the Church of England. Their son, 
Abram, likewise a native of Bedfordshire, was 
married there to Miss Mary A. Smith and they be- 
came the parents of four children who were named 
respectively, Mary A., Catherine, Abram, our sub- 
ject, and John. In 1835 the whole family emi- 
grated to the United States and coming to Illinois 
settled at Danville. Our subject although a mere 
boy remembers well the time when there were but 
few houses between this point and the then unim- 
portant little town of Chicago. There were but 
few families then in Ross Township. In 1«:!7 the 
family removed Lo this latter township where the 
parents spent their last days. The father and 
mother were members of the Methodist Episcopal 
( 'hnrch. 

Abram Mann. Jr.. the subject of this sketch, was 
horn in February, 1829, in Bedfordshire, England. 
lie chose for his life occupation binning pursuits, 
and remained a member of the parental household 
until reaching man's estate. He was married to 
Miss Margaret Dale, daughter of John J. Dale, who 
was born iii Maryland and removed to Clark 



672 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



County, Ohio, when quite young. Upon reaching 
man's estate he was married to Miss Elizabeth 
Davison, by whom he became the father of eight 
children in Ohio and one after their removal to 
Indiana. In 1 SCO they came to this county, settling 
in Ross Township where the father died in 1878. 
Mr*. Dale and seven of her children are still living. 
One son, Daniel I)., served in the Union Army 
during the late Civil War and met his death on the 
battlefield of Murfreesboro, Tenn. The father of 
our subject at his death left a fine estate including 
5,000 acres of land. This splendid tract of land 
is remarkably rich and fertile and it has most prop- 
erly been embellished with one of the finest farm 
residences in the county. The main building cov- 
ers an area of 50 x 57 feet with an " L " 40 x 20 
feet, is two stories in height and built of brick. 

In addition to carrying on general farming Mr. 
Mann for many years dealt extensively in cattle, 
horses and sheep. The accommodations for the 
shelter of stock and the storage of grain are ample. 
while the farm machinery is of the latest improved 
pattern and all the other appliances are fully adapted 
to the general purposes mid employments of rural 
life. Mr. Mann and his sister are both members 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church in the doctrines 
of which they were carefully trained from child- 
hood and in the faith of which their parents died. 

Mr. Mann cast his first Presidential vote in 1852 
and has since given his support to the Republican 
party. During the late Civil War he contributed 
largely to the support of the Union cause. To him 
and his estimable wife there were born two children 
only, both sons, John and George Dale. His 
brother John also left two children, Abraham and 
Marian who are now living with him. 



ROF. THEODORE REYNOLDS is an 

eminent educator of Vermilion County, 
and is a gentleman who takes a great, inter- 
est in anything pertaining to the education 
of the youth. He is the Principal of the Vermilion 
Academy, Elwood Township, and all his energies 
are centered in this institution. lie is a tireless 




worker, and one in whose hands the academy will 
never suffer, for nothing escapes his notice that 
will forward its material or moral welfare. 

Mr. Reynolds was born in Elwood Township, 
three miles east of Ridge Farm, on June 7th, L855. 
His father, Linton Reynolds, was a native of Indi- 
ana, and in his early life a wagon-maker and car- 
penter, but of late years he lias followed farming 
exclusively, and in this line of business he has 
prospered, being a man of intelligence and energy. 
His wife was Lydia. daughter of Asa Folger, a 
prominent pioneer of this county, who came here 
from Indiana about 1830, with her parents, when 
she was three years of age, and therefore has been 
practically reared in this neighborhood. Mr. and 
Mrs. Reynolds are the parents of five children, four 
of whom are living: Theodore, the subject of this 
sketch; Luther, Othello and Mary E. (Mrs. Lewis). 

Mr. Reynolds was educated in the common 
schools, the Bloomingdale Academy and Wabash 
College, being graduated from the latter in June, 
1884, with a degree of B. *., and in 1887 he re- 
ceived the degree A. M, from the same institution. 
Before being graduated from college Mr. Reynolds 
taught school for five years, his first effort in this 
direction being at Locust Corner, in. Elwood Town- 
ship. He made an application in 1881 for his 
present position, but was rejected. After his rejec- 
tion he taught the Vermilion public school for 
eight months, commencing in September, 1881, and 
before the year had expired, the same board that 
had rejected him gave him a call to take charge of 
the academy, which he accepted, entering upon his 
duties in September, 1HH5. He has remained in 
charge of the institution since, being elected for 
the fifth consecutive year. Mr Reynolds has 
H'iven great satisfaction to all the people who are 
connected with the academy, and it is safe to say 
that the tenure of his olticc rests solely upon his 
will. 

The Vermilion Academy is rapidly coming to 
the front as a standard institution of learning. It 
was established at Vermilion Grove in 187 1, by the 
Quarterly Meeting of the Society of Friends, which 
meets at this place annually. They recognized the 
fact that they needed a place where their people 
could be educated in the same manner as other de- 



PORTRAIT AM) BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



073 



noinination.il schools, and tbe resiiltof their delibe- 
rations in this direction was the establishment of 
this Academy. The building is a large two-storj 
structure, built of brick, and was erected in the 
year named by private subscriptions, and also has 
been the beneficiary of endowments. The incorpo- 
rators were all members of the Quarterly Meeting, 
and in 1875, when the corporation was formed, a 
resolution was passed creating all members of the 
Quarterly Meeting over twenty-one years of age 
legal members of the corporate body, thus making 
the school the property of the church. There are 
about seventy students in attendance, and Mr. 
Reynolds has one assistant. 

Mr. Reynolds married Lovina J., daughter of 
Samuel Kuykendall. The latter is a resident of 
Indiana, and a farmer living near Terre Haute. 
Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds have three children — 
Cora !>., Ethel I., and Bertha. Mr. Reynolds es- 
tablished a graduating course and nine were gradu- 
ated this year. The commencement exercises 
were full of interest, each one acquitting himself 
and herself nobl}'. As a matter of course. Mr. and 
Mrs. Reynolds belong to the Quaker Church. They 
are very highly respected in the community as 
'rood neighbors and excellent citizens. 




^-<-§<s3*£34+-H 



h RS. CATHERINE T. MORELAND, widow 

of Thomas R. Moreland, is one of the most 
active and cheerful of the elderly ladies of 
Carroll Township, and is a general favor- 
ite with all, old and young. She is the daughter 
of Peter and Susan (Miller) Hedges, natives of 
Bourbon County, Ky.. where they passed their en- 
tire lives, and where their remains were laid to rest 
lo await the resurrection morn. 

Grandfather John Hedges was born near Balti- 
more, Md., on his father's farm, the Hedges having 
been farmers throughout several generations, fol- 
lowing that occupation in Maryland and Virginia. 
The genealogy of the Hedges family can be traced 
back to (he person of Sir Charles Hedges, who was a 
worthy English Parliamentarian, and graduate of 
Oxford. University, from which institution he re- 



ceived his diploma in 1(175. He was appointed one of 
the chief Secretaries of State under Queen Anne ill 
1 70 (t. and about, the same time was returned to Par- 
liament in which body he held a seat several years. 
but when the Whigs obtained control of the gov- 
ernment in 1707 he was dismissed. At his death 
in 1711 he left one son. Charles, who on his demise 
divided his vast estate, by will, between his family 
of live children which consisted of one son and 
four daughters. This son. Joseph, emigrated to 
America where he made a home, and continued to 
reside in this country until his death which oc- 
curred in Prince George's County, Md. From 
him spring the large family of Hedges in America, 
and a vast estate estimated at, $250,000,000 is still 
left in England awaiting the rightful heirs to 
prove their claim and secure the money. 

The parents of our subject had four children who 
grew to maturity, namely: Henry, Zerilda A.. 
Catherine T., Mary A. and John T., who was ason 
of Mr. Peter Hedges by his second wife and now 
resides in Bourbon County. Ky. Mrs. Moreland 
is the only survivor of the children born to the 
first wife. She was born Nov. 5, 1S27. in Bour- 
bon County, Ky.. where she passed her childhood 
and young ladyhood. She attended the best pri- 
vate schools in the county and completed her 
education at a seminary taught by the Sisters in 
Lexington, Ky. Sheentered that institution when a 
miss of fourteen and completed the course with high 
honor when about eighteen, having endeared herself 
by her many good qualities and amiable traits of 
character not. only to the gentle ladies in charge of 
the school, but also to her school-mates with 
whom she was a general favorite. 

Miss Catherine took upon herself the duties of 
wifehood at the early age of nineteen years ill IK 17 
when she was married tu Thomas R. Moreland in 
1847. The wedding occurred during the palmy 
days of slavery, and as the parents of Mrs. More- 
land owned a large number of slaves, the exquisite 
fairness of the dainty bride and her attendants, was 
well set off against a dusky background formed by 
the sable followers of the numerous guests usual 
on such occasions, mingling with the home repre- 
sentatives of the "peculiar institution." Although 
the colored members of the Hedges' estate occupied 



6^ 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



a servile position, their love and esteem was lav- 
ishly bestowed upon young "missie," and no truer 
or more heartfelt wishes for her welfare were 
uttered, than came from the lips of the so-called in- 
ferior race. 

Mr. Moreland, a native of Bourbon County. 
Ivy., was born March 21, 1827. His parents Will- 
iam and Margaret (Whahy) Moreland, were both 
unlives of Pennsylvania, in which State they were 
married and from which they emigrated to Ken- 
tucky, establishing themselves in the above named 
county, and making that their home during the 
remainder of their lives. They prospered in the 
new locality and reared their family in comfort 
giving them an excellent education. 

About ten years after marriage, Mr. and Mis. 
Moreland left their childhood's home and located 
in Carroll Township, Vermilion Co.. 111., the 
date of their arrival in that State being 1857. 
Their change of location proved a fortunate one 
as they prospered finely in their new home, and 
their bark glided smoothly over the stream of 
life, meeting few obstacles to hinder its progress 
until 1864, when Mr. Moreland crossed over the 
river, leaving Mrs. Moreland to continue the jour- 
ney onward without his sympathy and companion- 
ship. Although lonely and sad at times, she is, at 
the age of sixty-two, a cheerful, active lady, a de- 
sirable acquaintance for those in prosperity and a 
sympathetic friend to those in adversity. Mr. 
and Mrs. Moreland became the parents of eight 
children, seven of whom are living, their resid- 
ences being in various places in the States of Indi- 
ana, Missouri and Illinois. 



ON All M. DAVIS. The subject of this notice 
i established himself at Ridge Farm in the 
! spring of 1855, where, with the exception of 
' one summer spent as a clerk in old Bloom field) 
he has since lived and engaged in various branches 
of business. He is now engaged as a furniture 
dealer and undertaker, and from his known in- 
tegrity and promptness in meeting his obligations, 
ranks among its leading business men. He is 



well educated and a man of more than ordinary 
intelligence — one who has made the most of his 
opportunities in life, and kept his eyes open to 
what has been going on about him. He numbers 
his friends by the score in Elvvood Township, 
where his familiar figure has been passing to and 
fro for tin' long period of thirty-four years. 

Our subject was born on the sea coast near Cape 
Lookout, in Carteret County, N. C, March 2, 1824. 
His father, Jesse Davis, was a native of the same 
county and of Welsh ancestry. The family was 
first represented in America on Nantucket Island, 
whence they emigrated to different parts of the 
country. The parents of our subject set out for the 
North in the spring of 1832, establishing themselves 
at .Milton, Wayne Co.. Ind., where our subject pur- 
sued his early studies in a school carried on under 
the auspices of the Society of Friends. In due 
time he developed into a teacher, but after teach- 
ing two terms, desirous of adding to his store of 
knowledge, he entered the High School of the 
Friends at New Garden, Guilford Co., N. C where 
he spent the spring and summer of 1847. He 
taught school the following winter near the old 
homestead, and returned to Indiana in 1.S18. He 
was a resident of Henry County for nearly a year 
thereafter, then entered the Friends' High School 
near Annapolis, now (Bloomingdale), Ind., ami 
studied while also acting as assistant teacher a por- 
tion of the time. The school was then presided 
over by Prof. Harvey Thomas, its founder. From 
this place our subject, in the fall of 1K4!>, made his 
way to Miami County, Ohio, where he taught 
school a year on the Still Water, near Ludlow 
Falls, where there is an extensive cedar grove? 
supposed to have been planted by the Indians, and 
which was an object of admiration to both resi- 
dents and travelers. 

Mr. Davis, in the fall of 1850, came to this 
county and took charge of the public school at 
Vermilion Grove, which numbered 110 pupils, 
considered at that day something remarkable, lie 
was obliged to employ assistants, and held this 
position five years, after which he came to Ridge 
Farm, and was engaged with Abraham Smith in 
the mercantile business for a few years, and then 
with Henry C. Smitli a year or two; continuing the 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



675 



business in company with a brother undei the 
firm name ol Davis Bros, until the year 1867. 
Merchandising was a Lucrative avocation during 
these years, which included the war of the slave- 
holder's rebellion. In the year 1S72 the brothers 
built the Ridge Farm flouring-mill, which they sold 
six months thereafter, and our subject retired from 
active business life for several years. 

The 9th of November, 1>S75, witnessed the mar- 
riage of our subject with Miss Ella, daughter of 
Benjamin F. Jenkins, and who, like her husband, 
was also a popular teacher prior to her marriage. 
They have three children — Royal, Ruby and Nellie. 
Mi's. Frances ('. Jenkins, the mother of Mrs. Davis, 
is a prominent minister in the Friends' Church, a 
noted temperance worker, and an active member 
the W. C. T. I'. Mr. Davis and his wife arc both 
connected with the Society of Friends, and render 
efficient service in every Christian enterprise, being 
careful to devote at least one tenth of their income 
to benevolence. 

[n the year 1 886 Mr. Davis purchased a furni- 
ture store in Ridge Farm, anil has been pleasantly 
employed with his congenial wife in pleasing the 
tastes of their great host of friends far and near. 
.All-. Davis, politically, votes with the Republican 
party, but has no time or inclination for the re- 
sponsibilities of office. 



yfelLLIAM II. RODRICK. As a native cit- 
/ izen of Vermilion County, born here in 
pioneer times, son of one of the verj ear 

best settlers, this gentleman has witnessed the 
greater part of its development, and since attaining 
manhood has borne an honorable part in promoting 
its growth, and is identified with its agricultural 
interests. He owns and manages a good farm in 
Danville Township, and is numbered among its 
substantial, highly respected citizens. 

He was born in Newell Township, this county. 
April 24. 1 83:5. His father, Solomon Rod rick, was 
born in Ohio, Sept. 19, 1803. His grandfather, 
Daniel Rodrick, was a native of Germany, was 
reared and married there, and afterwards, coming 



to America, settled near Chillicothe, Ohio, and was 
a pioneer there. lie bought a large tract of land, 
on which he built a log house, and then commenced 
to clear a farm. But Hoods in the Ohio River 
spoiled his crops and drowned his stock, and that 
disaster, with prior claims on his land, ruined him 
financially, and he died there a poor man. The 
father of our subject was reared in that pioneer 
home, and lived there until 1825. He then came 
to Illinois, and was one of tin- first settlers of Ver- 
milion County, lie entered a tract of ( iovernineiit 
land in Newell Township, improved a good farm, 
and resided there until I 8 H 4 . In that year, having 
accumulated a competency, he came to Danville to 
make his home for the future, and is still living 
here in honorable retirement, free from the cares 
and labors of his earlier years. He has been 
three tunes married. The maiden name of his first 
wife, mother of our subject, was Sarah Brewer. 

William Rodrick obtained his education in the 
primitive pioneer schools, taught in a log house, 
the seats being made by splitting logs and hewing 
one side and inserting wooden pins for legs, and 
the null' structure was heated by a huge fireplace 
with a. dirt and a stick chimney. As soon as he 
was large enough, the active lad began to hunt 
deer, wild turkeys and other game that abounded 
at that time, and he supplied the family larder with 
delicious venison, etc. There were no railways 
here in those early days, and his father used to 
draw his wheat to Chicago, 1 2."i miles distant, sell- 
ing it for fifty cents a bushel. At first he used to 
cut grain with a sickle, and later with a cradle, and 
having no threshing machine his grain was trodden 
out by horses or beaten with a Hail. Our subject 
remained an inmate of his father's house until he 
married and established a home of his own, settling 
at that time on the farm he still owns and occu- 
pies. It was heavily timbered, with the exception 
of six acres, and his has been the task of the pio- 
neer to develop it from the hand of nature to m 
well-cultivated estate, all but thirty acres cleared 
and under tillage, neatly fenced, and provided with 
a substantial, roomy set of frame buildings, the 
whole forming one of the pleasantcst homes in the 
township. 

Mr. Rodrick was married in 1853 to .Mary A. 



676 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Brewer, who was, like himself, a native! of Vermil- 
ion County, horn in Danville to William and .Sa- 
rah (.Switzer) Brewer. To them came ten chil- 
dren, live of whom are living — Thomas R., .Sarah 
('., Mary E., Francis and Minnie May, six having 
died in infancy. Death invaded the happy house- 
hold of our subject and removed the loved and 
loving wife and mother. 

In his life-work Mr. Rod rick has shown himself 
to be possessed of prudence, thrift, steadiness of 
purpose, and other traits necessary to success in 
any calling. And while laboring to gain a com- 
petence, he has not been unmindful of his duties as 
a good man and a reliable citizen, and has won for 
himself a reputation for honesty and truthfulness, 
and for considerate and kindly dealings with his 
neighbors, who hold him in great respect. 



~w/\, ~\«12££*©-S@* 



;>»^#ITO''">w^ 




i)IIOMAS BRADY, living in honorable re- 
tirement in Catlin Village in one of the 
finest residences in the place, and one of the 
pleasantest homes in the county, was formerly 
largely identified with the agricultural interests of 
this section, and still owns 500 acres of very valuable 
farming land, nearly all located in this township. 
Our subject is a native of Vermilion County, born 
of pioneer parentage, Oct. 8, 1832, in Danville 
Township, and he may well be proud of its prog- 
ress and of the part that he has played in bringing 
about his present high standing, wealth and pros- 
perity. 

The father of Thomas Brady, John Brady, was 
born in the old commonwealth of Virginia, while 
his mother was a native of Ohio. They married 
and settled in Brown County, the latter State, and 
remained there till 18:52. In that year they de- 
cided to try pioneer life still farther westward, and 
pushing their way to Illinois, they located in Dan- 
ville Township and were among its early settlers. 
The father took up land and busily engaged in its 
improvement till death removed him from his 
sphere of usefulness in 1855. His wife died in 
IS I, s, when she laid aside the cares and toils of 
earth to fall into that dreamless Bleep that knows 



no waking this side of the grave. Fourteen children 
were the fruits of the marriage of those good peo- 
ple, of whom Thomas was the seventh. His early 
years were passed on his father's farm, where he 
learned the practical part of a farmer's life, and 
his education was gleaned in the log school-houses 
of those days. He remained an inmate of the pa- 
rental household till he was twenty-two years old, 
when he married and settled in a home of his own 
across the line in Catlin Township, and was a resi- 
dent of his farm there till 1881, giving all his time 
and attention to agricultural pursuits, and to such 
purpose that his well directed labors were hand- 
somely rewarded by a line competence, and he was 
enabled to take his place among the wealthy, sub- 
stantial farmers of this section of the country. In 
the year just mentioned he retired from the active 
labors of his farm to the village, where he erected 
his present commodious, well-fitted up dwelling. 

Mr. Brady has been twice married. To the wife 
of his early manhood. America Finley by name, he 
was wedded in (ieorgetown Township. She was a 
native of Vermilion County, and a daughter of 
Mahlon and Margaret (Falls) Finley, deceased. 
Two children were born to our subject by that mar- 
riage — Clarence M. and George M. Mrs. Brady 
was a woman whose character combined so many 
fine traits of mind and heart that she was an in- 
fluence for good to those about her. She was a 
woman of devoted Christian piety anil a consistent 
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Her 
death, which occurred in Winficld, Kan., May 8, 
1883, while on a health-seeking tour, was a loss not 
only to her family, but to church and society, and 
to the community at large, where she was so well 
known and esteemed. 

.Mr. Brady was married to his present wife, form- 
erly Miss Lura Williams, March 21, 1885. .She is 
a native of Vermilion County, born Jan. 20, 1851 
to Myron and Sarah (Sterrett) Williams, natives, 
respectively, of Penns3ivania and Virginia. She 
was the second child of their family of ten chil- 
dren. Mrs. Brady is a woman of true refinement 
and much culture, and is an artist of much merit, 
many of her beautiful pictures adorning the walls 
of the attractive home, over which she presides so 
graciously, warmly co-operating with her husband 




Residence OFj^Mll&@>M^<§Ees.g(>2I ( S P19=R I2)@ATiaiNTp.yERMiiaiON @o. 




F^ESiQENee of W,W, BCEOT. P e©.E5.(T2I = R.II.) Newe^ TH Verm.mon @o. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



679 



in extending it's charming hospitality to friend or 
stranger. 

Mr. Brady has accumulated wealth, not only by 
steady industry and sound judgment in all matters 
pertaining to his business, but by a strictly upright 
course in all his dealings with others has won the 
fullest trust of his fellow-townsmen. lie is a Dem- 
ocrat in his political beliefs, but has never sought 
office, preferring the quiet and peace of his happy 
fireside to the turmoil of public life. Mrs. Brady 
is connected with the Christian Church as one of 
its most zealous workers and members. 



yjfc W. KENT is a most affable and agreeable 
' gentleman, who is proud, as lie well may 
^^ be, of his family and splendid residence. 
Mr. Kent was born in 1850, on the 26th of March, 
and spent his boyhood days near State Line, Ind. 
In 1868 he married Miss Emma Cronkhite, the 
daughter of Hosa and Elenor(Garrettson)Cronkhite, 
natives of New York, from which State they came 
at an early date, and settled in Warren County, Ind. 
Here Mrs. Kent was born and raised with her five 
elder sisters and brothers. Her union with Mr. 
Kent was blessed with six children: Claudie W., 
deceased at the age of two years and six months; 
Perrine, who attended college at Greencastle, Ind., 
and at the De Pauw I niversity ; Clarence. Stelle. ami 
Grace, who died at tbe age of four months; and 
Inez, the last, who was twenty-three months old at 
the time of her death. 

Mr. Kent lived in Indiana until 1M72. when he 
went to Kansas and located in Coffee County. 
Here he farmed for eighteen months, after which 
lie came back to Illinois and settled on his prescnl 
farm of 200 acres. Year by year ho increased the 
extent of his possessions until it now amounts to 
460 acres, which he has improved by placing upon 
it an unusually fine building, in which he resides. 
This house was in fact the finest in the county at 
the time of its erection in 1883. The arrangement 
of his land is as artistic as it is convenient. The 
laying of the lawns, the fixing of the shrubbery, 
and the placing of trees and walks, speak a taste 



European in its accuracy. In his stables may be 
found studs of the finest horses, and he is the owner 
of the celebrated stallion "Medino." He makes a 
specialty of fine Short-horn cattle and Percheron 
horses. 

In politics Mr. Kent is a Democrat, and his 
views are strong and well founded, and his opinion 
is often sought to settle a debate. Although he is 
stanch in his ideas he has never aspired to the hold- 
ing of an otlice. Mr. Kent's education is an excel- 
lent one, and his stock of general information is 
unrivaled by that of any man in the township in 
which he lived. This education was acquired by 
hard study at the college of Crawfordsville, Ind., 
of which he is a graduate of the business course. 
It is not learning alone, nor is it physical power 
that makes a perfect man. but it is the combination 
of both of these attributes. This fact is fully ap- 
preciated by our subject. He is therefore never 
tired of aiding the workingman to obtain the 
knowledge necessary to his calling. 

Mr. Kent has served as School Director in his 
township for some time. He affiliates with the 
Presbyterian Church. His home is surrounded with 
every convenience and comfort, and he is generally 
appealed to in local matters, as he takes great pride 
in assisting in anything whatever that may serve to 
aid or improve his surrounding friends. 

In all the township in which he lives, there is no 
man mote respected and looked up to than our sub- 
ject. His sound judgment, his large charities. ;ind 
his kindly disposition, have made him loved .-ind 

h 'ed by all who know him. Mr. Kent has one 

of the finest residences in the township, a view of 
which is shown elsewhere in tin's work. 

OIIN THOMAS is identified with the agri- 
cultural and coal interests of Vermilion 
County, and has a tine farm on sections 21 
and 20, Catlin Township. On it there is a 
valuable deposit of coal which he works, while at 
the same time he is actively engaged in the culti- 
vation of his land. Our subject is of mingled Welsh 
and English ancestry, although his parents, Jacob 



680 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



and Sarab Thomas, were both natives of England. 
After marriage they settled in the southern part of 
Wales, where they ultimately died, having spent a 
part of their wedded life, however, in England, 
and there their son John, of this biography, was 
horn .Ian. 11, 1834, near the town of Bristol, in 
Gloucestershire. His parents moving to Southern 
Wales, he was reared to manhood in that part of 
the country, and was early put to work to earn his 
own living in the coal mines. In 1851, anxious to 
hetter his prospects in life, he resolved to try life 
in the New World, in that part of it embraced in 
the United States of America. According he emi- 
grated to these shores with his wife and four chil- 
dren in 1851, and landing in New York made his 
way to Tioga County, Pa., and lived there and in 
Ohio for some years. In 1857 he came from Cam- 
bria County, the former State, to Vermilion County, 
and has ever since resided here. He was at first 
employed in the coal mines in the vicinity of Dan- 
ville, but about 1859 he invested some of his 
hard-earned savings in his present farm in Catlin 
Township, and has built up a substantial home here. 
He owns 160 acres of line land, and by its cultiva- 
tion and the mining of the valuable coal bank on 
it, derives an income that places him among the in- 
dependent, moneyed men of his neighborhood. 

Mr. Thomas has been three times married. His 
first marriage, which took place in South Wales, 
was to Miss Jeanette Price, by whom he had two 
children, John and Mary Ann. The wife and 
mother departed this life in South Wales. Mr. 
Thomas was a second time married in South Wales, 
Miss Ann Davis becoming his wife, and the fol- 
lowing children were born to them: John, Tom, 
Sarah. Emma, Anna, Shadrack, Meshack, Abednego 
ami Maltha. Abednego, Jacob G. and Anna are 
dead. Mrs. Thomas accompanied her husband 
across the waters from their old home, and in 1865 
closed her eyes to the scenes of earth. Mr. 
Thomas' marriage to his present wife took place in 
Danville, 111., March, 1868. At that time she was 
the widow of a Mr. Baker, and by her first mar- 
riage had five children — Elizabeth J., Eva M., 
Cora B., Mark B. and Lewis E. 

Mrs. Thomas' maiden name was Paulina Will- 
iams, and she is a daughter of Thomas and Pau- 



lina (Bote) Williams, the fourth child in a. family 
of twelve children, and was born in Ripley, Ind., 
March 21, 1835. Her father came to this country 
from his native England when he was fifteen years 
old, and lived to quite an advanced age, dying in 
Catlin Township, March 15. 1889. After the death 
of his first wife, Mrs. Thomas' mother, a native of 
Dearborn County, Ind., who died in Ripley County, 
Mr. Williams came to Vermilion County in 1851, 
and established himself permanently in Catlin 
Township. lie married for his second wife Mrs. 
Catherine (Falls) Bate, and she dying in Catlin 
Township, he was again married, taking to wife 
Mrs. Margaret (Fruits) Patterson, who is still a 
resident of Catlin Township. Mrs. Thomas is a 
woman of more than average ability and force of 
character, and is well endowed with sound sense 
and good judgment, and these traits have made her 
an invaluable helper to her husband. She is a 
cheerful and ready giver, possessing a charitable, 
sympathizing nature, and is highly thought of by 
all in the community. 

Mr. Thomas is a man of good standing in the 
township, and his thrift, shrewd management of his 
property, and methodical habits have been the 
means of placing him among the well-to-do citizens 
of the place. He is a worthy member of the Oak- 
wood Lodge 1. ().(). F. No. 561 at Oakwood. lie 
affiliates with the Republican party, having east his 
first Presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln, and 
is an ardent supporter of the principles of that 
party. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas have a comfortable 
home, a view of which is presented elsewhere in 
this work, and there they welcome and most hos- 
pitably entertain their many friends. 



/^HABLES T. CARAWAY is a son of one 
(II n °' *°* ear ^ es * pioneers of Vermilion County. 
^i^y and for many years has been connected with 
its immense farming interests. A native of Catlin 
Township, where he was reared and the most of his 
life has been spent, it has no better or more public 
spirited citizen that he, one who is ever interested 
in its welfare, and is always glad to promote in any 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



681 



way in his power, its highest interests, material, 
social, educational, and moral. 1 1 is well-ordered 

farm on section 211 is conducted after the most ap- 
proved methods, so as to produce the best results 
with the least expenditure of labor and time, and here 
he has built up a home that is not rivalled in 
pleasantness and comfort by any in its vicinity. 
As representing- one of the many beautiful homes 
of Vermilion County, we are pleased to present to 
our readers a view of Mr. Caraway's residence. 
Mr. Carawav is a fine representative of the citizen- 
soldiers of our country, who in the trying times of 
the late Rebellion, laid aside all personal aims, and 
Leaving happy homes and loved friends, went forth 
to Southern battle-fields to fight for the dear old 
flag or die in its defense. For good conduct in 
camp and field, and for bravery in the face of the 
enemy, our subject was promoted from the ranks, 
and won an honorable military record, of which he 
and his may well be proud. 

Charles T. Caraway, was born in this township 
Oct. 22, 1838, the posthumous son of another 
Charles Caraway, whose earthly career had been 
untimely ended the month preceding that in which 
our subject first saw the light of day. The father 
was a son of Thomas Caraway, and was born in Green- 
briar County, W. Ya., in 1788. After attaining to 
man's estate he married one of his neighbor's fair 
daughters. Elizabeth McCorkle by name, who was 
also a native of that county. They lived a few 
years in their native State, but in 1829 made their 
way across the wild, sparsely settled country in- 
tervening between their old home and this Stale 
and coming to Vermilion County, became very- 
early pioneers of the county. They located in 
what is now Catlin Township, and here a few years 
later the stalwart husband and father met his death, 
in September, 1838, while yet in life's prime, leav- 
ing his desolate widow with four children and an 
unborn babe, who on his birth was named Charles 
T., in memory of his father. The other children 
were Harriet, Martha, Isabella, and Ann E. The 
mother afterward married Anson Butler, and con- 
tinued to reside in Catlin Township until her death, 
in 1848. 

Our subject grew to a .strong and vigorous man- 
hood in Catlin Township, where he has always 



made his home, and when he arrived at years of 
discretion chose the calling of agriculture, for 
which he had a natural aptitude, and has ever since 
made it his life-work. His farm comprises 160 
acres of valuable land, which is well tilled, and he 
has erected good buildings for every necessary pur- 
pose, including a neat and pretty dwelling. He is 
also a breeder of thorough-bred Short-horn cattle. 

In the opening years of his manhood the great 
Civil War broke out. and our subject, thrilled to 
the heart by the deep and abiding love of country 
that animated so many of the true and patriotic 
spirits of this great Republic in those trying days, 
and caused them to leave pleasant firesides and 
and loving friends to go forth to battle for the 
grand old Stars and Stripes, cast aside the hopes 
and ambitions of a generous young mind, and the 
bright prospects of a successful career in his chosen 
calling, to join his brave compatriots on Southern 
battle-fields with the solemn feeling that he owed 
even life itself to his native land. In August, 1861 
he enlisted in Company I. 35th Illinois Infantry, 
as a private, and was with his regiment in many im- 
portant engagements with the enemy, including 
the siege of Corinth, battle of Stone River, Chiek- 
amauga and Mission Ridge. In the latter battle 
he was severely wounded in the left leg. and con- 
fined to the hospital nine months, suffering greatly . 
Soon after the battle of Chickamauga the names of 
himself ami a few of his comrades were placed on 
the Roll of Honor, on account of meritorious eon- 
duct and daring in the encounter with the enemy. 
by order of Gen. Roseerans. Our subject also 
received further merited mark of approval for his 
courage and ability as a. soldier, whereby lie was 
raised from the rank and file to tin- position ,,f 
corporal. 

Shortly after the close of the war Mr. Caraway 
was united in marriage with Miss Jennie Dough- 
erty, their union being solemnized in Decatur, 
.Macon Co., 111., Aug. 22, 1865. She is the daugh- 
ter of William ami Mary (Myers) Dougherty, well 
known and highly respected residents of Catlin 
Township, with whose interests they have been 
identified for many years. The father was born in 
Montgomery County, \'a.. Aug. 15, 1815, and the 
mother in Brown County, Ohio, Dec. 15, 1815. 



682 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



After marriage they lived for some time in Ohio 
County, Ind., whence they came to Vermilion 
County, III., :uid cast in their lot with the pioneers 
that had preceded them. That was in the fall of 
1856, and they first settled near Tilton, but came 
from there in 1858 to Catlin Township, which has 
since been their home. Their happy, peaceful 
wedded life has been blessed to them by the birth 
of six children, namely : Andrew, Sarah A., Joseph, 
Jennie, Wallace and Maggie. Andrew and Maggie 
are deceased. Jennie, Mrs. Caraway, born in Ohio 
County, End., Oct. 20, 1844, and was twelve years 
of age when she accompanied her parents to this 
county. Four children have been born of her union 
with our subject — an infant that died unnamed, 
Warren E., Charles H. and Nellie B. 

Mr. Caraway stands high in the estimation of his 
fellow-men, not only for his loyalty and patriotism 
in the late war, but for his conduct in the more 
peaceful pursuits of life before and since that time, 
lie is a man whose honor is unquestioned, and 
whose strict regard for what is right is beyond dis- 
pute. His public spirit is commendable, and leads 
him to take a genuine interest in all that concerns 
the material, moral, or educational welfare of his 
native township, lie has been connected with the 
administration of its public affairs as Highway 
Commissioner and in various school offices. He is 
prominently identified with the[following social or- 
ganizations; Catlin Lodge No. 285, A. F. & A. M.j 
Vermilion Chapter and Athelstan Commanders at 
Danville, and politically, belongs to the Union 
Labor party. 



1 



AMES J. RICE, coming of good old Revo- 
lutionary stock, is a representative pioneer 
of Vermilion County, one of those whose 
courageous, self-sacrificing toil in the early 
and later years of the settlement of the county 
laid a solid foundation for its present prosperity, 
in which the}' have also been factors, and who have 
lived to enjoy the fruit of the seed that they 
planted so long ago, that has yielded so abundantly 
in the happy homes, smiling farms, and busy towns 



and cities now flourishing on the once wild prairies. 
Our subject came to Vermilion County as early as 
1835 and in 1849 came to his present location in 
Pilot Township. Here lie has a farm of 320 acres 
of choice, highly cultivated land, pleasantly situ- 
ated on sections 16 and 21. 

Mr. Rice was born in Chautauqua County, N.Y.. 
June 13, 1812. His paternal grandfather was of 
Scotch descent, and he was a faithful soldier in the 
Revolutionary War, having served seven years. 
Silas Rice, the father of our subject, was born in the 
eastern part of New York, and dying when he was 
away from home, the dates of his birth and death 
are unknown. The maiden name of his wife was 
l'hebe Leonard, and she was a native of Cayuga 
County, N. Y. She died in Vermilion County, 
III., in 1857, at a ripe old age. She was the mother 
of eight children, three of whom are still living, 
Lucy, Hannah and James. Lucy, living in Dan 
ville, this count} - , is the widow of Isaac Balengee, 
who was in the rebel army during the late war. 
She has four children, namely: James II., America, 
Minerva and Lucy. Hannah married Charles Clifton, 
of Piqua County, Ohio, now a farmer near Omaha, 
Neb., and they had three children, Sarah, George 
and Elizabeth, deceased. 

James Rice, of whom we write, received a lim- 
ited education in common with most farmers' boys 
of his time, and in the fall of 1835, in the opening 
years of his manhood, he came to this county, hav- 
ing chosen farming as his life-work, and deciding 
to cast in his lot with the pioneers of this section 
of the country who had preceded him, and take 
advantage of the rich alluvial soil of the virgin 
prairies. He lived nine years on Salt Fork, and 
then coming to Pilot Township took up his abode 
in the eastern part of it and dwelt there five years. 
At the expiration of that time he Located on his 
present farm, whose value he has greatly increased 
by unremitting toil, wise economy and a judicious 
expenditure of money, so that it is classed among 
the first and best farms of the vicinity. Starting 
out in life with a capital of $100, he has thus in- 
creased it many fold, and is now a man of means 
and is accounted one of the solid, substantial citi- 
zens of the township. 

Mr. Rice was fortunate in the selection of a wife 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



683 



who has been to him all that a true woman can 
lie to her husband, ami an important factor in 
making his life a success, as she has worked un- 
weariedly at his side for the highest interests of 
their family. Her maiden name was Mary Davis, 
and she was born in Pickaway County, Ohio. Sept. 
13, 1823. her marriage with our subject taking 
place in Vermilion County, .Sept. 11, 1845. Her 
parents were Isaac and Elizabeth (Coyle) Davis. 
The father was born in Kentucky in 17;mj. and the 
mother in Ross County. Ohio, in about 1709. 
The father died in 1*78 at a ripe old age, and the 
mother in March, 1867. They were among the 
early pioneers of Vermilion County, coming here 
in 1832. and their memory is held in respect. 
They were the parents of seven children, of whom 
the following is recorded: Irene married F. M. 
Brewer, of South Carolina, now deceased, and she 
is living in Champaign County III., with her 
two children; Emily married George Wilson, of 
Indiana, now living in Champaign County, and 
they have four children; Cynthia A. is the widow of 
Milton Cannon, of Ohio, and she and her five chil- 
dren are living in Champaign County; Diana, liv- 
ing in Vermilion County, near Muncie, is the 
widow of Daniel Cannon and the mother of two 
children; Lura J. married James H. West, of 
Ohio, now deceased, and she and her two children 
are living in Linn County, Kas.; Owen, a farmer, 
married Sarah Brown, of Arkansas. Mary is the 
wife of our subject, and they have six chil- 
dren, namely: Bruce L., Isaac L., George C, 
Emeretta .1., John D., Mary ('.; Bruce married 
Emetine Xeff. of Indiana, and they live in this 
< nty with their six children, Mary. Grant, Min- 
nie. Oscar, Lucy, Elmer .1.; Isaac, a farmer in 
Hico, Benton Co., Ark., married Clara T. Wilson, 
of this county, and they have two children, Carrie 
and J. J.: George C. is a merchant and Postmaster 
in Charity, 111.; Emeretta married T. J. Harter, of 
Indiana, now a fanner in this county, and they 
have three children. John I., Nellie and Lillic; 
John I)., merchant and Assistant Postmaster at 
Charity, this county, married Emma Todd, of 
Putnam County. Ind.; Mary C. lives at home 
with her parents. 

Mr. Rice occupies a high place .-11110111: the best 



citizens of Pilot Township, where so many years 
of his life have been passed, and his strong integ- 
rity in word and deed causes him to be regarded 
with absolute trust by the entire community. He 
is a prominent member of the Church of Christ 
and has held the office of Elder for man} 7 years. 
In him the Prohibition party has one of its most 
earnest and anil consistent supporters. Mr. Rice 
has served very acceptably on the juries of State 
and county. 

ru ■ 



OLIVER P. BALM owns and carries on two 
farms, the homestead containing 465 acres, 
while the other embraces a half-section ad- 
joining the village of Sidell on the east. He also 
has sixteen and three-fourths acres of timber land, 
close to Indianola. Therefore Mr. Baum may be 
considered one of the leading land owners. He is 
a very extensive farmer and one whose success 
has been steadily growing since lie first started in 
life. 

His father, Samuel Baum. settled in Carroll 
Township in 1829, in company with Michael Wea- 
ver, and was one of the prominent pioneers. The 
father was a very large man, weighing 365 pounds. 

The grandfather, Charles Baum, was a prominent 
man in his day, and noted for his piety. The 
great-grandfather was banished from Poland and 
came to the colonies, where he soon established a 
reputation for patriotism and fidelity to American 
principles. He married Barbara McDonald, and 
settled in Bucks County, Pa., immediately succeed- 
ing the struggle for independence in 1 7 7 C> . Soon 
after Wayne's treaty with the Indians, he with his 
family sailed down the Ohio in a family boat, and 
made the first settlement in that territory, close to 
the mouth of the Bullskin Creek, lie died full of 
years and honors in Clermont County. 111 the State 
he helped to form. 

The mother of the subject of this biography 
wns Sarah Weaver-, the oldest daughter of .Michael 
Weaver, who was a man possessed of a great many 
peculiar characteristics. He always had money to 
loan, but would never take more than six per cent. 



fi84 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



for its use, when he could easily ask and obtain 
forty. He was a rich man when he came from 
Ohio to this county, in 1829, and many a pioneer 

owes to Michael Weaver a debt of gratitude. lie 
was as generous and open-hearted a man as ever 
lived. He would fix the price for his corn at a 
reasonable rate, and would not take for it either a 
higher or a lower price. He adhered inflexibly to 
the rule that it was not right to extort by specula- 
tion or any other method, and when he made a price 
on any commodity, it was based upon actual cost, 
witli a living profit added. Mr. Weaver studiously 
endeavored to aid the poor, but he invariably re- 
fused to loan money to speculators. By this it will 
be seen that his peculiarities were all virtues. At 
the great age of nearly one hundred and one years 
he passed away to his reward. The mother died 
when she was about forty years old, leaving eight 
children, of whom Oliver 1*. is the oldest. His 
father was married a second time, to Mrs. l'olly 
(Sandusky) Matkin, four children being born of this 

union. 

Oliver P. Baum, was born in January, 182K, his 
birthplace being Clermont County, Ohio. He grew 
to man's estate in Carroll Township, and at the age 
of thirty-three his father died, leaving him a good 
property. He has been engaged in feeding cattle 
for the past thirty years. The market places for 
his stock are Chicago and Buffalo, where he is well 
and favorably known as a business man. He also 
feeds a large number of hogs, and in this branch 
of stock-raising he is equally successful. As Mr. 
Baum puts it,"nothing but prairie grass and rattle- 
snakes were on the land in Vermilion County when 
he came here." He passed through all the trials 
and tribulations of a pioneer, and has witnessed 
Illinois struggle from comparative poverty up to 
affluence, and attain the proud position of a sov- 
erio'n State. Far better than all the titles that roy- 
alty can bestow, is the simple one of a pioneer. 
The nobility has torn down, while the mission of 
the pioneer was to build up, and when the awards 
are enven to mankind, whose will be the highest? 

Mr. Baum erected the elegant mansion which he 
now occupies in 1875, and in its construction is 
exhibited a great deal of common sense. He also 
has a large barn, 14x00, which is a model of strength 



and utility. His place is laid out in a manner to 
insure good results, and for the peifect handling of 
stock. Taking this farm as a whole, including its 
buildings, surroundings and everything connected 
with it, it would lie no exaggeration to make the 
statement thai for the purposes for which it is de- 
signed there is not a better farm in Vermilion 
County. 

In 1871 Mr. Baum was married to Miss Helen 
McClenathen, of Washington County, Pa., daugh- 
ter of George S. and Sarah (Remley) McClenathen, 
both natives of the Keystone State. When her 
parents came to Danville Township, Mrs. Baum was 
five years old, and therefore her earl}' training and 
growth to womanhood occurred in this neighbor- 
hood. Her father and mother are both living in 
Fairmount, retired at the ages of sevent}' and sixty- 
four, respectively. They had twelve children: 
James, William, Helen, Liny, John, Belle, Anna. 
Emma, Owen,* Ethel, Volney and George Byron. 
Mr. and Mrs. Baum, are the parents of one child — 
Herbert. She is a member of the Kingsley Chapel, 
Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Baum votes 
with the Democratic party. His present fortune 
and position in society are based upon his intelli- 
gence and industry. 



' OIIN .1. JACKSON, a popular and energetic 
farmer of Sidell Township, owns and oper- 
ates ICO acres of land on section 31, town- 
ship 18, ranch 14. He is a native of Ohio and 
was Dorn Jan. 31, 1828. His parents came to Clin- 
ton County, Ind., when he was a small boy. His 
father and mother, John and Katie (Ross) Jackson, 
were born in Pennsylvania, and before leaving thai 
State were married. From there they removed to 
Ohio, where they resided for some time and in 182!i 
emigrated to Indiana, remaining there until death 
called them away. 

The father was an early settler and a leading man 
in his county and was considered oue of the best 
farmers in his section. He died in 184G at the 
early age of forty-seven years, leaving behind him 
eight children: Christina, Elizabeth, Martha. Henry. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



685 



John J., Abraham, Andy and Amos. The sub- 
ject of this sketch received his education at the 
subscription schools — incident to the days of his 
boyhood, and therefore Ins ad vantages for securing 
an education were limited. His father, like all of 
the early pioneers of Indiana, was extremely poor, 
and his children were therefore obliged to work as 
soon as they were able. John J., being the oldest 
boy, was obliged to take the lead in work, and was 
held responsible, in a measure, for its being well 
done, and to this fact may be traced the reason of 
his being painstaking in everything he does. 

At the age of twenty-one years Mr. Jackson was 
married to Miss Ellen McCray, a native of Yir- 
gia, but who was reared to maturity in Clinton 
County. Ind. After marriage, the young couple; 
lived in the latter state for two years on a farm, 
after which they removed to Coles County, 111., 
and in the fall of 1853 they took up their residence 
in Vermilion County, where they purchased 120 
acres of land, which is a part of the quarter section 
where they now live. There was a log house, and 
forty acres broken on this land when they bought, 
it, and independent of this, there were no improve- 
ments. R\ his first wife he became the father of 
two children: Susan J., who died at the age of eigh- 
teen years and live months, and Laura, wdio is the 
wife of Richard Keys, the latter couple having 
three children: John J., Grace and Lydia. Mr. 
Keys is engaged as a smelter and lead miner in Jas- 
per County, Mo. Mr. Jackson's first wife died in 
Infill and he married a second time, in 1881, Mrs. 
Mary E. Kieffer, widow of Frank Kiel'fer of Ohio. 
She was born in Crawford County, Ohio, and is a 
daughter of Jacob and Eleanor (Montgomery) An- 
drews. Her father's people were from Pennsyl- 
vania, and her mother was born near Baltimore, 
Md. 

Mrs. Jackson's parents removed to Greene 
County, Pa., in 1X27. where they first met each 
other and were married. They later removed to 
Ohio, where they resided on a farm winch they 
purchased from the Government. Here they re- 
sided until their death, the father dying in 1878 at 
at the age of seventy-nine, while the mother passed 
away in 1874, sixty-eight years old. Twelve of 
their children are living: Samuel, John, Hiram. 



Robert, St. Clair, Madison, Ella, Charity, Lemon, 
Jane, Lois and Mary; besides there were two 
brothers who died in the army — Jacob and Frank. 
Two sisters also died in infancy. 

Mr. and Mrs. Jackson are the parents of two 
children — Alta Marie and Lemon J. Mrs. Jackson 
attended public school at home after which, at the 
age of nineteen, she entered Bucyrus College, her 
studies embracing the scientific course. She later 
took up her studies at Oberlin College, where she 
continued a student for a short time. Mr. Jackson 
is a leading citizen in his township, where he has 
served as Commissioner of Highways at various 
times for the last quarter of a century and is at 
present holding that office. He is a member of the 
Democratic parts' and an energetic worker in its 
ranks, and socially he belongs to Palermo Lodge. 
No. 646, Located at Palermo, Edgar County. 



~*' | * »j | , fr' 




f*$^ AVID LAYTON. In passing through a sec- 
tion of country, it is not difficult to 
determine who are the thrifty and enter- 
prising meji, and who are the drones in a 
community. Occupying a part of section 19. in 
Middle Fork Township, is the Layton farm, built 
up by the subject of this sketch, and noticeable on 
account of the commodious and substantial brick- 
residence, which with its surroundings, compris- 
ing all the appliances of the well-regulated country 
estate, forms the home of our subject, and which 
has been erected by his own thrift and energy, lie 
is one of the many who began life poor in purse, 
and who have presented to their community the 
spectacle of perseverance amid difficulties and the 
success of well-directed effort. 

The Layton record leads us back to the paternal 
grandfather of our subject. John Layton, who, it is 
believed, was a native of New Jersey. Early in 
life he migrated to New York State, where he lived 
many years, and where, il is believed, lie was firsl 
married. Among his sons was Job, the father of 
our subject, and the second in a family of eight 
children, of whom the first wife was the mother. 
After her death John Layton was married to a 



686 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



widow lady, Mrs. Ayers, and with her spent his 
last days in New York State. 

The father of our subject was reared to manhood 
in the place of his birth — Brown County, N. Y. — 
and was there married to Miss Rachel, (laughter of 
Alfoi'd Rounds, a native of Rhode Island. In the 
Rounds family there were perhaps nine children, 
who, with the exception of two, are supposed to 
have been born in New York State. The parents 
of Mrs. Layton, like those of her husband, spent 
their last years there. 

Job Layton and his estimable wife also became 
the parents of nine children, of whom David, our 
subject, was the eldest. The others were named 
respectively: John, Jacob, James E., Franklin, 
George, Elizabeth, Harriet — these all living — and 
one deceased. The mother was a member of the 
Presbyterian Church. David, who was born in 
1828, was reared at the homestead in Brown 
County, N. Y., where he acquired his education in 
the subscription schools. In 18.50 he started out 
to paddle his own canoe, launching his little craft 
for the far West. In making the journey thither, 
he embarked on a steamboat at Dunkirk, N. Y., 
whence he proceeded to Toledo, and from there by- 
canal to Covington, Ind., where he took up his 
abode, and worked on a farm five years, by the 
month, for one man, Mr. R. D. Brown. For the 
first year he received $10 per month, and was given 
an increase of salary each year until the fourth, 
when he was paid $25 per month for the entire 
year. This at that time was considered a generous 
sum, and the young man was naturally proud of it. 
He saved his earnings, and when he left the employ 
of Mr. Brown, purchased a ditching machine with 
which he operated profitably, earning from $1,000 
to $1,200 per year for several years, and thus 
laid the foundation of future competence. 

Being thus prospered, it is quite natural that Mr. 
Layton at the proper time should think about es- 
tablishing a home of his own. A young man of 
his acquirements was naturally a favorite among 
the maidens of his community, and he chose one of 
its most estimable young ladies — Miss Martha, 
daughter of William and Sarah (Bows) Wilson, 
their wedding taking place in Indiana. In April, 
1863, they settled on the farm where the}' now live. 



Only seventy acres had been plowed, and the only 
improvement was a little log house. Into this the 
newly wedded pair removed, and occupied it until 
they were enabled to do better. Our subject added 
to his first purchase, and now has 2 10 acres of land, 
all fenced and in a high state of cultivation. He 
has now nine acres of timber. Not withstanding he 
has labored assiduously, and has suffered somewhat 
from the toils and struggles of his earlier years, he 
is still in good health, and can accomplish more 
than many a younger man. 

To our subject and his estimable wife there were 
born four children, namely: Charles; Anna, the 
wife of Charles Cardell; C. Grant, who is in the 
grocery and hardware business at Potomac; and 
William, who died when a promising youth of fif- 
teen years. Mr. Layton, politically, is a sound Re- 
publican, and in all respects a worthy representative 
of the worth and respectability of the community. 
The parents of Mrs. Layton were natives of Penn- 
sylvania, where the father learned the trade of a 
cabinet-maker, which he followed until his removal 
to Indiana, after which he engaged in farming. 



<*, IfelLLIAM II. DOWNS, proprietor of the 
\oJ/l '-Southern Hotel," of Ridge Firm, al- 
\jyyj though not very long established in this 
place — coming here in March, 1888 — is giving am- 
ple evidence of his fitness for his present calling, 
and has become exceedingly popular with the 
traveling public. He is a man of liberal ideas, en- 
terprising and active, studying the comfort of his 
guests, and attending to those details which make 
up the sum and substance of a successful whole. 
He is a native of this county, having been born in 
Flwood Township, Oct. 25, 1860. 

Leander Downs, the father of our subject, was a 
native of Ohio, and came with his parents to Illi- 
nois when a boy. They settled in Clark County 
111., and Leander when reaching man's estate, was 
united in marriage with Miss Maria A. Tninan, 
who was a native of that county. Of this union 
there were born three children, only two of whom 




i 





PORTRAIT AND UK .)( 1 RA1TIICAL ALBUM. 



689 



are living — Lilly M. and our subject. The former 

is the wife of Benjamin Cook, of Elwood Town- 
ship. 

Young Downs pursued his early studies in the 
common schools, and then worked with his father 
on the farm until his marriage, lie followed agri- 
cultural pursuits until March, 1888, and soon after- 
ward purchased the ••Southern Hotel." This being 
in need of many repairs he refitted it entirely, 
greatly improving its appearance, and instituting 
many other reforms. In addition he has a livery 
business which yields him good returns. Although 
usually voting with the Republican party he med- 
dles very little with politics, making a specialty of 
attending to his own concerns. 

Our subject was married on the 8th of March, 
1881, to Miss Ella E., daughter of Benjamin Pur- 
dum. of Ridge Farm, and to them have been born 
three children — Maude. Bertie and Cassius. Mr. 
Downs has an interest in his father's old homestead, 
and from various sources is in the enjoyment of 
a very comfortable income. 



T~-^r- 



ENJAMIN F. DOUGHERTY. The family 
i history of this gentleman, who is a suceess- 




r fill hardware merchant of Fairmount, Ver- 
milion Co., III., possesses inure than ordi- 
nary interest and has fortunately been carefully 
preserved by the latter representatives who. were, as 
their ancestors, people of more than ordinary in- 
telligence. This branch of the Doughertys is of 
Scotch origin and the great-grandfather of the 
subject of this notice was an active participant in 
the Revolutionary War. 1 1 is sou, Francis, the 
grandfather of our subject, was born in Maryland, 
March 29, 1769,and died Sept. 29, I860, at. the ad- 
vanced age of ninety-one years and six months. 
Christian Dougherty, the wife of Francis Dougherty, 
died April 19, 1851, aged seventy-five years, five 
months and sixteen days. He was master of two 
trades, those of .-boe-iuaker and stone-mason, ami 
also carried on farming. Among bis children was 
Samuel, the father of our subject who was born 
near Ripley, Brown Co.. Ohio: and who married 



Miss .lane Dalby, whose native place was near 
White River in Pennsylvania. 

The mother of our subject was the daughter of 
Aaron and Christina (Prong) Dalby. who were 
married Oct. 12, 1815. The mother died when a 
young woman, and at her death was the mother of 
five children. Grandfather Dalby was subsequently 
married — .Ian. 1, 1829 — to Nancy Kizer. She also 
died and he was married the third time, Jan. 23 
1837, to Henrietta Catlin. She is now living and 
is the wife of John McFarland, of Oakwood Town- 
ship. Aaron Dalby was born July 3, 1796, and 
his first wife, Christina, was born Jan. 7. of that 
same year. Nancy Kizer was born Oct. 19. 1804, 
and Henrietta Catlin, Nov. 10, 1821. Mrs. Jane 
(Dalby) Dougherty, the mother of our subject was 
born June 24. 1816, and was married to Samuel 
Dougherty Aug. 20. 1835. Their wedding took 
place at the homestead where Grandfather Dalby 
settled in 1832. 

Grandfather Dougherty after coming to Illinois 
bi 1832, settled on the Little Vermilion River in 
Carroll Township, about one and a half miles north- 
west of where Indianola now stands, where he re- 
mained over winter then purchased land from the 
government one mile north of where Faiiiiiount, 
now stands. Samuel after his marriage lived on 
the farm with his father about one year, which 
property is now owned by the widow of James 
Dougherty. Later they removed to another part 
of the homestead, which now comprises the farm 
owned by George Price and which lies on the 
south side of the State road. It was purchased 
from the government by Grandfather Dougherty. 
Samuel with the help of his neighbors put up a log 
bouse upon the present site of Mr. Price's residence 
and in that humble dwelling the subject of this 
sketch was born Feb. 15, 1848. 

The father of our subject commenced life in 
hue pioneer style upon a tract of raw prairie about 
sixty roils from the timber, epiite isolated and being 
the fartherest from the timber of any other settler. 
Their dwelling, a hewed log house, was finished and 
furnished in the most primitive style. Their 
slumbers were often disturbed by the howling of 
wolves (frequently poking their noses in the cracks 
of the house) which often lasted the greater part of 



690 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



the night. There was then nothing to mark the 
present site of Danville as a town, and nothing but 
tall grass and a vast prairie between Salt Fork and 
Little Vermilion timber. Being on the State road 
the government mails, carried by stage, stopped 
at the house and Mr. Dougherty officiated as 
Postmaster for a number of years. The nearest 
mill was at Perry ville, to which point he frequently 
hauled his oats, while he drove his hogs to Chicago 
to market. 

Upon this farm of 120 acres Samuel Dougherty 
lived and labored until March, 1852, effected good 
improvements, putting up building and planting an 
orchard, which at this time was in good bearing 
condition. His entire family of seven children 
were born at this place, lie finally, however, im- 
agined he could improve his condition by selling 
out, and on the Kith of March, that year, removed 
to another farm of 120 acres, located on section 1G, 
one and three-fourth miles south of Fairmount. 
Here he proceeded as before, opening up a farm 
from the raw prairie, set out another orchard, ef- 
fected various improvements then sold again, this 
time to Ellis Adams, whose biography appears eise- 
where in this volume. 

On the 20th of November, 1856, Samuel Dough- 
erty once more took up his lineof march to another 
farm of 120 acres, three miles south of Fairmount, 
to which he later added 100 acres, scarcely any of 
which was under cultivation at the time of purchase. 
There he continued to live until his decease. He 
found that the labor involved in the improvement 
of three farms was altogether too great for an or- 
dinary constitution, and there followed the natural 
result — the undermining of his health — from which 
he suffered for years prior to his death. He had 
also met with an accident, Nov. 21, 1807, while 
loading logs on a wagon with his eldest son, Will- 
iam; the chain breaking, the log rolled back upon 
him and crushed one of his feet, and as a result of 
this he was confined to Ids bed until March 11, 
1808. He never fully recovered from the shock 
of this and the debilitating effect of his other ail- 
ments, and passed away on the 3d of January, 1871, 
at the age of fifty-seven years, seven months and 
six days. 

The mother of our subject was a lady of fine 



constitution, usually remarkably healthy and 
weighing over 200 pounds. She survived her hus- 
band a number of years, dying Feb. 22, 1878, aged 
sixty-one years, seven months and twenty-eight 
days. Five of the seven children born to them are 
now living, and Benjamin F. was next to the 
youngest. Nancy K. the eldest of the family was 
was born Oct. 13, 183G, and was married Oct. it, 
1854 to Alonzo P. Mitchell; they have three chil- 
dren and live in Lowry City, Mo. Harriet Ann 
was born .Ian. 27, 1838 and was married dune 22, 
1854 to John William Cass; they have six children 
and live one mile and a half south of Muncie. 
.Mary Elizabeth was born March 22. 1840 and was 
married Nov. 27, 18G4 to John M. McCabe, whose 
biography appears elsewhere in this volume; they 
have four children, two of whom are living; Will- 
iam Aaron was born Feb. 2, 1842 and was married 
April 21), 18G8 to Miss Margaret Orr; he died Nov. 
1, 1887 aged forty-five years, and his widow now 
lives in Fairmount. Francis Marion was born April 
13, 1844, and after the outbreak of the Civil Wat- 
enlisted in Company E, 73d Illinois Infantry, known 
in the army as the "Methodist Regiment." He 
died from the effects of a gun-shot wound at Knox- 
ville, Tenn., Feb. 1 I, 1864, at the age of nineteen 
years, ten months and one day, and his remain* 
fill a soldier's grave in the National cemetery at 
Knoxville, Tenn. He and his brother William 
were members of the same company, enlisting at 
the same time — in August, 18G2, leaving our sub- 
ject, a lad of fourteen years of age, at home to work 
the farm. The youngest child, Christian Jane, was 
born Oct. 2, 1850, and was married to David Wal- 
lace, Nov. 12, 18G8. Mr. Wallace served three 
years in the 1st Indiana Cavalry, then re-enlisted 
and continued in the army until the close of the 
war. They are the parents of two children, one 
living and reside five and one-half miles southeast 
of Fairmount. 

In December, 15G2, the father of our subject 
received this startling telegram from Nashville, 
Tenn: "Come, Jesse dead, William sick." (Jesse 
was an own cousin of William.) He responded at 
once and upon his arrival in Nashville found Will- 
iam stricken down with typhoid fever, and nursed 
him and some of his comrades for some time there- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



691 



after. The loss of rest and the mental strain com- 
pletely shattered the health of Mr. Dougherty, so 
that he never fully recovered. As soon as William 
was able, lie procurer! his discharge, and brought 
him home, almost a skeleton. When Francis was 
shot, the father was notified by telegram, and im- 
mediately started South, but could only get as far 
as Louisville, Ivy., where he learned that his boy was 
beyond his earthly aid, having gone to join the army 
above. He left money to have the body shipped 
home, hut owing to the danger of an attack from 
the rebels, it could not then be done, and it was 
never done, and the money was finally returned to 
him. 

Benjamin F. Dougherty received his education 
in the common schools of Vermilion County, at- 
tending upon an average three months in the year 
for five years. His first teacher, when he was six 
years old, was Lewis Kirkpatrick, and his Inst, 
Pret. Stevens. During the last three months, hav- 
ing completed the third part of Ray's Arithmetic 1 , 
he took up book-keeping, and, being an apt pupil, 
made fine progress. He has been a reader all his 
life, and may be justly considered one among the 
best informed men of his neighborhood. Every 
book pertaining to the late Civil War has been 
perused by him with absorbing interest. Being 
the only stay of his parents, he remained with 
them until they no longer needed his filial offices, 
laboring twenty-three years on the last settled 
homestead, and he has the consciousness of know- 
ing that he smoothed their pathway down the hill 
of life, and lightened as far as possible their afflic- 
tions and their losses. 

On the 2Gth of September, 1876, our subject was 
united in marriage with Miss Lilly, daughter of 
Thornton and Nancy (Dickson ) Hubbard, at the 
home of her uncle, .lames A. Dickson. Mr. and 
Mrs. Hubbard were among the earliest settlers of 
this county, owning a large farm of 370 acres, one 
and one half miles north of Muncie. Mr. Hubbard 
was very successful as a farmer and stock-raiser. 
and was numbered among the prominent citizens of 
this county. He was born March 20. 1821, near 
Chillicothe, Ross County. Ohio, and departed this 
life at his homestead Oct. 18, 1886, aged sixty-five 
years, six months and twenty-eight days. Mrs 



Hubbard was born May 1. 1827, in Kentucky, and 
passed away some years prior to the decease of her 
husband, dying Jan. 25, 1859. They were the 
parents of two children, of whom Mrs. Dougherty 
was the elder, and she was born Sept. I. 1855. 

Mr. Dougherty after his marriage continued 
farming until early in 1880. On the 13th of 
February, that year, he had a public sale of his 
personal property, and on the 23d was removed 
to Fairmount on a feather bed — the result of 
illness from being overheated in the harvest Held 
the preceding summer — without hope of recovery. 
But after moving to Fairmount. his health im- 
proved somewhat, and in the summer of 18K1 he 
drove over the county, canvassing for school seats, 
which farther improved his health. In the follow- 
ing fall he purchased the hardware stock in his 
present building, having in the meantime sold his 
farm. lie did not contemplate continuing in the 
hardware trade, but even in poor health success was 
the result of his efforts, and finally he changed his 
mind and purchased the property connected with his 
business, together with his home in Fairmount. 
He has been very successful in trade, and besides 
his stove and hardware stock, handles a general line 
of agricultural implements and lumber. 

The five children born to Mr. and Mrs. Dough- 
erty are recorded as follows: Willie was born 
April 17. 1879, and died in infancy; Freddie M. 
was born April 13, 1880, and died April 9, 1881, 
aged eleven months and twenty-six days; Floyd 
Everett was born May 20, 1882, and is now a 
bright lad of seven years; Samuel E. was born 
Jan. 22, 1884, and died Jan. 24, 1889, aged live 
years and two da3's. Little Eddie was a sweet, 
bright child, whose mind seemed far in advance of 
his years, lie was gentle, obedient and affectionate, 
not only with the home circle, but with all his asso- 
ciates. A short time previous to his death he ap- 
peared to comprehend that life for him would soon 
be over, and told his mamma that "God loved him, 
and would lake care of him." A few minutes be- 
fore breathing his last lie repeated his little prayer. 
■■Now. I lay me down to sleep," and soon the pure 
spirit lied to be forever at rest. The youngest 
child iff Mr. and Mrs. Dougherty. Stella 1'.., was born 
Feb. in. 1886. She is a hearty and promising child. 



692 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Fortunately for Mr. Dougherty, his excellent 
wife has always enjoyed fine health, ami he attrib- 
utes the prolongation of his life to her affectionate 
care and attention. Mr. Dougherty has never been 
an active politician in the sense of office-seeking. 
On the contrary, he has several times declined to 
enter upon the responsibilities of a public position. 
Since becoming a voter, he has uniformly supported 
the principles of the Republican party and temper- 
ance, and has endeavored to exert his influence on 
the side of right. Upon the organization of the 
Fairmount Building and Loan Association, he was 
made a Director, and has since been connected with 
it in this capacity. 

Mrs. Dougherty became identified with the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church fourteen years ago. and at 
last succeeded in bringing her husband into the 
fold, he having united with this church quite re- 
cently — Feb. 18, 188!). He has always been a be- 
liever in the Christian religion, but his poor health 
interfered largely with his taking part, as he de- 
sired, in the duties belonging to the church mem- 
ber. The death of his little son was a severe blow 
to him, as well as to his wife, but his new interest 
and belief in the comforting and redeeming power 
of the Savior, has given him strength to bear his 
affliction, and to believe that "He doeth all things 
well." 

RANCIS M. ALLHANDS. of Danville, took 
u [i his residence at this place in the fall of 
186(i, and in the fall of the year following, 
was elected County Treasurer in which office he 
served ten years. Afterward he served six and 
one-half years as Deputy County Clerk. He is 
thus well known to the people of this vicinity. 
He was born in Montgomery County. Ind., Jan. 1 7. 
1832, and is the son of Andrew Allhands, a native 
of Butler County. Ohio. His paternal grandfather, 
Daniel Allhands, was born, it is believed, in Penn- 
sylvania of German parents, and was one of the 
early pioneers of Butler County, Ohio. 

Grandfather Allhands removed from Ohio to 
Indiana about 1830 ami purchasing land in Mont- 
gomery County established himself there for life. 




His son, Andrew was reared and married in his 
native county and later, like his father, removed 
to Montgomery County, Ind.. where he purchased 
land that was partially improved, and later sold it 
at an advanced price and purchased again in that 
locality, where he first settled in a log house and 
remained there until 18 12. 

In the year above mentioned the father of our 
subject set out for Illinois, making the journey 
overland with teams. Upon his arrival in this 
county he purchased a tract of timber land four 
and one-half miles west of the present site of Dan- 
ville and upon which was a double log house and 
forty acres cleared. He proceeded with the im- 
provement of his property and there spent the re- 
mainder of his days, resting from his earthly labors 
in 1851. His first wife, the mother of our subject, 
was in her girlhood, Miss Margaret Swank, a native 
of Butler County, Ohio, and the daughter of Jacob 
Swank who was born in Pennsylvania, was of Ger- 
man descent, and, like Grandfather Allhands. a 
pioneer of Butler County, Ohio. Mrs. Margaret 
Allhands departed this life in April, 1841, while 
still a young woman. 

Our subject was ten years old when he came to 
this county with his parents. He spent his boy- 
hood and youth in assisting to open up the farm, 
while he acquired his education in the pioneer 
school. This was before the time of railroads and 
Chicago was the principal market for grain and 
other farm produce. Francis M. resided with his 
parents until eighteen years old, then started for 
Oshkosh, Wis., with a drove of horses and cattle, 
from which trip he returned with an ox team. This 
now flourishing town was then but a hamlet and 
Indians were plentiful. 

Later young Allhands learned the carpenter's 
trade which he followed in this county until 1861. 
There was now need for his services as a soldier, 
and he enlisted Sept. 20 that year in Company F, 
35th Illinois Infantry, after which he participated 
in many of the important battles of the war, in- 
cluding the Atlanta campaign. He was severely 
wounded at Rocky Face Ridge, May 11. 1864, and 
on the 18th of July following suffered amputation at 
Nashville, Tenn. Being unable to rejoin his regi- 
ment he was given his honorable discharge and 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



693 



reached home on the 6th of January, 1805. The 
spring following he was elected Assessor of Catlin 
Township and in 1866 took up his abode in Dan- 
ville of which he has since been a resident. 

Air. Alllinnds was married in 1858 to Miss Mary 
J. Hilliary, a native of this county. The four 
children bom of this union were named respect- 
ively; Orvilla A., Grant W., Meltie M.. and Mabel 
E. .Mr. Allliands belongs to tin; Methodist Epis- 
copal, Church, the Republican party, and Kenesaw 
Post, G. A. R. 

WjOHN J. CAMPBELL, a prominent andwell- 

! informed farmer and stock-raiser of Yermil- 
J ion County, was born March 1. 1854 in 
((jaw Newell Township, where lie passed all his 
boyhood days on bis father's farm. When he was 
nineteen years of age be went to college at Craw- 
fordsville, Ind., where he spent one year, after 
which, being equipped with a good education, lie 
began his life work, that of farming. 

Mr. Campbell's father and mother Corroyan 
Campbell and Man (Britingham) Campbell were 
born in New York in 1833. The father removed 
at an early day to Wisconsin where he engaged in 
trade and where he was successful. The wife died 
in 187(1. 

John .1. Campbell married Catherine Gernand, 
daughter of John II. and Tena (Human) Gernand, 
who are natives of Pennsylvania and who came to 
Vermilion County in an early day and settled on a 
farm one mile north of Danville, where Mr. Gei^ 
nand now resides. His wife died Oct. 10. 1863 
and is now resting in the Danville Cemetery. Mrs. 
Campbell received her education in Danville where 
she was reared to womanhood, and is the oldest in 
a family of three children. She was born Oct. 17, 
1850 and is the mother of three children: Charles 
(t.. was born Nov. 'J, 1870 and is at home; Stella 
S. was born Sept. 12, 1878, while the birth of 
Nellie A. occurred on Oct. 8, 1885. After re- 
maining on the farm for about six years Mr. 
Campbell removed to Danville and engaged in the 
grocery business, which be successfully prosecuted 



for about four years, when lie went back to bis 
farm where lie now resides, enjoying life with 
everything comfortable surrounding him. His 
beautiful home consists of 2113 acres of splendid 
land, all in a high state of cultivation and the 
buildings which are erected here are of a substan- 
tial kind. In everything pertaining to the higher 
grades of live-stock Mr. Campbell is an expert. 
He is particularly interested in Short-horn cattle 
of the Bates family and Pomoto strains. He is 
also devoting a great deal of attention to the im- 
provement in the breed of horses and owns some line 
specimens of the Cleveland bays. As a stock-raiser 
there is none more successful in this county than 
he, simply because he invites intelligence to guide 
his efforts in this direction, lie reads extensively 
and profits thereby, and therein lies the success 
of many a man who is engaged in stock-raising 
and general farming. 

Politically, Mr. Campbell is an active Democrat. 
He is always ready and willing to make an honor- 
able fight for his party which he docs wholly on 
principle. Mr'. Campbell is a member of the 
.Methodist Church, while his wife worships with 
the Presbyterians. Mr. Campbell is a member of 
the Masonic Lodge ami has belonged to the order 
since 1852, There is not a man in Vermilion 
County who takes hold of any project with more 
energy than Mr. Campbell, and of course he is 
successful. 






-5— 



\LIVEK P. STUFFLEBEAM. This gentle- 

0] man represents property in this county to 
' the extent of over 1,000 acres of land, and 
occupies an elegant brick residence in Rossville — 
one of the finest in the county outside of Danville. 
His possessions are the result of his own industry 
and good management. During the years of his 
early manhood he labored early and late, having in 
view the accumulation of a competence foi his 
later years, and has arrived at a point very near 
the realization of his ambition. The example of 
his courage under difficulties, is one which max- 
well be imitated by many another young man who. 
like himself, has been early in life thrown on his 



694 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



own resources. Warren County, Ind., was the early 
tramping ground of our subject, where his birth 
took place Feb. 13, 1837. He spent his boyhood 
and youtli in his native county, acquiring a prac- 
tical education in the common school. He had 
been left an orphan at the age of seven years and 
made his home with his maternal uncle, Zebulon 
["oster, until reaching his majority. 

Mr. Stufflebeam came to this county in 1858, and 
in 1*60 purchased a tract of raw land in Ross 
Township. He at once set about its improvement 
and cultivation, and in the course of time set out 
fruit and shade trees, together with hedge fencing, 
and instituted the improvements naturally sug- 
gcsted to the enterprising pioneer. There sprang 
up seven miles west of it the town of Rossville, and 
our subject occupied that farm until 1872. That 
year he removed to another part of his farm, lying- 
in South Branch Township, and lived there until 
his removal to Rossville. Like most of the men 
around him he eventually became interested in 
Stock-raising, which yielded him large profits. 

The residence of Mr. Sufflebeam is finely located 
ami builtof pressed brick, with tasteful trimmings, 
handsomely finished, and within bears the evi- 
dences of refined taste and ample means. A large 
number of natural shade-trees furnish a delightful 
coolness in summer and protect it from the chilling 
winds of winter. Near by is a ten-acre private 
park, heavily wooded, and the object of admiration 
in all the country around. 

The marriage of our subject and Miss Anna 
Johnson, of Tippecanoe County, Ind., was cele- 
brated at the bride's home, March 6, 1862. The 
household circle was completed by the birth of 
eight children, all of whom are living. Ilattie, the 
eldest bom. is the wife of II. H. Brown, of Grant 
Township, and the mother of one child. The other 
children, Caroline, Kittie, Charles, l\arl, Abner, 
Marcia, and Myron remain under the home roof, 
ami are being carefully trained and educated. 

Mrs. Stufflbeam was born May 12, 1841, and is 
the daughter of Abner Johnson, who died in Tip- 
pecanoe County, Ind., Dec. 1, 1885, aged seventy- 
one. His wife, Mrs. Hannah (Fuller) Johnson, had 
preceded him to the silent land, her death taking 
place in January, 1881, when she was sixty-three 



years of age. The father of our subject was John 
Stufflbeam, who was born in Seoharie County, N. 
Y., in 1795. He lived there until reaching man's 
estate, and then started for the West. His first 
wife died in her youth, and he was then married to 
Miss Harriet Ostrander. in Indiana. Subsequently 
he removed to Warren County, that State, and tak- 
ing up new land opened afarmupon which he lived 
and labored until his death on May 4, 1844. Our 
subject, who was the child of the second wife, was 
then less than seven years of age, and his mother 
died in January, 1845, at the early age of twenty- 
nine years. She was born in Kingston, Ross Co., 
Ohio. By her death four children were left in 
orphanage, all of whom lived to mature years, and 
of whom Oliver 1'. was the eldest. His younger 
brother, Morgan, is a resident of Warren County, 
Ind.; Miller (). lives in Kansas; Margaret married 
a Mr. Walters and they live in Washington. 

The paternal grandfather of our subject was 
Michael Stufflebeam, a native of Germany, who 
upon coming to America located on land in Seo- 
harie County, N. Y., where he operated as a farmer 
a number of years. Later he came W r est, to War- 
ren County, Ind., and spent his last days with 
his son. He was born in 1740 and lived to a ripe 
old age. His wife died in Seoharie County, X. V. 
Our subject politically votes the straight Repub- 
lican ticket, but otherwise than this has kept aloof 
from public affairs, preferring to devote his time 
and talents to his farming interests. 



^ff^V INGHAM C.GREEN. There is no better 
indication of a man's life and character 
than the fact that those nearest to him hold 
his name in lasting remembrance and evince 
a desire to perpetuate it in honor and affection. 
The subject of this notice, late a resident of Ross 
Township, this county, departed this life at his 
homestead on section 25, March 2(i, 1888, and has 
left behind him the record of an upright life, fill- 
ed in with benevolence, honesty of purpose and 
all the qualities which form a character worthy of 
imitation. Mr. Green was a native of New York, 




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



005 



Ontario Count}', and was born in September, 1817, 
His father, Benjamin Green, is supposed to have 
been a native of New York State, and was the son 
of Hezekiah Green, who traced his ancestry to Eng- 
lancl. 

Bingham C. spent his early years in his native 
county, and came to Illinois in 1840, settling in 
this county, where he met and married Miss Jose- 
phine, daughter of Alonzo and Mary A. < 1 1 j 1 1 > 
Knight. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Green 
settled upon the farm which has since remained the 
home of the family. It was then only slightly 
improved, and Mr. Green, with characteristic energy 
and perseverance. labored early and late in the cul- 
tivation of the soil, and carrying forward the im- 
provements naturally suggested to the enterprising 
and progressive citizen. He added to his landed 
estate, and at the time of his death was the owner 
of 1 ,000 acres largely devoted to grain and stock- 
raising. This property he had accumulated solely 
by his own industry and good management, having 
begun life without means and dependent upon his 
own resources. 

Mr. Green was an active member of the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church, in which he officiated as 
Trustee and to which he contributed liberally for 
its support. The Green homestead is excelled by 
none in the county in point of beauty and location 
and natural attractions, which have been augmented 
by the exercise of cultivated tastes and ample 
means. The residence stands about. 200 yards 
from the road. and is approached by a gravel drive 
through a pretty grove, which lends coolness in 
summer and protection from the blasts of winter. 

The parents of Mrs. Green were natives of Ver- 
mont and came to Illinois in their youth. Mr. 
Knight for many years operated as a contractor., 
and as such assisted in the construction of the 
Erie Canal. Later he was interested in a saw-mill. 
To Mr. and Mrs. Green there were born seven chil- 
dren: Ellen, the eldest daughter, is" the wife of 
William A. Yeazel of this county, and they have 
seven children; May married C. G. Wilber, of 
this county, and they have two children; Maurice 
L. married Miss Mary Thompson and they have 
two children; Charles and Eva F. remain at home 
with their mother; El wood and Clark died when 



quite young. Ellen belongs to the United Brethren 
Church, anil Mrs. Green with her other children is 
a Methodist in religious belief, being connected 
with the church at Mann's Chapel. 



**-»- 



fiy^ HS. LUCINDA COOPER is the widow of 
lohn E. Cooper, who died Aug. 8, 1882. 
'* She is the daughter of Larkin and Jennie 
(Boyce) Cook; the father was a native of 
Ohio or Virginia, the mother of Ohio. Her parents 
were married in Dearborn County, Ohio, where 
they lived on a farm for some time, when they 
removed to Indiana. Afterward they again removed 
in 1827 to Vermilion County, 111. Her father was 
noted for his strict integrity, and with his amiable 
wife, soon became known far and wide for their 
genial dispositions. Their home became famous 
for hospitality, and they were the leaders in all the 
merry-making around. They had ten children, 
Mrs. Cooper being the eighth in order of birth. 

Mrs. Cooper first saw the light of day in Dear- 
born County, Ind. Although but four years old 
when she left her old home in Indiana, she can 
remember it very well, and loves to recall incidents 
that happened there. When twenty-three years 
old she married Mr. John E. Cooper, a native of 
Kentucky. Although a Kentuckian by birth, Mr. 
t ooper was reared in Greene County, Ohio. Com- 
ing to Illinois when eighteen, he met and married 
his wife when he was twenty-seven. Fourteen 
years after marriage Mr. and Mis. Cooper moved 
on their present farm, becoming the owners of bid 
acres. 

Their union has been blessed by eleven children: 
Robert and Eliza, died in infancy; George, Clara. 
Johnnie, Sallie, Anna. Charles, Lizzie, Kate and 
Quinn. George married Miss Carrie Moreland, 
and they live in Greencaslle, Ind. He is in the 
livery business. They have three children — Opa, 
Everett and Glen. Jennie married Russell Jones, 
and they reside on their farm neat Carthage. Mo. 
They have one child, Bertie. .lohn married .Miss 
Nora Hill, and resides in < i ivcncastle. Ind., being 
in partnership in business with his brother George 



C'.n; 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



They have three children, Elmo, L. G.,and Jennie. 
Sallie married John Gilky, who died in 1879. She 
now makes her home with her mother at the 
Cooper homestead, and has two children — Sygna 
E. anil I Ira A. Anna still brightens her mother's 
home with her presence. Charles, who married 
Miss Katie Moreland, resides in Carroll Township, 
Vermilion County, where he Ikis a line farm. They 
have two children — Fleda and Louis. Will More- 
land, now of Chrisman, 111., where he is engaged 
in tlie livery business, married Lizzie, who died in 
1881, leaving one child, John. Kale married 
Jethrow Jones, a commercial man. and they now 
live in Fori Scott, Kan. They have four children 
— Elgic, Lelah, .1. C. and Cora. Quinn manages 
the home farm, and has proven an adept in agri- 
cultural matters. 

Mrs. Cooper is a lady of elegant manners and 
refined tastes, belonging to oneof the best families 
of our country. She has the finest home in George- 
town Township and one that will compare favor- 
ably with any place in the State. 



^psAUSAN E. ROSS, is the widow of John 

^g# Ross and is operating 115 acres of land in 

III// D) Sidell Township. She is a daughter of 

Samuel and Eleanor McCray, who were 

horn in Virginia. In 1832 Mr. McCray came with 

his father to Clinton County, Iml., where he lie. 

came a fanner. He continued in that business 

with a large degree of success until his death which 

occurred in 1811) at the age of fifty-five years. II is 

wife died at the home of Mis. Ross. They were 

the parents of ten children: John C, Mary E., 

James R., George G., Susan E., Nancy E., Martha, 

and Samuel. Two died in infancy unnamed. 

Mrs Ross is the only oneof this large family now- 
living. John and James enlisted during the war 
of the Rebellion and the former was shot at Mur- 
freesboro, where he died, while James was drowned 
in the Missouri River on his way to the field of 
battle. So it will be seen that her family contrib- 
uted its share to the putting down of the great re- 
bellion. Mrs. Ross was born Oct. 17, 1N31, in 



Rockbridge County, Va. Her early days in her 
native County were spent on her father's farm and 
she received no schooling until she came to Indiana. 
On March '.). 1854, she was married to John Ross, 
who was born in Butler County, Ohio, and came to 
Indiana in an early day with his parents. He con- 
tracted his first marriage on Felt. 11, 1838, the 
bride being Rebecca C. I)avis. After his second 
marriage Mr. and Mrs. Ross lived on a farm in 
Indiana, for a year and a half, and in the early part 
of 1856, he and his wife removed to Illinois, set- 
tling on the banks of the Little Vermilion River. 
They lived with Mr. Ross's brother until their 
house on their present farm was completed, and in 
this house Mr. Ross lived until the day of his 
death, and Mrs. Ross has continued to reside there 
since. They became the parents of ten children : 
Rebecca J.; Mary E.; Martha A.; Samuel J., who 
died at the age of eleven months; Almeda; two in- 
fants who died; John and Williams, twins, the lat- 
ter dying at. the age of two years and six months, 
and Elizabeth. Rebecca married George W. Huff- 
man. She died in 1875, leaving two boys: Weldon 
<i. and Charles C. Mary E. is the wife of W. I). 
Brad field, who is now in charge of the Ross farm. 
They own a farm in Kansas. Martha A. married 
Isaac M. Cundifl. a resident of Saunders County, 
Neb. They have three children: L. Lester, Orville 
and Elizabeth. Almeda married J. W. McCoy, of 
Wyandotte, Kan. They have one child — Clarence 
]>. John is a student at Galesburg, 111., and grad- 
uated in June, 1889. Elizabeth is the wife of 
John D. Daniels, a teacher residing at Archie. 

Mr. and Mrs. Ross made all the improvements 
mi their farm, which are quite valuable. They 
worked hard to accomplish an end and nobly suc- 
ceeded. Mr. Ross died April 5, 1877. He was a 
member of the Masonic fraternity and a man of 
most excellent character, and is remembered as one 
of the kindest men in this community. He was 
commonly called '-Uncle John," which is an evi- 
dence of the respect borne him by his neighbors. 
He and his wife early joined the Cumberland Pres- 
byterian Church, he remaining a consistent and 
worthy member of that organization up to the 
time of his death, while his wife still worships at 
the same place. Mrs. Ross is living in the enjoy- 



PORTRAIT AM) BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



695 



ment of what >-l n- lias earned by the early sacri- 
fices of her pioneer days, and there is not a person 
who will begrudge her any comfort she may enjoy. 
She is one of the best of women, and by her chil- 
dren, will be remembered always as one of the 
kindest of mothers, while her husband's memory will 
be cherished as long as any of liis descendants 
live. 



*» -^ <$ +££>}. -KH-- 



ASPKR JAMBS LANGLEY, born in Dan- 
ville Township, Vermilion County, Feb. 25, 

IJ 1835, in the pioneer home of one of the 

well-known early settlers of this region, is now one 
of its representative citizens. He is one of the 
most extensive land owners of the township, and 
is a man of weight and influence in the community 
where his life has been passed. 

Nathaniel Langley, the father of our subject, 
was born in Nelson County, Ky.. his father having 
been a pioneer of that county, spending his last 
years there. The father was reared in the place of 
his birth, and was there married, continuing to live 
there till about 1830, when he came with his family 
to this county, the removal being made with teams. 
He located in Danville 'Township, buying seventy 
acres of timber land on section 27. He built a 
lot: house, in which the family lived about three 
vears. He then sold that place, and bought over 
200 acres on sections 2C and 27, this township, and 
made his home thereon till death called him to a 
higher sphere in 1848. at which time the community 
lost a valuable citizen — one who had ever taken a 
warm interest in its welfare, and had promoted it, 
to the best of his ability. 'The maiden name of 
his wife was Margaret Holtshouser. She was born 
in Nelson County. Ky.. a daughter of John Holts- 
houser, who had gone from his native State. North 
Carolina, to Kentucky in pioneer times, and was 
one of the earliest settlers of Nelson County. 
'There were no roads at that time, and the removal 
was made with mules, on which the household 
goods were packed, lie cleared a farm, and was a 
resident there till death closed his earthh career, 
when be attained the age of nearly one hundred 
vears, his wife also attaining the same remarkable 



age. The mother of our subject died on the home 
farm in 18G5. There were four children born of 
her marriage: Elizabeth married John Stevenson, 
and now lives in Danville Township; Thomas and 
Charles are dead. 

'The subject of this sketch was the youngest 
child of the family. He attended the pioneer 
schools taught in a log schoolhouse, with home- 
made furniture, the benches being made of pun- 
cheon, with pins for legs. When be was young, 
deer and other wild game were plentiful, and our 
subject used to find pleasure in hunting and sup- 
plying the table with the delicacies of the chase. 
'There were no railroads here for years, and his 
father used to go to Chicago, 125 miles distant, 
it taking from seven to ten days to make the 
journey over the rough roads. Our subject was 
thirteen years old when his father died, and he 
continued to live with his mother and to assist 
her in the management of the farm till her death. 
After his marriage he settled on his present place, 
and has been actively engaged in carrying it 
on. He has been very much prospered, and his 
496 acres of choice land are in a high state 
of cultivation, and the improvements compare with 
the best in the township. He has erected aline set 
of frame buildings, with all the modern conve- 
niences, and has good machinery to carry on his 
work. 

In the wife, to whom he was married in August, 
18G5, he has found an able helpmate, one who has 
co-Operated with him in his work, and makes his 
home comfortable and cosy. 'Their pleasant house- 
hold circle is completed by the presence of their 
nine children — Leona, Nora. Margaret. Hortense, 
Isa belle. Roscoe C. Joseph, Bessie and James Blaine. 
Mrs. Langley's maiden name was Isabelle Ander- 
son, and she was born in Fulton County, N. V.. a 
daughter of William and Martha (Warner) An- 
derson. Her father was born in the North of 
Ireland, of Scotch ancestry, and came to America 
in 1812. He located in New York State, and in 
1819 married in Albany. A few years afterwards 
he bought a farm in Fulton County, and engaged 
in farming there till his death , in 1851. Mrs. 
Langley's mother was born in Balston, Saratoga 
Co., N. Y. In 1852, with her children, she moved 



C'.IS 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



to Perrysville, Ind., ai.d resided there several years, 
Anally coming to Danville, where she died in the 
home of our subject, Dec. 16, 1877. 

Mr. Langley is in every way a credit to the citi- 
zenship of his native county, as he is a man of fine 
personal character, whose habits are exemplary, 
and lie deserves the confidence and respect of his 
fellow-citizens, who have watched his career with 
satisfaction. In him the Republican party of this 
part of the State finds one of its most intelligent 
and stanch champions. Mrs. Langley is a valued 
member of the United Brethren Church, and is in 
all respects a sincere Christian. 




•/ILLIAM II. SCONCE. Among the men 
who looked upon Vermilion County in its 
pioneer days, the subject of this notice is 
worthy of more than a passing mention. He has 
occupied one farm since 1858, a period of thirty-one 
years, having settled upon it when it was nothing 
bul raw prairie, without tree, shrub, of building. 
He labored early and late in the improvement of his 
property, lived economically and prudently, and at 
the same time watched the growth and develep- 
nient of this section of country with the interest 
which is always felt by the intelligent and pro- 
gressive citizen. He lent a helping hand to those 
in need during the early days, and has not yet 
parted with his character for probity, benevolence 
and kindness. Without making any great display 
in the world, he has lived the life of an honest man 
and a good citizen, loyal to his home and his coun- 
try, and contributing his full share toward the 
progress and development of his adopted county. 
A native of Bourbon County, Ky., our subject 
was born May 1, 1823, and spent his childhood in 
the Blue Grass State. He distinctly remembers 
the journey to Illinois, and that the family crossed 
the Ohio River at Cincinnati in October, 1830. 
Later they crossed the Wabash on a cold, cloudy 
day, and arrived at Brooks Point the latter part of 
the month. There wa> an abundance of wild game 
and a great many snakes, and in the spring the 
horizon was darkened by the smoke of prairie fires. 



In the waters of the Wabash were pike, suckers, 
perch, bass and other choice specimens of the finny 
tribe. 

.Air. Sconce pursued his early studies in a log 
school-house, with its huge fireplace; the chimney 
outside of earth and sticks, and its one small win- 
dow. The seats and desks were home-made, and 
the school was conducted on the subscription plan 
three months every winter. His father engaged 
in stock-raising, selling lo home buyers. Our sub- 
ject made three trips down the river to New Or- 
leans with produce loaded on a llatboat or barge, 
which excursions he enjoyed very much, because 
they afforded him an opportunity of seeing the 
country. 

Our subject was married Oct. is, IS.");"), to Miss 
Catherine, born Aug. 1, 1 M37, in Burr, Tipperary 
Co., Ireland, to John and Mary O'Marrow, who 
were natives of Ireland, where the father spent his 
entire life. He died when his daughter, the wife 
of our subject, was small, and the widowed mother, 
with her four children, two sons and two daughters, 
sought a home in the United States. The date of 
her removal from Ireland was 1849, and three 
months were consumed in crossing the ocean. They 
settled in Xenia, Ohio, which was her home for a 
period of more than seven years. In 18J7 she 
came to. Georgetown, 111., and on the 18th of Oc- 
tober, as before mentioned, she was united in the 
holy bonds of matrimony with William II. Sconce. 
Mr. Sconce made his first purchase of land about 
this time — eighty acres — upon which he settled 
with his young wife after his marriage, and which 
was then uncultivated prairie. Later he purchased 
another eighty acres, and brought the whole to a 
good state of cultivation. 

Seven children came to bless the union of our 
subject and his estimable wife, the eldest of whom, 
a daughter, Lucy E. L., married Charles Thompson, 
a prosperous farmer of Sidell Township, and they 
have one child — Mary C. The next daughter, 
Mary M. J., married Joseph Willison, and they 
have five children — Asil William, Norah M., Or- 
rellG.. Joseph E. and John E. ; they live on a farm 
in Carroll Township, and are doing well. Cerro 
Gordo married John Cheney, and they have two 
children — Leslie G. and a babe named Treovie O. - 



PORTRAIT AM) BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



CO!) 



they live <>n a farm in Carrol] Township. Lilly F. 
married Kemp A. Catlett, a farmer and n stock- 
breeder of Fulton County, and they live near Fair 
View; they had one child — Bessie A. Luella mar- 
ried W. C. Lay ton, a fanner of Fulton County. 
John \V . C. and Altliea 1). are at home with their 
parents. 

Mr. Sconce votes the straight Republican ticket 
and is at present the Drain Commissioner of his 
township. He has served as School Director sev- 
eral years. He belongs to the .Masonic fraternity 
at Georgetown, while his estimable wife lias been 
a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church since 1861. Their daughters Lucy and 
Lilly completed their studies in the Normal School 
at Danville, and subsequently engaged as teacher-. 

The parents of our subject were .lohn L and 
Lucy (Spicer) Sconce, the father a native of Nich- 
olas County, Ky.. bom near North Middlcton, and 
the mother a native of Bourbon County. They 
were married in the latter county, where the elder 
Sconce carried on farming until emigrating to Illi- 
nois, in 1830. He settled at Brooks Point, about 
six miles south of Danville, where he engaged in 
farming and was prospered. The mother died at 
Brooks Point in 1854, at the age of fifty-six years, 
leaving nine children, of whom only David and 
Philemon S. are living. The others were named. 
respectively: Minerva J., Louisa A. D.. John R., 
Elizabeth Lucy, Martha S. and Susanna A. These 
are located mostly in this county. 

On another page appears a fine view of the 
pleasant residence of Mr. and Mrs. Sconce. 

yll.LIAM II. GARDNER, editor and pro- 
prietor of the Rossville Weekly Press, Ross- 
ville, 111., formerly of St. Joseph County. 
Mich., although having been only a brief time a 
resident of this place, has already established him- 
self in the esteem and confidence of the citizens. 
He is a gentleman of ability, and of excellent fam- 
ily, a native of Steuben Count}-, X. V.. anil born 
March 15, 1830. 

Hiram Gardner, the father of our subject, was 



born in Bristol County, R. I., whence he removed 
io Steuben County, N. Y., when it was a wilder- 
ness, constructed a comfortable homestead after 
years of industrious labor, and there spent the last 
years of his life. The wife of his youth was Miss 
Sarah I'alehen. and they became the parents of two 
children. Both the latter are living, the brother 
residing at Cooper's Plains, N. Y. 

The subject of this sketch crew up amid the 
scenes of pioneer life in the Empire State, reeeiv- 
ing such education as the imperfect school system 
of that day afforded. His education was carried 
on mostly during the winter season, while the bal- 
ance of the year he made himself useful around 
tlie homestead, manufacturing rails and shingles, 
driving oxen and utilizing himself in whatever 
manner required. When out of school he by no 
means neglected his books, making a practice of 
reading as time and opportunity presented. At the 
age of nineteen years he commenced teaching, and 
officiated thereafter as a pedagogue for a period of 
more than twenty years. Leaving his native State 
in the spring of 185(1, he emigrated to Lee County, 
ill., where he employed himself in farming and 
teaching, and became a prominent citizen in con- 
nection with educational affairs. He was twice 
elected Superintendent of Schools. During the war 
he got out timber for the United States Govern- 
ment, and upon one occasion seven days from the 
time the trees stood in the forest, a bridge was 
made of them spanning a river in Tennessee. 

Mr. Gardner has been engaged in the newspaper 
work since 1866, being formerly part owner of the 
Grand Rapids Democrat, lie withdrew from this 
to enter the office of H. N. F. Lewis, publisher of 
the Western Rural, at Chicago, and took the first 
older for advertising for that paper, nailing up 
the first office sign for it in Chicago. He con- 
ducted the affairs of this office one year, when the 
main office was removed from Detroit to Chicago, 

and Mr. Gardner became traveling corresj denl 

and editor. Later he Was connected with the 
/tun, inn Journal for a period of eleven years. He 
purchased the St. Joseph County Republican in 
May. 1888, of which he took charge in the July 
following. It was a spicy, six-column octavo de- 
voted to the interests of the county and Repub- 



TOO 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



liean party, At present lie is managing- the affairs 
of the Rossvillc Weekly Press with his customary 
ability and tact. 

The marriage of William II. Gardner and Miss 
Margaret Holmes was celebrated in Homer, N. Y.. 
Dee. 31, 1855. This lady was the daughter of 
Amasa Holmes, of Homer, and of her union with 
our subject there were born two children, one of 
whom, fiances, became the wifejof Walter Chad- 
band, Superintendent of Rosehill Cemetery. They 
reside in the beautiful suburb of Roger's Park, 
near Chicago. Mrs. Margaret ( Holmes) Gardner 
departed this life at her home, in Rogers Park, 
March 2, 1888. She was a lady highly esteemed 
by her acquaintances, a member in good standing 
of the Baptist Church, and an active Christian 
worker. 



Tir5~ 



Sj=*RA'NCIS A. RICHARDSON. In addition 
IrsmN! to being a thorough and skillful farmer. 
/Iv, this gentleman possesses mechanical genius 

of no mean order, is expert with tools and occupied 
largely as a carpenter and builder. He is remark- 
ably industrious and energetic, never content with 
being idle, and operates successfully a good farm 
of 267 acres in Georgetown Township. Ik' has 
spent his entire life in this legion, having been 
born in Vermilion County, Ind., in what was then 
called Springfield, Dec. 17, 1846. The opening 
years of his life were spent upon the farm where 
he made himself useful as his size and strength 
permitted, and acquired his early education in the 
district school. In the meantime, while yet a boy, 
he began to use carpenter tools and in 1868 en- 
gaged as a contractor. Thereafter be superin- 
tended the building of many houses in that immed- 
iate vicinity. He also at the same time engaged in 
moving houses, and operated a threshing machine 
and a steam sawmill in Georgetown Township, this 
county. 

When twenty-two years old Mr. Richardson was 
married, in 18G8 to Miss Mary E., daughter of 
Isaac and Elizabeth (Cook) Thornton. Mrs. Rich- 
ardson was born in Elwood Township, Vermilion 
County, and removed with her parents to Iowa 



when a small child. They finally returned to Ver- 
milion County, where they are now living. They 
had a family of four children — Mary E., Derinda, 
Matilda Esther and Edom. Miss Mary remained 
under the parental roof, acquiring a common-school 
education and becoming familiar with all house- 
wifely duties. Of her union with our subject there 
have also been born four children— Horace M., 
Harmon A.. Orpheus A. and Alvia A. Mr. and 
Mrs. Richardson belong to the Christian Church 
and Mr. Richardson, politically, is a sound Repub- 
lican, lie has mingled very little with public af- 
fairs, simply serving as a School Director in his 
district six years. 

The parents of our subject were Adoniram Jud- 
son and Maria (Taylor) Richardson, who were 
natives of New Hampshire where they were reared 
and married. After marriage they emigrated to 
Indiana, settling in the vicinity of Terre Haute 
and later changed their residence to Vermilion 
County, that State. They finally removed to 
Georgetown Township, where they are still living, 
both having arrived to the advanced age of eighty - 
four years. They are the parents of nine children, 
viz. : George T;, Man- A., deceased; Martha A;, 
Francis K., and William II.. deceased; Sarah E., 
John T;, Ferona E., deceased and Francis A. 



,« Ij.ILLIAM 1. A 
\jyj// settlers of Ea 
VW State in 1 844 



,»ILLIAM 1. ALLEN, one of the earliest 
'"astern Illinois, came to the 
844 and to this county the year 
following. He settled in the vicinity of Danville, 
and for three years thereafter taught the village 
and adjoining schools. He entered land now oc- 
cupied by the northwestern part of Iloopeston, but 
at that time a tract of uncultivated ground, 
over which deer, wolves, prairie chickens and other 
wild creatures had up to this time wandered un- 
disturbed by man. There was not a tree or shrub in 
sight and the pioneer, after erecting his cabin, fre- 
quently stood in his door and counted numbers of 
deer, sometimes as high as sixty in one herd. 

Mr. Allen came to this county a single man. but 
after becoming settled was married, Oct. 17, 1848, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



7()t 



to Miss Emily Newell. He then commenced break- 
ing liis prairie land, and in due time put up a 
bouse and barn, set out an orchard, planted hedges 
and proceeded with the improvements naturally 
suggested to one of his progressive mind and in- 
dustrious habits, lie occupied his farm during 
the summer months and in winter taught school, 
and studied and practiced law for a number of 
years. Finally he sold out to Mr. Hoopes and set- 
tled six miles west where East Lynn now stands. 
By entering and purchase he acquired 3,200 acres 
of land which was mostly devoted to grazing, 
although he carried on agriculture considerably. 
He put up three houses and effected other improve- 
ments, remaining there until after the outbreak of 
the Civil War. He then enlisted in Company (', 
1 2th Illinois Infantry, which regiment was first 
ordered to Cairo and then to Paducah, Ky. Mr. 
Allen in due time was presented with a Captain's 
commission, bul was obliged to resign on account 
of disability, and returned home. 

Our subject now occupied his farm for a time, 
then purchased 500 acres in the vicinity of Ross- 
ville. A few years later ho sold oul once more 
and returned to the northern part of East Lynn, 
which was located on a part of the old farm, about 
the time the railroad was built through. In 1884 
he went to Cherry County. Neb., but in 1888 re- 
turned to Hoopeston, where he still lives. He has 
built up for himself a good record, serving as 
County Treasurer two terms and the same length 
of time as School Commissioner. He usually 
votes with the Republican party, and is proud of 
the fact thai in all his life he never casl a ballol 
for a Democrat. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Allen there were born six chil- 
dren, live of whom are living, namely: Hugh A. 
of Holt County. Neb.; Charles A., who is repre- 
sented elsewhere in this work: .Mary. Mrs. Thomas 
Van Brunt; Emily X.. who i* unmarried; Clyde II. 
and Martha, who died in January, 1880 at the age 
of twenty-three years. Mrs. Emily (Newell) Allen 
was horn in Kentucky in 1824 and came to Illinois 
with her parents when a small child. Newell 
Township was named after her father. James 
Newell, who was a prominent farmer and useful 
citizen. Our subject's lather, Asapll Allen was a 



native of Massachusetts, hut reared in Vermont 
and was married to Miss Sarah McCloud. They emi- 
grated to Franklin County. ( >hio. settling upon land 
now occupied by a part of the city of Columbus. 
Finally they removed over the line into Madison 
County, and lived until a few years ago when the 
father dieil at the age of eighty -three. The mother 
of Mr. Allen died while he was an infant. 



« WILLIAM FLEW 

\gj[ tor of the IIoo 

Wi in Gurnsey C« 



"Wig* 

ILLIAM FLEMING, editor and proprie- 
nopeston Democrat, was born 
'ounty. Ohio, .Inly 2, 1846, 
where he spent a large portion of his boyhood, 
moving from there to Birds Run, Tuscarawas 
County, and from there to West Lafayette. Cosh- 
octon, Co., Ohio; after a residence at the latter 
place a number of years he went to Cadiz, Harri- 
son. Co., Ohio, where he learned the printing busi- 
ness on the Sentinel, published by the Hon. C. N. 
Allen. Here. Mr. Fleming worked till the war-fever 
seized him. Being refused the privilege of volun- 
teering on account of youthfulness, by Mr. Allen, 
his uncle, he repaired to Tod's Barracks. Columbus. 
Ohio, and on the 19th day of February, L864, vol- 
unteered for the Infantry service for three years or 
during the war. and was assigned to Company II. 
88th Ohio Infantry, and was on duty at Camp 
Chase, Ohio, guarding and transporting prisoners 
all of the term of his service. He was discharged 
.Inly :!. 1865, 1>\ reason of General Order. No. 136, 
headquarters, Northern Department, Cincinnati. 
Ohio, the war being over. One month after his 
discharge from the army, Mr. Fleming's father died 
leaving a family of eight children and with no 
means of support. With characteristic energy 
that is worthy of all praise, he went to work on a 
railroad section at $1.50 per day. to keep his 
brothers and sisters together. 

After three years of hard service in this line his 
brothers grew up. so that they could lake care of 
themselves b3 the older ones working out. when 
Mr. Fleming returned to his trade, that of a printer. 
engaging in an office at Kansas City, Mo., remain- 
ing there for some time, hut finally returning to 



702 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Crescent City, Iroquois Co., 111., whore he married 
Miss Frances Hunter, on the 2611! day of March, 
1874. From there he went to Hoopeston and 
worked for seven years and three months as fore- 
man of the Chronicle. He was finally induced to 
take charge of the Hoopeston Journal and edit and 
publish it, which he did April 27,1882. On Novem- 
ber 10, of the same year, he bought the plant and 
ran the paper until September, 3, 1885, when he 
sold it to a syndicate. On November 10. he dung 
to the breezes the Hoopeston Independent, which 
met with favor with the people. This paper lie 
published eighteen months, when he bought the 
Hoopeston Journal and merged the two papers 
into the Hoopeston Democrat, which he still con- 
ducts with ability and energy. 

By his first wife Mr. Fleming was the father of 
two children, one of whom is still living— Ella. 
His first wife died at Hoopeston, March 12, 1881. 
He afterward married Mrs. Alice M. Hiller nee in- 
born, and by this union two boys were born— 
Leroy and Jay. Thornton Fleming, the father of 
William, was a merchant of West Lafayette. Ohio, 
and married Miss Eliza Ann Gorseline. He died 
at the last named place, and his wife is now living 
at Kearney, Neb. Mr. Fleming is conducting his 
paper with success, and it is looked upon as a re- 
liable journal. His advertising patronage is good, 
and upon the whole he is scoring a success in his 
enterprise of maintaining a first-class paper at 
Hoopeston. 



UGH MONTGOMERY ROBINSON, of 
Champaign, 111., familiarly known in Fair- 
mount and vicinity as "Mont Robinson," 
!||| while not one of the earliest settlers of this 
county, came here when the prairie was not con- 
sidered suitable for human habitations, and the 
residents were mostly timber settlers, very few 
having yet ventured far from the woods. He was 
born in Darrtown, Butler Co., Ohio, Sept. 7, 1835, 
and came to the Wabash Valley in the spring of 
1853. His father was a native of Harrisburg, Pa. 
and his mother was a member of the Valliant(origin- 



ally Valiant, from France) family from the eastern 
shore of Maryland, some of whom figured conspicu- 
ously in official positions in Baltimore and oilier 
places in that State 

At the age of twenty years Mr. Robinson was 
married, Nov. 28, 1855 to Miss Mary Jane, a 
daughter of Isaac Dickason of Perrysville. For 
sonic time afterward he worked at Danville, lint 
was deterred from moving his family to that vil- 
lage on account of its notoriety as a milk-sick cen- 
ter. Very few people moved to Danville in those 
days on that account. Later, Mr. Robinson ven- 
tured within three miles of the place and finally 
took up his residence within it-. He resided there 
six years and in LS(I2 changed his residence to Sid- 
ney. In 1865 he removed to Fairmount, of which 
he was a resident until July, 1889. His next re- 
moval was to Champaign, in order to establish a 
new Democratic paper, the Champaign Orbit. 

In the meantime, in 1882. Mr. Robinson was 
seized with Bright's disease and not being able 
to follow his trade of slioe-making, himself and his 
daughter, Ida, started a small paper, which they 
named the Fairmount Veto, intending only to pub- 
lish this until the health of Mr. Robinson should 
be restored and he could return to his trade. By 
means of an exclusively skimmed-milk diet Mr. 
Robinson not only regained his health, but was even 
better than he had ever been before in all his life, 
and indeed is practically ten years younger than 
when he commenced this treatment. He wishes 
this fact recorded so that others may be benefited 
by the experiment. 

The Veto became eminently successful and pop- 
ular and was continued until the removal to Cham- 
paign. Miss Ida Robinson deserves especial 
mention for the part she has borne in making the 
Veto a signal success. In 188(1, in connection with 
this, Miss Ida and her father established the Sid- 
ney By-Way and this too proved a fortunate ven- 
ture. Afterward Mr. Robinson turned over the 
establishment to his widowed daughter, Mrs. Eva 
Stewart, wdio is conducting it singly and alone 
and making it a paying institution. 

Mrs. Mary Jane (Dickason) Robinson was born 
in Fountain County, hid., March 19, 1S37. Eva, 
the eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Roliinson was 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBCM. 



703 



born in Paris, 111., Oct. 2, 1856. Their oldest son, 
Hart Benton, now married and living in Sidney 
was born in Danville. Aug. 15, 1858; Ida was 
also born in Danville, May is. I860; Larkin Gray, 
the youngest, was born in Fairnionnt, Aug. 13, 
1869. They now reside at No. 311, Last Clark 
Street. Champaign, where they will welcome any 
of their old-time friends,_ and hope to cultivate 
new ones'. 



| 



\f/OSKPH MOSS. In the career of the subject 
of this notice, we find an excellent exam- 
ple for young men just embarking in the 
Held of active life, of what may be accom- 
plished by a man beginning poor, but honest. 
prudent and industrious. Mr. Moss in early life en- 
joyed but few advantages. His school days were 
limited nor had he wealth or position to aid him in 
his struggle with the world. He was obliged to rel}' 
solely upon his own efforts to win for him success, 
and he has reason to believe that his labors both of 
hand and brain have not been for naught. lie is 
now in comfortable circumstances, retired from 
active labor, and has a very pleasant home; com- 
prising a well-tilled farm in Middle Fork Town- 
ship. 

The Moss homestead is especially noticeable on 
account of its modern improvements, including a 
fine artesian well from which Hows a constant 
stream of water through the milk house, and to tanks 
in the barnyard for the accommodation of the stock 
and whatever other purpose required. The build- 
ings are commodious and conveniently arranged 
and the farm-machinery is Qrst-class. 

Next in importance to the personal historj of our 
subject is the record of those from whom he sprang. 
His 'paternal grandfather Moss, it, is believed, was 
born in Germany and after his emigration to 
America died in one of the Eastern States. Among 
his sons was John, the father of our subject, who 
spent his early years in Ohio where be was married, 
ami whence he came to Illinois when his son, Jo- 
seph, was four years of age. The latter was horn 
in Preble County, Ohio. The journey to this 
county was made overland by teams, the party con- 



sisting of the parents of our subject with their 
three children, the paternal grandparents and the 
step-grandfather, the grandmother having died 
many years previously. John Moss and his step- 
father entered eighty acres of land in the vicinity 
of Georgetown, this county, where Mr. Moss estab- 
lished a lanyard, which he operated until the fall 
of 1826, when his labors were cut short by his 
death. 

The widowed mother of our subject, Mrs. Cathe- 
rine Moss, was left with three small children,— 
Joseph, Jesse and Elmore. They experienced 
many hardships and difficulties until Joseph was old 

ci gli to assist, in the support of the family. 

When he was thirteen years old his mother was 
married to Mr. George Swisher, and Joseph was 
bound out until he should become nineteen years 
of age. Mr. and Mrs. Swisher became the parents 
of three children. — John, George and a daughter 
now deceased. The mother died in this county 
about bsl 1. 

roung Moss, when released from his bondage at 
the age of nineteen years, began to paddle his own 
canoe and engaged as a farm laborer by the month. 
His honesty and industry secured him friends on 
every hand and in due time he was in a condition 
to establish a home of his own. On the 17th of 
April. 1815, he was married to Miss Delilah Stair. 
who like himself was a native of Preble County 
Ohio. The young people began housekeeping in a 
log cabin, the chinks stopped up with mud, the 
lire-place laid with earth and the floor of puncheon. 
The chimney was built outside of earth and slicks. 
and a clapboard door was hung on wooden hinges 
closing with a wooden latch raised by a string. 
They occupied this domicile one summer then re- 
moved to a larger cabin lint furnished pretty much 
in the same style. Mr. Moss after his marriage was 
employe. 1 tor a time in a carding-mill. then began 
farming and finally purchased sixty acres of land 
near Myersville. for which he contracted to pay 
*:'>5l>. He paid cash down $150, and eighteen 
months later sold the land at an advance of $50. 

About 1850 Air. Moss entered 160 acres of wild 
land in Middle Fork Township, located near Blue 
(Jra-s Grove. lie put 11)1 a small frame house, 
made some other improvements and lived there 



704 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



until March, 1884. In that year he purchased 
and took possession of his present home where 
he has twenty-seven acres of choice land and 
elsewhere has 300 acres, all improved, besides 
property in Potomac. He has given his son, John 
B., eighty acres of land, thus providing him with 
a fine start in life. His daughter, Sarah A., is the 
wife of Benjamin Wise. These two are the only 
children of Mr. Moss. He and his estimable wife 
belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church in 
which Mr. Moss has held the office of Steward and 
Trustee. He identified himself with the church 
when a young man, twenty-two years of age, while 
Mrs. Moss has been a member since a maiden of 
sixteen. They have been acquainted with each 
other from the time when in his youth our subject 
assisted father Starr in the harvest field and raked 
hay with a hand rake. 

Peter and Catherine (Hewet) Starr, the parents 
of Mrs. Moss were natives of North Carolina and 
removed to Preble County, Ohio, where they lived 
many years and where Mrs. Moss was born. Tiny 
came to this county in in 1830 and located on land 
three miles west of State Line City, where the} 7 so- 
journed many years. After the parents had trav- 
eled the journey of life together over fifty years 
and were too old to be left alone, they took up 
their abode with our subject. Mr. Starr departed 
this life Feb. 20, 18G2. The mother survived her 
husband many years, passing away April 18, 1881. 

/2-g APT. SAMUEL FRAZIER. This honored 
(ll old veteran or nearly eighty-three years, is 

vf^l' one of the pioneers of '33, coming to this 
county when a young man of twenty-seven years. 
During the long period of fifty-six years which 
he has spent in Central Illinois, there has passed 
like a panorama before his eyes the change 
which has transformed the wide and houseless prai- 
rie into the homes of an intelligent and civilized 
people. The slow ox team of the early emigrant 
has given place to the hurry and dispatch of steam; 
three important wars have been fought, and a free 
people each time come off victorious; men have 



changed for the better in their ideas of labor and 
their pride in progress, and the intelligent man be- 
lieves that the world is growing better in propor- 
tion to its increasing population. 

The middle of September, 1833, found the sub- 
ject of this sketch established on a tract of land 
two miles northwest of what is now Catlin. but 
was then a lonely prairie. His life prior to this 
had been spent in the Buckeye State, when' he was 
born Sept. 13, 1806, in the Township of Hubbard, 
Trumbull County. When a lad of six years his 
father enlisted as a soldier in the war of L812. He 
returned home the year following, disposed of his 
interests in Trumbull County, and settled at 
Springfield, about fiftceen miles from Cincinnati. 
The family sojourned there four years, then re- 
moved to Dearborn County, Ind., where the father 
secured a tract of land, and where the subject of 
our sketch remained with them until a youth of 
eighteen ' year's. Then, desirous of a change, he 
began following the river, ftatboating and steam- 
boating, and iu 1824 was at Natchez, Miss., about 
the time of the visit of Gen. Lafayette at that 
place. Our subject looked upon the present great 
city of Cincinnati before a single pavement was 
laid. After the family came to this county he em- 
ployed himself mostly at farming. Prior to com- 
ing to Illinois, our subject made the acquaintance 
of Miss Buelah Ann Finley, who was born in De- 
cember, 1812, and to whom he was married March 
15, 1832. 

For two years after his marriage Mr. Frazier 
rented land over the line in Indiana, raised two 
crops of corn, and in the fall of 1833, purchased 
200 acres of land, the product of two years' work. 
The spring following he moved upon it with Ins 
wife and one child, making the journey with an 
ox team, and being fifteen days on the road. Upon 
coining to this county Danville was a little town 
of 400 or 500 inhabitants, but it had already been 
made the county seat and a court-house had been 
built. Upon his own land was a cabin into which 
Mr. Frazier moved with his little family, and for 
two years thereafter confined his attention to the 
improvement of his property, breaking eighty 
acres, putting up a barn, and making an addition 
to the dwelling. He then sold out for $1,000, but 



PORTRAIT AM) BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



705 



afterwards raised another crop on the same land, 
lie moved into Danville in February, 1838. set- 
tling on Vermilion street, between Main and North 
streets, where he lived until purchasing property 
on Main street. 

About lS.'^G our subject entered a tract of land 
in Champaign County, this State, which he sold 
two years later ata handsome price. He conducted 
an hotel one year, then purchased property on 
Main street, where he has erected a big brick block, 
extending from the court-house to Hazel street, and 
known as the Frazier Block. He lived there for 
twenty-five years, carrying on his hotel five years 
of this time. In 1840 lie was elected sheriff of 
Vermilion County, which office lie held eightyears, 
being the third man elected to this position. Upon 
retiring from this he engaged in buying cattle, and 
made many a trip driving these through to Chi- 
cago, when tin' country was all open prairie. 

Merchandising also formed one of the enter- 
prises of our subject as senior member of the firm 
of Frazier, Lamb A- Co., which continued two 
years. Then Mr. Lamb withdrew, and the linn be- 
came Frazier .V Gessie, the latter the son-in-law of 
the Captain. After two years the latter assumed 
sole charge of the business, which he conducted 
probably ten years, and until the outbreak of the 
civil war. Strongly imbued with the Union senti- 
ment, he then raised the fust, company of men in 
this county — Company C, which was assigned to 
the 12th Infantry under Col. John McArthur. Mr. 
Frazier was elected captain, and proceeding to 
Cairo, served three months, and then being no 
longer needed returned home with his men. and 
thereafter gave his attention to his business affairs. 

Mrs. Buelah Ann (Finley) Frazier became the 
mother of twelve children, and departed this life 
March 25, 1864, leaving four children, the only 
ones remaining of that numerous family. Edward 
entered the army, was taken ill, returned home and 
died ten days afterward, at the age of nineteen 
years; Angeline became the wife of .lames II. 
Phillips of Danville, and is now the mother of six 
children; Mary F., the wife of M. A. Lapham, i> a 
resident i >f Springfield, Mo., and the mother of two 
children; Florence. Mrs. W. VV. Phillips, lives in 
Danville, and is the mother of four children, one 



of whom is dead; De Wilt C. married Miss Emma 
Reed, and is a practicing attorney of Danville. 

In 1864 ('apt. Frazier disposed of his mercantile 
interests and purchased his present home at the 
corner of North and Pine streets, where he has 
since resided. On the 12th of April. 1865, he was 
married to Miss Nancy Finley, who -was born 
Sept. 17, Ls23, a sister of his first wife. 
The family residence is a fine large brick struct- 
ure, and after standing over twenty years gives 
little evidence of its age. At the time of its 
erection it was considered one of the best in the 
town. The Captain cast his first presidential vote 
for John Quincy Adams, and was an old line Whig 
until the abandonment of the party by the organ- 
ization of the Republicans. He was well acquainted 
with Abraham Lincoln, who often partook of his 
hospitality in the above named block while prose- 
cuting his law business in this part of the county. 
Capt. Frazer reverts to those episodes with pardon- 
able pride, and declares that Mr. Lincoln was one 
of the most congenial and companionable men it 
was ever his lot to meet. 

The Captain for over half a century has been a 

i nber of the Methodist Episcopal Church, to 

which his first wife belonged, and with which the 
present Mrs. Frazier is also connected. He was for 
many years quite active as an official and lias given 
liberally to its support. For a number of years 
Capt. Frazier operated as a farmer, and is the 
owner of 700 acres of land near Catlin, which he 
has' since divided up among his children. He was 
one of the first directors of the First, National 
Bank, and has been interested in most of the en- 
terprises calculated to build up the town. He con- 
stitutes one of the old landmarks, and will be 
kindly remembered long after he has been gath- 
ered to his fathers. 

The father of our subject was Samuel Frazier. 
Sr., a native of Maryland, born on the eastern 
shore across the bay from Baltimore. He lived in 
thai vicinity until after his marriage with Miss 
Mary Masse v. They became the parents of nine 
children, six of whom lived to mature years, and 
of whom our subject is the only Survivor, the eld- 
CSl dying :it the age of twenty -six. The famih 
left Maryland in the spring of 180C, and moved 



706 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



across the mountains into Ohio in a two-horse cart, 

all the property the elder Frazier possessed. There 
accompanied him six men anil one woman besides 
his wife. He purchased a tract of timber land in 
Trumbull County, upon which be labored six years 
and worked some at his trade of shoemaking, which 
be had learned in his native State. 

In the meantime occurred the war of 1812, and 
the elder Frazier joined the militia and was np 
pointed to the rank of Major. After the surren- 
der of Hull the Ohio militia was called out, and at 
the end of three months the command was muster- 
ed out. The Frazier family then moved to Dear- 
born County, Ind., where they resided twenty 
years, and upon leaving there, about 1838, came 
to this county. The father purchased land adjoin- 
ing that now belonging to our subject, and which 
is still owned by one of his heirs — Mrs. Lawrence. 
He departed this life in 1846, and his wife died the 
following year, lie was first a Whig, politically, 
and then a Republican, a man of decided ideas, and 
and one whose opinions were generally respected. 

David Finley. father of the two Mrs. Fraziers, 
was born in Kentucky, Dec. 10, 1781, and was 
there married to Miss Nancy Miller, who was born 
April 14, 1787. He departed this life August 29, 
1853, and his wife passed away four days prior to 
his decease — August 2;"). He bad been mostly en- 
gaged in agricultural pursuits, but for a number of 
years was on the river, running to New Orleans. 
His daughters, Buelah and Nancy, were born in 
Dearborn County. Ind., and the latter named le- 
sideil with her parents until the time of their death. 



'*>&£&&& 




-^-r-*,^- 



\TJELL TILLOTSON, a skillful, practical 
farmer, is quietly and prosperously carry- 
'M\)\i ] ing on his farming operations on his farm, 
^^V one of the best and most highly productive 
of Pilot Township, very pleasantly located on sec- 
tion 36. He is a native of Indiana, born in War- 
ren County, Sept. 23, 1847. His grandparents on 
both sides of the .house were pioneers of Ohio in 
the early days of its settlement. Ilis father, Eph- 
raim Tillotson. was born in Miami County, that 



State, in 181 1, his ancestors being of English origin, 
and he a descendant of the same branch of the fam- 
ily as that famous English divine, Archbishop Til- 
lotson. The mother of our subject, whose maiden 
name was Mary A. Cronkhite, was also born in 
Miami County. After her marriage with the father 
of our subject they came westward to the State of 
Indiana and located in Warren County, and there 
the father died in 1884. The mother survives at 
an advanced age and makes her home on a farm in 
Vermilion County. Of her marriage twelve chil- 
dren were born, of whom the following eight are 
living: Walter, a farmer of this county married 
Lucetta Endicott; Madison, who lives in Louisiana, 
married Kate Coodwine, and they have three chil- 
dren; Luther, a farmer, married Mary E. Myrick, 
and they have five children; Wallace, a farmer of 
this county, married Emily French, and they have 
three children; Buell is our subject; Sarah married 
Edward Foster, of Indiana, now living in this 
county, and they have seven children; Rebecca 
married J. K. Buettz, a retired farmer of Potomac, 
and they have six children; Frances married 
Alon/o W. Knight, a farmer of this county, and 
they have four children: Mary married Frank 
Henry, a retired farmer of this county, and they 
have two children. 

Buell Tillotson gleaned a good education in the 
common schools, and a practical training at home 
that fitted him to cope with the world when he be- 
came independent. When be first began life he did 
not have the wherewithal to buy the land for him- 
self, and as he was very desirous ofearrying on farm- 
ing he rented a farm. He met with such good success 
in that venture that in a few years by unremit- 
ting toil and frugal economy he was enabled to lay 
up money enough to buy a farm of his own, and he 
became the possessor of one, comprising 160 acres 
of land of unsurpassed fertility. He now has it under 
good cultivation, and has made many substantial 
improvements that have greatly increased its value, 
and be has established a cozy, comfortable home 
for his family. He is engaged in mixed husbandry, 
and besides raising grain and other products com- 
mon to this climate raises stock, all that his farm 
will carry. 

Mr. Tillotson was united in marriage with Miss 



PORTRAIT AND I'.K K J R APIIICAL ALBUM. 



ro7 



Lizzie Wiles, whose parents were both natives of 
Denmark, but who emigrated at an early "late to 
this county, where Mrs. Tillotson was born. The 
wedded life of our subject and his wife has been 
blessed to them by the birth of two children, one 
alone living, a daughter, Lucetta. 

Our subject is a quiet, unassuming man, with 
much force and decision of character, however. 
and his place in the community is among its best 
ami most deserving citizens. He and his wife are 
worthy members of the Christian Church, as is 
attested by their conduct in the every-day affairs 
Of life. Mr. Tillotson is a firm ally of the Repub 
lican party, taking an intelligent interest in politi- 
cal matters. He has served on several juries, and 
is in every way fitted to perform the duties attend- 
ant >:pon good citizenship. 



^psi QUIRK STEPHEN R. SHAW. To be the 

^^2 founder of a town is no small honor, and 
Tjt/j| next to the founder is the man who has 

made it the object of his fostering care. 

The town of Allerton is largely indebted to Mr. 
Shaw, who bears the honor of being the first Post- 
master, for its incipient growth and development, 
and for the interest which ho has taken in its 
pi-Ogress and w. 'I fare. lie is a man of sterling 
worth and integrity, the owner of a good property 
without being wealthy, and is possessed of those 
substantial and reliable traits of character which 
have made him a man to he depended upon in 
whatever he says and where assistance is needed 
in furthering every good and worthy enterprise. 

Our subject opened his infant eyes in Jefferson 
County, Kv.. August 17. 1848, but while a small 
jhild was taken by his parents to \ igo County. 
Ind.. where he attended the common school, and 
later entered the seminary at Farmersburg, which 
he attended four years, completing a normal 
course. For the same length of time he engaged 
in teaching in Vigoand Parke counties. lb' came 
to Illinois in 1876 and rented a 1 (Ht-acre farm in 
Champaign County, in company with his brother 
.lames, and where he remained four years. For 



some time they kept bachelor's hall, but Stephen S. 
finally resolved it was not good for man to be alone. 
and was accordingly married Jan. 21. 1881, to Miss 
Lucretia Ackers, in Douglas County. Mr. and 
Mis. Shaw after their marriage resided for a time 
on a farm in Edgar County, III., then coming to 
this county settled at Allerton, soon after which 
Mr. Shaw was appointed Postmaster and also as- 
sumed an interest in a stock of groceries and general 
merchandise. Since that time his interests have 
centered here, and he is looked up to as one of the 
leading men of the place. In the spring of 1889 
he was elected Justice of the Peace, and is dis- 
charging the duties of his office with his usual good 
judgment, giving satisfaction to the people. Po- 
litically he is a strong Democrat. The father of 
our subject was Temple Shaw, a native of Jefferson 
County, Ky., and who married Miss Elizabeth 
Moore, also of the P>lue Crass State. Grandfather 
Jesse Shaw was an early settler of Kentucky, and 
his father came from Scotland. The Moore family 
flourished in Maryland. The parents of our subject 
moved to Indiana in 1855, "here the father carried 
on farming successfully ami became well-to-do. 
Both he ami his excellent wife are still living and 
aged respectively seventy-four ami sixty-six years. 
Mr. Shaw has served as Justice of the Peace for 
the long period of forty years. 

Eleven children were born to the parents of our 
subject, the eldest of whom. Julia, is the wife of 
Jacob Ridgeway, her second husband and a farmer 
of Sullivan County. Ind. She is the mother of 
three children by each husband, the first one heing 
Elijah Hanger. Eliza married II. A. Pratt, a 
barber of Waveland, Ind.. and died childless in 
ISH7. Alex married Miss Martha Allen, is the 
father of two children and operates a farm in 
Vigo County. Ind.; Martha married Benjamin L. 
Dowel!, a farmer of Vigo County: they have no 
children. Stephen S.. of this sketch, was the fifth 
child: James W.. married Miss Plina Danes and 
they have one child: Alice married William Yaw. 
a farmer of Vigo County. Ind.. and they have four 
children; Mollie is the wife of John Howell of Vigo 
County, and they have two children; Theodore 
married Miss Clara Jones, is farming in Vigo 
County, ami they have one child; Clara remains at 



ros 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



home with her parents; Helen became the wife of 
Samuel McMulin, who died on his farm in Sullivan 
County, Infl., nnd she now makes her home with 
her parents; she has one child., 

Mrs. Shaw is the daughter of John and Susan 
( Kanneer ) Ackers of Pennsylvania. The}' removed 
to Douglas County, 111., at a very early day and 
are still living on the farm which they opened up 
from the wilderness, and which lies eight miles 
from Allerton. Mrs. Shaw was the seventh in a 
family of eleven children; she was horn in Penn- 
sylvania and was a mere child when her parents 
came to this State. Of her union with our subject 
there have been born four children: Russell, 
Charles P., Freddie (who died when an infant), 
and Jennie B. 

Mr. Shaw is not at present engaged in any active 
business. The neat and shapely family residence 
was put up in 1887, and with its surroundings and 
furnishings, forms a very pleasant and attractive 
home. Mr. Shaw socially is a charter member of 
Centennial Lodge, in Philo, Campaign Count}', 
from which he was demittcd, and now belongs to 
Lroadlands. He was active in securing a dispen- 
sation from Broadlands. 




ir^V OBERT ELLIOTT is one of the men who 
have done much to develop the resources 
of this count}'. He owns and lives on a 
'^P farm in Ross township, situated on section 
7, township 23, ranges 10 and 11, which has been 
his home since 1808. He was born in Muskingum 
County, Ohio, about fourteen miles east of Zanes- 
ville, on Sept 8, 182G, his parents being Francis 
and Jane (Hunter) Elliott. His grandparents on 
both sides came from the north of Ireland, and 
were of the excellent old Scotch- Irish Presbyterian 
stock, which has given to our country many of its 
best citizens, possessed as they were of sturdy in- 
dependence and honesty, traits which the majority 
of their descendants inherit in a marked degree. 
The paternal grandfather of the subject of this 
biography was also named Robert. He emigrated 
from Ireland many years ago, and after landing in 



America came direct to Muskingum Count}', Ohio, 
then considered the Far West. He and his wife 
settled in the densely wooded country and there 
literally hewed out a home in the wilderness. Years 
afterward Robert Elliott and one of his sons re- 
moved to Licking County, Ohio, settling on a farm 
near the site of the present city of Newark, and 
there the elder Elliott spent the remainder of his 
days. 

Francis Elliott, father of the one of whom this 
biography is written, was born in Ireland, and was 
but a year old when his parents brought him to 
America. He was reared on a farm and followed 
the occupation of a farmer all his life. He had his 
share of the hard work necessary to clear the home- 
stead farm, the country thereabout being very 
hilly as well as heavily wooded. He did not ac- 
company his father to Licking County, remaining 
in Muskingum County until his death which oc- 
curred in 1837, when he was in the prime of life. 
and in a very mysterious manner. He left his house 
one cold and slippery morning with a bag of grain 
on his back, to feed his cattle. The subject of this 
sketch and a brother noticed an hour afterward 
that the cattle were not at their usual feeding place, 
and going out to ascertain the cause found their 
father on his knees by a stump, dead. It was sup- 
posed that he had stumbled and fell, breaking his 
neck, but as no post mortem examination was held 
it was impossible to determine exactly the cause of 
his death. He was married, in Muskingum County, 
to Miss Jane Hunter, who was born in Westmore- 
land County, Pa., her parents being also from the 
north of Ireland, of the same stock as her husband's 
family. She proved herself a noble woman, a faith- 
ful wife and devoted mother, whose memory is held 
in veneration by her children. After her husband's 
untimely death she devoted herself to rearing her 
family and saw them all happily married and set- 
tled, and then she herself married James Howell, 
an old friend and neighbor. She died in 1879, aged 
about sixty-seven years. 

Francis and Jane Elliott had eight children. The 
eldest, Eliza, who was married to James Ilerdman, 
a civil engineer, died in Zanesville, Ohio, where her 
husband is still living; William is married toEthe- 
linda Carter; he is engaged in blacksmithing at 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



70 : i 



Hamilton, Mo. The next in order is Robert, 
James, who was married to Electa St. Clair, was a 
farmer living on the old homestead when he died; 
John is a fanner in Oregon and was married lo 
Nancy Owensbey, wdio died in that State; Mary 
.Jane is the wife of Johnson Morgan, a carpenter of 
Danville, 111.; Margaret Catherine died in girlhood, 
and Esther is married to Edward Dunkin, a farmer 
of Middle Fork Township, this county. 

Robert E., <>f whom tins is written, spent his 
boyhood in Muskingum County, Ohio, and early 
learned what hard work was. He lived with his 
parents until he wag twenty-one years old, and be- 
ing then married he bought a farm of eighty acres 
about a mile from his old home, where he lived 
until his removal to Vermilion County. 111., in 1 8(;:i. 
His farm in Ohio was hilly and rocky, and its cul- 
tivation made extremely hard labor. Making a 
visit to this county in 1801 to his sister Mis. Dun- 
kin, who with her husband had settled here some 
years before, he was so much pleased with the lay 
of the land that here he determined to make his 
future home. lie sold his land in the Last and 
made the change at the time stated. His first pur- 
chase in this county was a farm of Il'ii acres north- 
east of State Line, on which he lived for four 
years, when he sold it and rented for two years 
another farm in the same neighborhood, then buy- 
ing his present homestead of 1 (Id acres, upon which 
he has lived continuously since. When he bought 
this place eighty acres of it was under partial cultiva- 
tion. The outbuildings, fences, hedges, good bans, 
commodious two-story house 28x28, are all there- 
suit of his own labor and energy. A large part of 
this land was swamp and bog, the eastern eighty acres, 
being by many considered worthless. With thor- 
ough and careful draining and good cultivation he 
has not only reclaimed this land but has made of it 
one of the most fertile pieces of soil in this section 
of the county, producing fine crops. In fact he 
has brought every acre of his land into thorough 
condition, not a foot of it being waste. 

Many changes have taken place since Mr. Elliott 
settled here and he has not only witnessed the 
growth and development of this part of the county, 
but has himself participated in it. and to accom- 
plish this great result, has done his parts He is an 



industrious man both by nature and habit, and 
though he has reached a position where his own 
labor is not necessary, still bis active habits will not 
permit him to be idle, and he is always to be found 
usefully employed about his place. 

Mr. Elliott was married on the I 1th of Sep- 
tember 1848, to Miss Nancy Morgan, daughter of 
.Morgan Morgan, her mother's maiden name being 
Nancy Sislv, and who died when her daughter was 
a young girl. Mrs. Elliott was bom July 30. 1831, 
in Westmoreland County. Pa., and a few years after 
that date her parents emigrated to New Concord, 
Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Elliott have ten children, as 
follows. Lewis Henry, the eldest, is married to 
Katie Jenkins, and is a farmer in this county; 
Nancy Jane is the wife of Dr. 1). D. Webb, of 
Hoopeston; Ida May is the wife of Ed Leighton, of 
Rossville; Carrie died unmarried at the age of 
twenty-two years; Ed son and Elda are twins, the 
former assists his father on the home farm and the 
latter at present teaching school in Wichita. Kan.; 
Hubert. Morgan and Odessa are still with their 
father and mother, while an infant son. Johnson, 
second of the family, died before the removal 
from Ohio. 

Mr. Elliott is a member of the Presbyterian 
Church in Rossville, of which he has for over 
twenty years been a Deacon. Those people who 
know him best are unanimous in the opinion that 
Robert Elliott is a thoroughly manly man. No 
better eulogy can be pronounced upon anyone. 



/SyA ARGARET RICHARDSON is the widow 
\\\ of the late Joseph Richardson, a former 
IS well-known and highly esteemed pioneer of 
Vermilion County. This venerable lady 
still lives on the old homestead, on section 10, Pi- 
lot Township, owning 120 acres of it, which her 
husband, with her active co-operation, wrested 
from the wild prairies in the years of the early set- 
tlement of this part of Illinois. She has witnessed 
with pleasure almost the entire development of this 
section of the country, where she has dwelt for 
nearly sixty years, and has lived to see the uncul- 



710 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



tivated prairie and forest land smiling with abun- 
dant harvests and the home of a prosperous and 
contented people. 

Mrs. Richardson was born Feb. 3, 1815. She 
received a training in all the duties pertaining to 
the care of a family, and was thus enabled to act 
well her part in the care of her own in after years. 
In 1832 she was wedded to Joseph Richardson, and 
they soon came to establish themselves in the wilds 
of Vermilion County, and were thus early pioneers 
of this section. Mr. Richardson was a native of ; 
the State of Maryland, and when he was a mere 
lad, his parents removed to Washington County, 
Pa., and subsequently to Ohio, where the father 
died. The mother survived him, and coming to 
Illinois, her life closed in Vermilion County in 
1851. 

Mr. and Mrs. Richardson settled on 300 acres of 
wild land, purchased of the Government, and 
passed through the usual experiences and hardships 
that befall pioneers in a new country, but by per- 
severance they overcame every obstacle, and by 
indefatigable toil were enabled to build up a good 
home. After her husband's death Mrs. Richardson 
received as her share of the property the 120 acres 
they had jointly accumulated, and is living in peace 
ami plenty, enjoying all Lhe comforts of life, as she 
richly deserves. 

Mr. Richardson's death was considered a loss to 
the community where he had dwelt so many years. 
His whole course of life won him the thorough 
respect and regard of all with whom he came in 
contact, and his reputation in his adopted town- 
ship was of the highest order. In him the United 
Brethern Church found one of its most zealous and 
valued members, who ably held the various offices 
of the church at different times. In politics he was 
a firm believer in the Democratic parly, and was 
active in its support. 

In his wife Mr. Richardson found a true com- 
panion and a useful helpmate. She is a worthy 
member of the United Brethren Church, and her 
daily life has always been guided by true Christian 
principles, as shown by her kindly, helpful conduct 
towards her neighbors and others; she has won 
a warm place in their affections, and none know 
her but to respect her. The snows and frosts of 



seventy-four winters have whitened her head, but 
they have not affected her heart, and none appeal 
to her in vain who need her assistance or sympathy. 
Of the two children born to her and her husband — 
Mickham and William — the latter is spared to her, 
and with his children and grandchildren bless her 
declining years and make life pleasant. William, a 
farmer in Vermilion County, married Sarah A. 
Rhodes, of Defiance, Ohio, and they have four 
children — Joseph C, Samuel, John and Mary Ann. 
William's son, Samuel, a farmer in Montgomery 
County, Kan., married Miss Clara Smith, and they 
have two children, Arthur C. and Clemence E. 




ANIKL RICK, the subject of this sketch, 
is now approaching his three score years 
and ten, and is afflicted with partial blind- 
ness, but he has made it the business of his 
life to rise above circumstances as far as possible, 
and gain all the comfort which men may enjoy by 
an upright and honest life and the endeavor to do 
unto others as he would lie done by. 

Mr. Rice came to this county in September, 1 8li.'i, 
settling at once in Sidell Township. lie is the 
scion of a good family, being the son of Elijah 
and Sarah (Rife) Rice, the former being a native 
of Kentucky. The paternal grandfather, William 
lviic. was born near Centreville, Ohio, and was the 
son of James Rice, a native of England. The lat- 
ter was one of the earliest settlers of Centreville, 
and upon the anniversary of his one hundredth 
birthday his many descendants assembled there, 
and in the hilarity of the occasion the centenarian 
ran a race with our subject, then a boy of twelve 
or thirteen years, and came out ahead. He lived 
to the great age of one hundred and thirty years, 
but during the last fourteen years of his life was 
blind. Grandfather Rice fought in the Revolution- 
ary War in Virginia and on the frontier with the 
Indians in Ohio; he lived to be nearly one hun- 
dred years old. 

The parents of our subject was married in Ken- 
tucky; the mother was a native of Virginia and 
of English and Swiss descent. The maiden name 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



711 



of her mother was Mary Muncey, a native of 
England. Mrs. Rice removed to Kentucky with her 
parents when a young lady, they settling in Law- 
rence County. Later they removed to Carter 
County and died there in 1851, at about the age of 
sixty-five years. The mother subsequently came 
to this count}' and lived on a farm near Fairmount 
until her death which occurred in 1866,when she was 
sixty-nine years old. All of their thirteen children 
— with the exception of the eldest boy — grew to 
mature years; nine sons ami three daughters. Our 
subject was the fourth child and second son, and 
the eldest son now living. 

Daniel Rice was born Oct. 21, 1820, in Lawrence 
County, Ky., at a time when deer, bear and other 
wild animals abounded in the eastern part of the 
Slate among the Cumberland Mountains. He 
brought down many of these with his trusty rifle, 
shooting one day six deer, and another day one 
bear with four cubs. In hunting the latter animals 
— the black bear — he experienced many narrow 
escapes as this animal is very ferocious. His 
opportunities for education were very limited, he 
attending a subscription school three months dur- 
ing the winter, in a log school-house with a teacher 
that could merely read and write. His love for tine 
horses was developed at an early age, and indeed 
the entire Rice family has been distinguished for 
its love of, and skill in training this noblest of all 
animals. 

Our subject continued a member of the parental 
household until approaching the twenty-fifth year 
of his age; when he was married in August, 1845, 
to Miss Flora Ann Jourdan. This lady was born 
in Greenup County. Ky., and was eighteen years 
oltl at the time of her wedding, which took place 
under her father's roof. They remained residents 
of the nine Grass State until after the birth of six 
children, then in September, 1863, came to this 
county. Their eldest son, William .1., married 
Miss Martha Pratt and they have one child, a sun. 
Carl ; he is engaged as a stock buyer and shipper 
at Fairmount. Mary E. married (i. Dellart. They 
settled in Kentucky where she became the mother 
of two children — Annie and James — and died. 
Albeit R. I. has charge of the homestead, he 
married Miss Mary E. Moore, who died leaving 



no children; he makes a specialty of horse training 
and is remarably successful. James G. married 
Miss Faraba Jane Mugen; they have two children 
— Waverly W. and Robert — and live on a farm. 
Edward A. married Josephine Price and they re- 
side on a farm in Sidell Township; they have three 
children — Charles, Mary E. and Walter. Lemuel 
died in infancy. 

After the outbreak of the Civil War, Mr. Rice 
enlisted as a Union soldier Oct. 21. 1861, from 
Carter County, Ky., in Company D, 22d Kentucky 
Infantry, and was mustered in at Camp Swygart 
on the Ohio for three years, or during the war. 
He was under the command of George Morgan, 
ami engaged in various skirmishes in the eastern 
part of Kentucky. At Ashland he was taken se- 
verely ill with measles, and for a time his life was 
despaired of. lie was finally sent home on a fur- 
lough, but, returned tolas regiment at Baton Rouge 
in February, 1864. His health continued poor 
and he was obliged to accept his honorable dis- 
charge, May 10, following. This experience ended 
in nervous prostration and undermined his health 
to such an extent that he has never been the same 
man since. 

In the meantime Mr. Rice while at home on his 
furlough, brought his family to this county for 
safety from the depredations of guerrillas. After 
having the service he went first to Arkansas with 
a view of looking up a location for his future 
home, but finally returned to his family and pur- 
chased land in this county. His first wife died 
and he was married to Mrs. Eliza Jane Moore, 
daughter of William J. and Susan (Rawlings) 
Robertson. The latter were natives respectively 
of Kentucky and Virginia, were married in Indiana 
and are now residents of West Virginia. Grand- 
father Rawlings and his wife were from Germany, 
while ( '• rand fat her Robertson and his wife were 
natives of Kentucky and of Scotch descent. Mr. 
Moore removed to Indiana with his family where 
he operated as a farmer and carpenter, and they 
became the parents of live children — Martha A., 
Eliza J., John W., Elijah l>'., and Catherine. 

Mrs. Rice was born in Parke County. Ind.. and 
remained with her parents until her first marriage, 
at the age of seventeen years, to William II. Moore 



712 



PORTRAIT AND RIOURAl'll ICAE ALBUM. 



of that county. Of this union there were born 
live child ion— Mary E., Charles A., Millie S., 
Reuben II. and William W. The eldest daughter 
became the wife of Albert Rice and is deceased; 
Charles A., a stock man is married, has one child 
and lives at Colorado Springs; Millie S. is the wife 
of Carl Hiberger, of Wichita. Kan.; Reuben II. is 
a newspaper man and connected with one of the 
journals of Wichita; William W. remains with his 
mother; the daughters were teachers prior to their 
marriage, one of them beginning at the early age of 
sixteen years. Mrs. Rice is a member of the Baptist 
Church at Terre Haute, Ind. Mr. Rice in his 
political views supports the principles of the Demo- 
cratic party. 



frj'OIIN M. CRIMMINS is the senior partner 
in the thin of Crimmins & Buchanan, livery 
men of Sidell. They are also proprietors of 
the feed and sale stable, which is operated 
in connection with their livery business. lie is a 
native of Clark County, Ohio, and was born on 
April lf>, 1858. His father, Morgan Crimmins, 
and mother, Ellen Eager, were natives of Ireland, 
where they were married in 1 8 4 <S . A few days 
after their marriage they started for America, and 
settled first in Greene County and eventually in 
Clark County, Ohio, where they followed farming 
and became well-to-do. although they landed in 
the United States, wholly without means. The 
mother is still living on the Crimmins' homestead 
in Carroll Township, about three miles east of 
Sidell, where they settled in 1859. Her husband 
died Jan. 22, US1S9, aged sixty-nine years. They 
were the parents of five children — Robert, Honora, 
Jeremiah, John M. and Maggie. Robert is a grain- 
buyer at Hildreth Station; Honora is residing in 
Edgar County, 111., and married to Samuel Stunk- 
ard, who is engaged in farming; Jeremiah is in 
charge of the old homestead in Carroll Township, 
while Maggie also resides in the same township and 
is the wife of Thomas Ramsey. 

Mr. Crimmins was but a babe when his parents 
came to Illinois and lias substantially lived here 



most of the time since. His education was ac- 
quired at the public schools, which has been sup- 
plemented by extensive reading. He remained at 
home until he was twenty years of age, when on 
Christmas, 1878, he was married to Miss Ella 
Stunkard, who was born and reared in Carroll 
Township. She is a daughter of Robert and Eliza- 
beth (Ileavlin) Stunkard. Her father was a farmer 
and came to Vermilion County, settling in Carroll 
Township, where he resided until his death, which 
occurred when he was sixty-six years old. Her 
mother died at the age of sixty-three. Mr. and 
Mrs. Stunkard were the parents of twelve children, 
ten of whom are living, as follows: Joseph, Han- 
nah, Phoebe, John, James, Jacob, Samuel, George, 
Ella and Sadie. 

Mr. and Mrs. Crimmins are living in a quiet way 
and are filling their mission in the world as good 
neighbors. lie is a member of the I. < >. (). F., 
having been a charter member of Peace Dale 
Lodge, No. 225. Mr. Crimmins is a firm believer 
in the principles advocated by the Democratic 
party. He is one of the rising young men of his 
town, highly popular and possessing great business 
capability. Morgan Crimmins, father of our sub- 
ject, after coming to America sent money back to 
Ireland to pay the passage of three relatives and 
three friends, lie located in Clark County. Ohio, 
and when he came to Illinois, they came with him. 
Some of them are still living in Vermilion. 



■ffjOSEPH WHERRY is a worthy member of 
I the farming community of Catlin Township, 
and is faithfully performing his share in sus- 
taining its prosperity. His farm on sec- 



tion 36 is under excellent cultivation, is capable of 
producing line harvests, and compares favorably 
with others in the neighborhood. Mr. Wherry is 
a Kentuckian by birth, born in Mason County. 
Feb. 24, 1819, to James and Catherine (Downing) 
Wherry, natives of Pennsylvania. After marriage 
his parents hail settled in Mason County, Ky., and 
thence they subsequently removed to Clinton 
County Ohio, where their last years were spent. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



713 



They were people of merit, sober-minded and in- 
dustrious, and brought up the thirteen children 
born to them in the path of honesty and good 
habits. 

Our subject was their seventh child, and lie was 
a year old when they crossed the Ohio to make 
their home for the future in Clinton County, and 
there the years of his boyhood and youth were 
passed. At the age of eighteen he left the shelter 
of the parental roof to begin an independent life, 
and returning to his native State and county, he 
found employment by the year on a farm and thus 
engaged there nearly eleven years. During his 
residence in that county he contracted a. matrimon- 
ial alliance with Harriet 1'. Barclay, April 1, 1817, 
and to them the children were born; namely: 
Catherine, CoraE., Florence B., William S. and 
John A.; the first three are deceased. This wife of 
his early years, who had been a good helpmate and 
a tender mother to their children, departed this 
life in Catlin Township. Oct 12, 1860. Mr. 
Wherry's second marriage took place in Catlin 
Township, and was to Mrs. Elsie (Brady) Bur- 
roughs, daughter ■ f John and Rosanna Brady, and 
widow of Jonathan Burroughs. She was a native 
of Brown County, Ohio, born May 20, 1828, and 
when young was wedded to Jonathan Burroughs, 
who afterward died in Catlin 'Township, leaving 
her with two children — Mary J. and Araminla, 
She is the mother of two children by her present 
marriage, Ida and Hannah, She is a capable, kind- 
hearted woman, and makes her husband and chil- 
dren comfortable in their cozy home. 

Mr. Wherry has always devoted himself to agri- 
cultural pursuits, ami thinking to improve his 
prospects on the fertile soil of the broad prairies of 
this State, he came here with his family from Ken- 
tucky in 1853, locating first in McLean County. 
and coming to this county two years later and 
settling in Catlin Township. He has done well 
since he has been here, and his many years of toil 
have been productive of good results, as he has a 

desirable farm of 103 acres of land of exceeding 
fertility, on which he has made many fine improve- 
ments. 

Mr. Wherry is a man of excellent character and 
Standing in this community, and as a good citizen, 



and kind neighbor, and a steadfast friend is all 
that can be wished for. In him the Democratic 
party has a faithful follower. Both he and his 
wife are exemplary members of the Christian 
Church, and their daily conduct is guided by sin- 
cere religious principles. 



4«* 



-s— 



LBA HONEYWELL. The man who has 
been a witness of the great changes occur- 
ring in Illinois during the past forty years, 
l^jf/ and has given to these his intelligent and 

thoughtful attention, is worthy of more that a pass- 
ing notice. As one of these Mr. Honeywell stands 
prominently among the pioneers of this region, 
and he has been no idier during the labors which 
have transformed a wild tract of country into the 
homes of an industrious and intelligent people. He 
is one of the oldest residents of the little city of 
Hpopeston, coming here soon after its inception, 
about 1871, and he has since been a resident, here 
most of the time. 

Cayuga County, N. V., is the native place of our 
subject, and his birth occurred Dec. 15, 1 821. When 
a lad of twelve years he removed with his parents 
into that part of Steuben now call Schuyler County, 
N.Y., where he first attended the common school and 
academy of that period, and completed his studies 
at Oneida Institute, near Utica, then tinder the 
presidency of the noted reformer and theologian, 
the Rev. Beriah Green, and later spent several 
vears lecturing on temperance and anti-slavery, 
meantime contributing to the several reformatory 
periodicals of the day. He also occupied himself con- 
siderably as a teacher in common schools and acad- 
emies, and was one of the first to actively engage in 
the Abolition movement. He served as a delegate to 
the Buffalo Convention, which nominated James G. 
Birney, the Liberty Tarty candidate for President, 
and subsequently read law in the office of Gilbert & 
Osborne, a prominent law firm of Rochester. N. V. 

During those years Mr. Honeywell made the ac- 
quaintance of many eminent men, among them 
Gerritt Smith. William Goodell, Alvan Stewart and 
others interested in the anti-slavery movement, 



714 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Upon leaving Rochester Mr. Honeywell removed 
to New York City, and became editor of the New 
York Eagle, and subsequently became connected 
with the American Anti-Slavery Society of New 
York City, and for four years was sub-editor of the 
Anti-Slavery Standard, until failing health com- 
pelled him to retire. During those years lie made 
the acquaintance of Wendell Phillips, Fred Doug- 
las, William Lloyd Garrison, .lames Russell Low- 
ell, Sidney Howard Gay, and many other men of 
that time who, for the sake of their principles, suf- 
fered to a large extent ostracism from society. 
This, however, instead of discouraging either Mr. 
Honeywell or his compeers, still more'deeply rooted 
their principles, and while Mr. Honeywell was 
called to other fields of labor, he rejoiced in the 
tact that the anti-slavery cause moved on and 
finally triumphed. 

In the spring of 1853 Mr. Honeywell made his 
way to Iroquois County, this State, landing at La- 
Fa \ette on the 14th of April from a packet-boat. 
The people were then talking up the Wabash Rail- 
road. Mr. Honeywell located in Iroquois County, 
III., purchasing 1,000 acres of land in what is now 
Stockland Township. He lived upon this three 
years, effecting considerable improvement, and pur- 
chased 400 acres additional. While teaching and 
farming he never failed, whenever opportunity oc- 
curred, to disseminate his anti-slavery sentiments. 
In the spring of 185G he started out, accompanied 
by his family, and traveled all through Minnesota 
Territory, arriving in Chicago during Fremont's 
campaign, and became associated with the Chicago 
News (not the News of to-day), and which was 
edited and controlled by the Republican element, 
which was then being brought into prominence 
and in which year the party was organized and 
named. 

Mr. Honeywell spent that winter in Chicago. 
and in the spring of 1857 removed to Logansport, 
Ind. where he established himself as a manufac- 
turer and dealer in lumber, and also taught school 
for several terms at that place and LaFayette. 
During the progress of the Civil War he was 
offered the appointment of Adjutant in the army, 
but circumstances prevented his accepting it, and 
in 1863 he returned tolas farm in Iroquois County. 



He proceeded with the improvementof his land, and 

in the meantime became prominent in local affairs, 
serving as Township Supervisor each year until 
I860, when he was elected County Clerk for four 
years, and served in this capacity until 1873. In 
1871 he purchased land on the present site of 
Hoopeston, and at the close of his term of office 
removed here with his family. He assisted in lay- 
ing out the town, and secured the location of the 
Chicago railroad to the place. It was largely 
through his aid that the town grew and became 
prosperous, being a portion of the time its Mayor. 
He made two subdivisions, and still controls the 
sale of lots. lie assisted in the organization of the 
sugar and canning factories located here, and was 
connected with them until the latter became self- 
supporting, expending $5,000, for which he received 
no return. 

Meantime and later Mr. Honeywell gave his at- 
tention to agricultural pursuits, having a farm of 
nearly 1,000 acres adjoining the city. He was one 
of the founders of the First National Bank of 
Watseka, with which he has been connected as 
stockholder and director for a period of twenty 
years. In addition to his Illinois property, he has 
several hundred acres of land and a fine orange 
grove in Florida, where he frequently spends his 
winters. Altogether he is the owner of about 
3,000 acres of land, much of it rich and valuable, 
in Iroquois, Vermilion, Cook, Lake and Scott 
counties, 111, and in Lake and Marion counties, 
Fla. Politically, until about 1884, he supported 
the principles of the Republican party, then iden- 
tified himself with the Prohibitionists, and lives in 
hopes that tin' entire prohibition of the manufac- 
ture and sale of alcoholic liquors as a beverage, 
will ultimately be secured. He is a man of decided 
views and opinions, fearless in the expression of 
them, and while necessarily enunciating some 
truths distasteful to some men, is nevertheless held 
in universal respect. 

Our subject was married April 3, 1851, in 
Schuyler County, N. Y., to Miss Cornelia Andrews, 
daughter of Dr. Anson Andrews, and they are 
now the parents of four children, all living and 
named respectively: Estella Emma, Florence An- 
drews, Lillian Amelia, and Sarah Eliza. The eldest 



PORTRAIT AND l!I( )( i KAPIIICA I- ALBUM. 



715 



daughter is the wife of John C. Cromer, and the 
mother of one child, a son, Alba, named after the 
grandfather; Florence possesses considerable talent 
as an artist, teaching both portrait and Landscape 
painting, and is otherwise quite accomplished; she 
remains at home with her parents. Lillian occupies 
the Chair of Mathematics in Hedding < lollege, Knox 
Co., 111. ; Sarali is pursuing her studies at that in- 
stitution. 

Mrs. Honeywell was born at Sodus Bay, on 
Lake Ontario, in 1821), and lived there and in Yates 
County, N. Y., with her parents until her mar- 
riage. The father of our subject was Enoch Hon- 
eywell, who was born in Westchester County, N. V , 
in 1787. He received his education mostly in that 
county near New York City, and upon approach- 
ing manhood engaged in the manufacture of patent 
wheel heads for spinning, which proved a paying 
enterprise. In 181G lie made his way to Indiana, 
and entered 160 acres of wild land, embracing the 
present site of the city of Terre Haute, where he 
established a home and lived for several years 
until malaria drove him away. In the meantime 
he engaged jin farming and shipped pork, via New 
< h'leans to New York City, going with his mer- 
chandise himself. He subsequently located in 
Cayuga County, N. Y., and engaged in chair mak- 
ing, and lived there until 1836, when he went onto 
a farm in Steuben County, N. Y., where he lived 
until his death in 1887. 

Mrs. Eliza (Dye) Honeywell, the mother of out- 
subject, was a native of Rhode Island, and the 
parental household included three children, of 
whom Alba was the eldest born. His younger 
brother, Gilbert, is living in .Schuyler County, 
N. Y. Emma, the only sister, married a Mr. 
Fen no; and lives on the old home farm in the same 
county. Enoch Honeywell was a man who, under 
favorable circumstances, would have distinguished 
himself in the world of letters, being a ready writer 
both in prose and poetry. Our subject came hon- 
estly by his hatred of slavery and his love of tem- 
perance, having inherited the sentiments from his 
honored father. Our subject was at one time 
greatly interested in the l'ittman System of Pho- 
netic Printing and Short- 1 land. He was editorially 
associated with Andrew and Boyle iu 1848, and in 



the Anglo-Saxon, a newspaper in New York City,' 

advocating the phonetic reform, and printed wholly 
in the new type advocated. He is also the author 
of several works, the largest of which (yet un- 
published) is an exhaustive treatise on language, 
embracing all its departments from elementary 
phonetics to rhetoric and logic — in all eleven hooks. 
The father of our subject, in addition to his 
other views, was directly opposed to Masonry and 
all secret societies. He traveled over a large 
portion of the United States, and although promi- 
nent as an agitator, never sought political office. 
In his early manhood he was a member of the Bap- 
tist Church, but becoming dissatisfied with the apa- 
thy of his church in regard to the slavery question, 
he left it and identified himself with the Wesleyan 
Methodists, remaining with them until his decease, 
which occurred in New York State Jan. 14, 1887, 
at the advanced age of ninety-nine years. He re- 
tained his faculties in a remarkable degree until 
the time of his decease, which was the result of an 
accident. He had put forth a number of pamphlets 
largely at his own expense, and wrote scores of 
newspaper articles, setting forth his convictions, 
which were widely distributed throughout the 
country. The wife and mother departed this life 
in 18GG, when about seventy-four years old. 



iHEODORE LEMON, M. D., one of the 

pioneers of the city of Danville, was born 
(' in the village of Bunker Hill, Ya., Dec. 1G, 
1812, and here began the study of medicine, which 
he completed in the cities of Baltimore, Md., and 
Washington, D. C. Here he turned his attention 
to the West and decided to locate in Danville, this 
county, for another brother, Joseph B., had been 
for a year a resident before our subject's emigra- 
tion. In 1835 he made the trip from Virginia by 
horse and wagon in companj' with an uncle, the 
Rev. James Chenoweth, who was on his way to 
the West. Fur a year succeeding his arrival in 
Danville, Dr. Lemon taught school in what was then 
the Presbyterian Church building. He soon, how- 
ever, acquired a practice in his profession which 




710 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



demanded all his time and attention, often being 
in that day compelled to ride to a distance of 
fifteen or twenty miles away to see a patient. His 
success was assured from the very first, and lie 
became a leading physician in this county, in which 
lie passed a long and useful life, and in which he 
became widely known and highly esteemed. He 
ever evaded notoriety, but was called by his fellow- 
citizens, rather against his will, to fill several pub- 
lic positions. lie remained a student all his life 
and kept abreast of all of the latest developments, 
not only in the profession of which he was an 
honored member, but he gave much time and 
thought to other branches of advanced studies. 
Especially did he take great interest in mathemat- 
ics, of which exact science he was an ardent 
student, and in whicb he was regarded as an author- 
ity. He died Dec. 19, 1885, in his seventy-fourth 
year. 

Dr. Lemon was a cousin of lion. Ward Lamon, 
the friend, biographer, and counsellor of President 
Lincoln. The family name was originally spelled 
Lamon, but the people of Danville called him 
Lemon, and the Doctor fell into that way of spell- 
ing it, until it has now become the recognized 
orthography. He was a quiet and courteous gentle- 
man, who always conducted himself with a dignity 
and self-respect which commanded the respect of 
others, and won for him hosts of sincere friends 
and the esteem of the entire community. During 
his half-century's residence in Danville Dr. Lemon 
had witnessed the many changes and developments 
which transformed it from a mere hamlet to a 
thriving city, and he was ever foremost in advo- 
cating all measures which he believed tended to its 
growth and prosperity, which he did his full share 
in promoting, lie was one of a family of seven 
sons and six daughters, of whom the following yet 
survive: Mary E. is unmarried and is a resident 
of Danville: George is a farmer in Texas; Virginia 
D., widow of John H. Moores, lives in Oregon; R. 
Bruce is Judge Advocate of the Pension Depart- 
ments at Washington, D. C; Ella E. is widow of 
I. R. Moores, and is also a resident of Oregon, and 
Charles E. is a practicing physician at Kairmount, 
in this county. Those deceased were named re- 
spectively: Joseph B., who died in Danville; Re- 



becca R. was wife of Dr. Cromwell, who died in 
Virginia; she subsequently came to this county, 
where she died; James C. went to California, where 
he died; Ann E.. who was the wife of Carlisle 
Turner, died in Danville; John E., who was a 
Union soldier, fills an unknown grave in the South, 
and Lucy A., who was the wife of W. T. Cun- 
ningham, died in Danville. 

Kept. 14, 1848, Dr. Lemon was united in mar- 
riage with Miss Lavinia E. Sconce, who was born 
in Bourbon County, Ky., Jan. 20, 1828. The year 
following that of her birth her parents removed tc 
Vermilion County, where her entire life since has 
been passed. Her father. James Sconce, was a 
cabinetmaker by trade and carried on a shop in 
Danville for many years. He and his wife, Mary, 
were well known to the early settlers, they them- 
selves ranking as pioneers of Vermilion County. 
The first court house, a small wooden building, was 
erected in Danville some years after they came 
here, and Mrs. Lemon remembers that the few 
houses then comprising Danville were grouped 
about the square, which was then covered with 
hazle brush. She has since that, seen the then 
insignificant village become the thriving city of 
to-day. Her life for sixty years has been spent 
here, and she is now. at the age of sixty-one, 
calmly awaiting the summons which shall reunite 
her with her companion of nearly forty years. The 
parents of Mrs. Lemon, James and Mary Sconce, 
made Danville their home ever after their first 
sett lenient in that place. He died in 1857, at the 
age of sixty-three, and she in 1862, when nearly 
seventy years old. Mr. Sconce was a man of quiet, 
retiring disposition, and never took any part in 
public affairs, but was esteemed as an honest and 
worthy citizen. 

Dr. and Mrs. Lemon were the parents of eleven 
children, of whom three died in infancy. None 
are married, and when not absent from the city on 
business all make their home with their widowed 
mother. They are named, respectively: Albert 
1'.. who is now Town Clerk of Danville; Charles V., 
Edward B., Theodore EL, Mary L., John James, 
Lavinia E., and Lafayette Pay. All of the sons 
have adopted music as a profession, and all are 
performers of note, being frequently called upon 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



1; 



to fill engagements all over the country. Their 
musical predilections were derived from their ma- 
ternal uncles, who were well-known musicians. 
The family have the entire confidence, good-will 
and esteem of the entire community, as well mi 
their own account, as on that of their honored 
father. 

<xrx> . 



P 



* ouo 

®pS RTIU'R JONES, an enterprising, prosper- 

'^/-■l ous merchant of Catlin Village and Super- 
tl> visor of the township, is one of the leading 
business and public men in this part of 
Vermilion County. Although he was horn in Eng- 
land, the most of his life has been passed in this 
country, and he is thoroughly imbued with the 
American spirit and as loyal to the institutions of 
the United States as if he were to the manor born. 
His parents. Henry and Sarah (Hough) Jones, 
were born, reared and married in Kngland, and re- 
mained in the old home till after the birth of their 
children, seven of whom grew to maturity. They 
then decided to emigrate to this country, hoping 
thereby to give their family a better start in life 
than was possible in the old country, and. with 
that end in view the father set sail from London in 
18111. about six weeks in advance of the remaining 
members of the family, and after landing, made his 
way to this State, and. selecting Catlin Township 
as a desirable point to locate, he was soon joined 
by his wife and children. In his native land he 
had been a brass and gas finisher and contractor, 
but after coming here, he turned his attention to 
agriculture, which he carried on till 1856. He 
then entered into the mercantile business with his 
son Richard, without, however, abandoning his 
farming interests. He was a valuable citizen of 
this community, his enterprise materially advanc- 
ing its prosperity, and his death, in November, 
1862, was esteemed a public loss. His wife pre- 
ceded him to that '"bourne whence no traveler re- 
turns," dying in 1 856. 

Our subject was born in London, England, July 
14, 1848, and he was a year old the very day the 
family set sail for this country. He grew to nian- 
hood in Catlin Township, and being a bright, apt 



scholar, received a substantial education, attending 
first the public schools, and then becoming a stu- 
dent at the Commercial College, at Westfield, 
Clark Co.. 111., where be obtained a fine business 
training that has been of inestimable service to him 
in his career as a merchant. When he left college 
he entered his brother Richard's store, and con- 
tinued with him as a clerk till the hitter's death, 
which occurred in October. 187;".. After that he 
formed a partnership with his brother Frederic, 
and they carried on the business together two or 
three years, and at the expiration of that time he 
bought out Frederic's interest, and has since man- 
aged the business alone. He has a commodious, 
well-fitted up stoic, carries a full stock of general 
merchandise, and has a large and profitable trade. 
He also deals extensively in coal and stock, lie- 
sides managing a line farm of ICO acres. 

On the 2lM of January, 1870. an important 
event in the life of .Mr. Jones occurred, as on that 
date he was united in marriage to .Miss Emma 
Dickinson, daughter of William and Emma ( Barker) 
Dickinson, natives of Lincolnshire, Kngland. (For 
parental history see sketch of William Dickinson, 
which appears on another page of this volume. ) 
Mrs. Jones is. like her husband, of English birth, 
born in Lincolnshire Dec. 25, 1852, and she was 
but an infant of six or eight weeks when her par- 
ents came to this country- and therefore has known 
no other home. Five children have been born of 
the pleasant wedded life of our subject and his 
wife, namely: Edward A., William II., Nettie I!., 
Cora M. and Dora li. Nettie and Cora, who were 
twins, are dead. 

Our subject, possessing high and honorable traits 
of character, is classed among the most estimable ami 
trustworthy men of the county, and his fellow- 
citizens, often entrusting to bis wise guidance some 
of the most responsible offices within their gift, have 
found him to be an invaluable civic official, who 
places the interests of the public above private 
or party considerations. lie was first elected 
Supervisor of Catlin Township in 1880, and served 
one year. In the spring of 1885 he was again 
called to that important position, and has acted in 
that capacity ever since, being re-elected in the 
spring of 1889. lie is prominently nected with 



718 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



the Vermilion County Agricultural Society, and 
was treasurer of that organization for several 
years. During Gen. Giant's administration he 
was appointed Postmaster of Catlin Township, 
and held that office thirteen years, giving general 
satisfaction to all without regard to party. Our 
subject takes an active part in politics, and is a 
leader among the Republicans of this section. He 
is identified with the A. F. & A. M. as a member 
of Catlin Lodge No. 285. 



►»*<- 

IRAM MAKEMSON is the youngest of 
i) four children born to Andrew and Hannah 
Makemson, natives of Kentucky, where they 
were residents of Harrison County until 
1828, when they emigrated to Illinois and settled 
in Newell Township, about two and one-half miles 
from where their son, the subject of this sketch, 
now resides. Mr. Andrew Makemson was a stal- 
wart Republican, and always faithful to what he 
considered the best interests of his country, lie 
and his wife were both worthy and sincerely good 
members of the Methodist Church, and were highly 
esteemed not only by their religious associates but 
also by the large circle of friends which their 
many good qualities had gathered around them. 
Their death was a loss to the community, and they 
were followed to their last resting place in Lamb's 
Cemetery by a large concourse of relatives and ac- 
quaintances. Mr. Makemson died in 1880. and his 
wife in 1880. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Harrison 
County, Ky., April 2, 1825, hence was only three 
years old when his parents removed to Illinois. His 
youthful days were enlivened by witnessing, and 
when old enough participating in the various hunt- 
ing parties which were made up from time to time 
in the neighborhood, which sometimes had for their 
object the providing of food for the table, and at 
others the dispersing of depredatory packs of wolves 
or roving bands of Indians, which served to make 
things lively for the settlers, and varied the monot- 
ony of the usual routine of farm life. 

Mr. Makemson remained under the parental roof 
tree until he reached his majority, getting such 



education as the short term of the public school 
each year, assisted by an occasional term of sub- 
scription school, afforded, and making himself use- 
ful when out of school in whatever capacity In' 
could be employed. On April 20th, 1852, he took 
to wife Miss Prudence Campbell, a charming 
maiden of Newell Township, where she was horn 
Sept. 18, 1834. She was the daughter of John and 
Almira Campbell, natives of New York, who came 
to Illinois in the early days of its settlement and 
located in Newell Township, where they reared a 
family of nine children, of which Mrs. Makemson 
was the youngest. 

Upon the return of Mr. and Mrs. Makemson 
from Danville, where their marriage took place, 
they immediately entered into possession of their 
present home, where they have continued t>o reside 
happily and contentedly ever since, rejoicing in 
the addition to their family of live children, 
namely: Almira D., who remains at home to com- 
fort and cheer the parents for the absence of the 
other members of the family; Mary A., wife of 
\V. W", Current; Bertha P., wife of Morton Bird, 
and lives in this county; Sherman T. married Miss 
Sadie Bird, on the 4th of November, 1880, and 
lives on a portion of his father's farm. Mrs. Sher- 
man Makemson is a daughter of Moser and Polly 
Bird, and shares in the prosperity and excellent 
reputation which her husband justly enjoys as a 
resident of the township. They have no children. 
Joseph C, the youngest child, is also at home, where 
he assists his elder sister to drive dull enre away 
from the old place. 

Mr. Makemson owns, and with the assistance of 
his sons operates, an estate of 810 acres of land, all 
lying in Newell Township, and under good culti- 
tion. Politically, he votes with the Republican 
party, in whose principles he is a firm believer. 



\fj OHN STALLINGS, dealer in drugs and 
medicines at Sidell, was born in Orange 
County, End., June 7, 1862. His parents. 
Samuel and Martha E. Stallings, were na- 
tives of Indiana; the mother is now a lady of fifty- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



710 



seven years. Ten children were born to them, 
nine still surviving. They are named: Charles. 
Belle (Mrs. Thompson), Xino, Keiley. Elzora (Mrs. 
Price), John, our subject; .lames, LeRoy, and 
( )scar. 

John Stallings was a child of two years when his 
parents removed to Parke County, Ind.. and in 
1870 removed to Fairmount, III., where the father 
engaged in farming. Our subject went to Chicago, 
where he entered the Chicago College of Pharmacy 
at the age of twenty-one, having previously been 
graduated by the Business College of Ladoga, Ind. 
He was graduated by the Pharmaceutical College 
with the class of 'SI. He then engaged with A. C. 
Musselwhite, No. 50 Clark street, Chicago/and con- 
tinued in his employ until 188. r >, when he set up a 
store for himself at Sidell, and has done a very 
satisfactory business. 

The marriage of our subject and wife, Miss Grace 
Cornelius, daughter of John Cornelius, took place 
at the bride's home July 28, 1885. Mrs. Stallings 
is the youngest of three children born to her par- 
ents, namely: William. Lizzie, and Grace Amanda. 
Our subject and wife are the parents of one child, 
Eva Ella. Mr. Stallings has erected a tine and 
commodious residence on Chicago street, of this 
city. He is a, member of the I. O. O. F., Peace 
Dale Lodge No. 225, of which order he is at, pres- 
ent Treasurer. He is also a member of the Modern 
Woodmen, Sidell Camp No. 105. and a stalwart 
Republican; he was appointed Postmaster April 30, 
1889. 



J i' AMES \\ .'. ORR. Among the prominent 
business men of Sidcll is the above-named 
gentleman, who is a lumber and grain dealer. 
}) The former business is rallied on under the 
firm-name of Lyons and Orr, but the grain trade 
is controlled solely by Mr. Orr. His father, James 
Orr, was born in West Virginia, and his mother, 
formerly Mary Koss. was a native of Greene 
County, Pa. For ancestry see sketch of James I >rr 
elsewhere in this volume. 

The parental family numbered four children, all 
boys, of whom the subject of our sketch is the third 



in order of birth; lie was born in Coles County. III.. 
April 15,1857. When he was two years old his 
parents removed to Edgar County, Ohio, where the 
son grew up on a farm, and attended the common 
schools of the township. In 1885 he engaged in 
business at Sidell in which he has continued ever 
since. In 18H7 Mr. Bushnell,of Hoopestown, built 
the largest grain elevator in the county at Sidell. 
Mr. Orr married Miss Eliza Todd, daughter of 
David and Maria Todd in 1884. 

Mrs. Orr was born in Vermilion County, whither 
her parents moved in 1854. Mr. and Mrs. Orr are 
the parents of one child, Edward Lisle, two years 
old. The wife is a member of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church. Mr. Orr is a charter member of the 
I. O. O. F. Lodge No. 225. Peace Dale of Sidell, 
which was organized in I88C, and of which he is 
now serving as Vice Grand. Mr. Orr is theowner 
of forty acres in the addition to Sidell, south. The 
firm are doing a very satisfactory business as re- 
gards the lumber interests. Mr. Orr usually votes 
with the Democratic party, but uses his own judg- 
ment in local elections. 



t^pACIIARIAH ROBERTSON, who resides in 
/!/ Newell Township, is a son of Zachariah and 
/I'— ?. Elizabeth (Jones) Robertson, natives of 
Kentucky. Mr. Robertson, Sr., was the parent of 
seven children by his first wife, the mother of our 
subject. lie was a Revolutionary War Veteran 
and located near Brunswick, 111., in 1837, on the 
land which Dr. Henderson now owns. During his 
long life of ninety-four years he was associated 
with the Democratic party and always upheld its 
principles; he and his good wife were faithful and 
consistent members of the Baptist Church and 
foremost in every good work. His death took place 
in 183!> and that of his wife a year later. 

The subject of this notice was born October 1, 
1822, and passed the early years of his life in his 
native Kentucky, then removed with his father to 
Illinois and engaged in work on a farm, which oc- 
cupation he followed the rest of his life. Aug. 25, 
1812, he was married to Miss Abigail Starr, daugh- 



1-20 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



ter of Peter and Catharine Starr. Mrs. Robertson 
was born July 4. 1824, in Preble County, Ohio, 
and after a life of usefulness and faithful perform- 
ance of duty, was ferried over the river by the 
boatman pale to the beautiful land beyond, her 
earthly remains being laid to rest Dec. 25, 1871). 

Mr. Robertson was the seventh in order of birtb 
of a family of fifteen children, and became the 
father of sixteen sons and daughters. Mr. and Mrs. 
Robertson located on their farm in 1 844, and it has 
continued to be the family residence ever since. 
Mr. Robertson procured a patent from the Govern- 
ment which he still holds, it having never been 
transferred to any other person. He owns at pres- 
ent 105 acres of finely improved and highly culti- 
vated land. Being a good judge of horse flesh he has 
always kept a number of fine animals on his place 
to either trade or for use. He has always manifested 
a deep interest in educational matters and has filled 
the orflce of School Director for many years. In 
political life he sustains the principles of the 
Democratic party. The Methodist Church and 
Granger Lodge are pleased to number him among 
their most useful and influential members. 



^AMES STEELE CATIIERWOOD is the 
present postmaster of Iloopeston, taking 
: charge of that office April 25, 1885. Hoopes- 
(@J^/ ton and Danville are the only two presiden- 
tial offices in Vermilion County. He is engaged in 
life and fire insurance, and does a general collect- 
ing business in connection with the firm of Allen 
& Catherwood, the former being a representative 
in the Legislature from this district. 

Mr. Catherwood was born in Belmont County, 
Ohio, April 12. 1845, and when a child not a year 
old, removed into Guernsey County, Ohio, where 
his father engaged in farming. The family resided 
there until .lames was twelve years of age, when 
they removed to Shelby County, HI. Here he re- 
mained engaged on the farm until 1859, when he 
removed to Christian County, 111., where he re- 
ceived his education at the common schools. 
lie enlisted April 7, in the 1 15th Illinois Infantry. 



This regiment served in the western array under 
Rosecrans, and was at Raleigh, Mo., from April 
until September, when it was mustered out of the 
service. After coming of age, he attended school 
:it .Mount Zion, and then going to Pennsylvania, 
attended school at Concord Hill Academy. After 
leaving this institution, he came back to Illinois, 
and engaged as a clerk in a store for a year 
with his older brother at Stonington. In August, 
18G9, he went to Kansas, where be was engaged in 
the stock business, being four years in Salem, one 
in MePherson and two in Ellsworth. He ami bis 
brother worked in this manner, keeping ahead of 
civilization, where their stock could feed, and in the 
winter time retracing their steps to where they could 
procure food for their animals. They continued 
in this business for five years, their herd averag- 
ing from 1,200 to 1,500 head many times, the enter- 
prise being financially a success, until the last year 
of their operation, when they lost about $6,000 by 
teason of an unusual panic in the business. In 
187 1 they sold out, and James came to Indianapo- 
lis, and engaged as a commercial traveler for a firm 
of that city, following this business for three yens 
and traveling in the Slates of Illinois and Indiana, 
and occasionally in Ohio. In September, 1877, Mr, 
Catherwood removed to Howard County. Ind.,and 
engaged in the general merchandise business at 
Fairfield. Hereon the 26th day of December of 
the same year, he married Miss Mary Hartwell. 
In December, 1879, he again took up his residence 
in Indianapolis, and engaged in the retail grocery 
business, which was successful, and in 1882 became 
to Hoopeston, and engaged in the grain business 
until he was appointed postmaster. Mr. Cather- 
wood, from its inception, lias been Secretary o f the 
North Vermilion Loan Association, and has filled 
the difficult duties of that office with rare ability 
and fidelity. 

Mrs. Catherwood was born on Dec. If!, 1847. 
and was the daughter of Dr. Hartwell, who died 
when she was nine years of age. She spent the 
early part of her life in Ohio. She received a lin- 
nished education,'and after coming to Danville, be- 
gan literary work. Her first labors in that direction 
were for Lippincott. She wrote for this house for 
several years, when she turned her attention to 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



7 21 



juvenile literature, writing for the St. Nicholas and 
Harper's Bazar. Her first story for the Century 
Magazine was the immensely popular "Romance of 
Dollard." She has written several popular books, 
including "Rocky Fork," "The Dogberry Bunch," 
"Old Caravan Days," "The Bells of Ste. Anne," all 
of which were juveniles; and two historical ro- 
mances, "The Romance of Dollard," and ••The 
Story of Tonty." 

Dr. Marcus llartwell, father of Mrs. Catherwood, 
was born Oct. 13. 1821, and died on Jan. 27, 1857. 
He received his early education at Worthington 
College, and after leaving school took up thestudy 
of medicine at Columbus, Ohio. He practiced in 
that State for two or three years, when, in 1854, he 
removed to Milford, 111., and there he remained 
practicing his profession until his death. He mar- 
ried Miss Phoebe Thompson in Fairfield County, 
Dee. 21, 1« 1(1. The result of tins union was seven 
children, of whom only three lived to mature age. 
Mrs. Catherwood is the oldest child; Roxanna, 
now Mrs. Smith, is living near Portland, Ore., 
where her brother, Marcus, also resides. Mrs. Hart- 
well died on Feb. 3, 1858, aged thirty-three years. 
Dr. Hartwell affiliated with the Republican party, 
having voted for John C. Fremont. 

Mi. and Mrs. Catherwood arc the parents of but. 
one child, a daughter, named Hazel. He is an active 
worker in the Democratic party, but has never 
been a political aspirant. lie organized the first 
Democratic club ' in Hoopeston, and through the 
influence of Gen. Black of Danville, was appointed 
postmaster, which position he has filled to the en- 
tire satisfaction of all the patrons of the office. II is 
commission will expire in January, 1890. 



"IIOMAS ARMSTRONG. It is usually safe 
to judge of a man's character by what he 
^§g? has accomplished, both as a financier and a 
member of the community. We find Mr. Arm- 
strong occupying one of the most beautiful farms 
in Ross Township, where he has a choice body of 
land well drained and very productive; indeed, it 



stands second to none in this part of the county 
ami has been brought to its present condition 
solely by the unflagging industry of its proprietor. 
Mr. Anderson labored early and late during the 
first years of his residence upon it, expending a 
large amount of time and money, and is now enjoy- 
ing ample returns. At the same time, while hav- 
ing extensive interests of his own to look after, he 
has distinguished himself as liberal-minded ami 
public-spirited, encouraging the enterprises calcu- 
lated for the best good of the people around him 
and keeping himself well posted upon matters of 
national interest. During the progress of the 
Civil "War lie took an active part in raising funds 
to prosecute the struggle for union and liberty, and 
this in itself is a lasting honor to his name. 

In looking at the antecedents of our subject we 
find that he springs from an excellent family, being 
the son of Robert Armstrong, the son of James 
Armstrong, who was born in Westmoreland County, 
Pa., and when a young man emigrated to Kentucky. 
A few years later he pushed on into Ohio, settling 
in Chillicothe, where he employed himself consid- 
erably as a carpenter and assisted in the erection 
of the first house built in that city. He also oper- 
ated as a surveyor and was one of the Commission- 
ers who located the city of Columbus and assisted 
in the laying out of the town. He was recognized 
as a useful and intelligent citizen, and after filling 
other positions of trust and responsibility, was 
elected Associate Ju«lge of one of the courts and is 
still remembered by his grandson as making a 
dignified appearance on the bench. 

The parents of Grandfather Armstrong were 
buried three miles north of Chillicothe on the old 
Armstrong farm. Grandmother Armstrong and 
her children were at. one time captured by the In- 
dians and held prisoners three years, this being 
prior to the birth of her son James. Her husband 
had gone to the mill and upon returning he found 
his house burned to the groud and his wife and 
four children missing. Grandmother Armstrong 
finally made her escape and walked the whole dis- 
stance of about 500 miles to her home in Pennsyl- 
vania, where she and her husband were reunited. 
After the birth of their son .lames, the grandfather 
of our subject, the family removed to Kentucky, 



722 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



and in company with a party of six men went up 
the Ohio and Sciota rivers in a keel boat to Chilli- 
cothe, where the grandparents spent their last 
days. 

It is believed that Grandfather James Armstrong 
was married in Westmoreland County, Pa. His 
wife was Nancy Fulton, a near relative of Robert 
Fulton, the inventor of the steamboat. They lie- 
came the parents of seven children, namely: John, 
Robert, the father of our subject, James. Jr., Jane, 
Maria, Eliza and Rachel, all of whom are now de- 
ceased. The great-grandfather was born in En- 
gland and emigrated to America at an early dale. 
The Fulton family was of Irish ancestry. Robert 
Armstrong was born in Ross County, Ohio, in 
1801, on the old farm three miles north of Chilli- 
cothe and was there reared to manhood. He mar- 
ried Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas ami 
Rhoda Earl, in 1824. The young people soon 
afterward removed to Madison County, that State, 
and settled upon a farm. There were born to 
them ten children, the eldest of whom, Fulton, is 
now the owner of the old homestead; Thomas, our 
subject, was the second child; Maria married Ed- 
ward Cowling, and died in Ohio; Albert came to 
this county, and died in 1853; Robert is a resident 
of Missouri; Elizabeth married John McMillen, 
and lives in Kansas City, Mo.; William is a resi- 
dent of Bloomington, 111. ; James lives in Henry 
County, Mo.; John F. is in Livingston County, 
this State; Mary J. married Riley McMillen, and 
lives in Henry County, Mo. 

Mrs. Elizabeth (Earl) Armstrong, the mother 
of our subject, departed this life while a young 
woman, in 184J, and was buried at London, Ohio; 
the father survived for a period of twenty-two 
years, dying in 1866. Thomas, our subject, was 
born April IK, 182(1, and reared in Madison 
County, Ohio. In 1848 he made his way to this 
State and settled in Hancock County, where he 
lived two years, and upon iiis removal thence 
came to this county. Here he formed the acquaint- 
ance of Miss Nancy Smith, daughter of William 
Smith, to whom he was married August 24. 1850. 
They have four children living, the eldest of 
whom, Isabelle, was first married to Calvin Lamb, 
in March, 1878. He died, and she was then mar- 



ried to James Alison, in March, 1888; they are 
living at Armstrong, this county. Thomas J., 
James L. and Catherine M., Mrs. Charles A. Baker, 
remain upon the homestead. The deceased are. 
Mary, who died in the fourteenth year of her age, 
and an infant son who died unnamed; the wife and 
mother departed this life, Nov. 27, 1878. 

Our subject was soon recognized as a valued 
addition to the community of Ross Township and 
was tendered from time to time nearly all the local 
offices. He. however, had about all he could at- 
tend to in the management of his farm, and simply 
discharged the duties of Tax Collector for a num- 
ber of years, declining other responsibilities. He 
is one of the most extensive land-owners in the 
county, having in his home farm 1,546 acres, in a 
high state of cultivation. He came to this county 
with a capital of $1,500 given him by his father, 
and aside from the farm mentioned has 775 acres, 
upon a part of which the village of Armstrong, in 
Middle Fork Township, is now located. For the 
last few years he has been largely interested in 
live-stock, mainly cattls and swine. On his home 
farm are live tenement houses besides his own pri- 
vate residence, which is beautifully situated about 
forty rods from the road, with a handsome drive 
and a beautiful lawn with shrubbery and ornamen- 
tal trees. The graded road which leads from his 
house to the village of Rossville, about one mile 
distant, is the result of his enterprise. 

Mrs. Armstrong was a member in good standing 
of the Presbyterian Church, and in politics our sub- 
ject is an ardent Republican. No man has done 
more in the building up of his township than he. 
He put up the first two houses in the village of 
Rossville, the site of which was donated by Alvin 
Gilbert and Joseph Salterthwaite. in 1858. That 
first bouse is still standing, but the other was re- 
moved a few years ago. Upon the farm of our 
subject is a tile factory, from which Mr. Ann- 
strong has manufactured 115,000 worth of tiling, 
the most of which has been used in the drainage of 
his home farm, while on his other farm he has laid 
$10,000 worth. 

On the 26th of September. 1864, at a meeting 
helil in Rossville a committee was formed to solicit 
funds for the prosecution of the Union cause. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



723 



Alvin Gilbert was chosen Chairman and Mr. Arm- 
strong one of the members. The committee raised 
by subscription in Ross and Grant townships the 
sum of #7,708.50, and Mr. Gilbert gave his 



check for enough to swell the amount to 18,000. 
We give below the names of contributors and 
the amount they thus donated, and which is suffic- 
cient comment upon the spirit of that time and place : 



Alvin ( Jilbcrt 

S. D. Thompson 

T. R. Bicknel 

Miller Finley 

L. S. Metcalf 

Thomas Armstrong:. 



.$G0 
. 30 
. 30 
. 50 
. 30 
. 60 



Abram Mann 90 

John Mann 90 

Richard Bicknel 1 30 

James B. Davis 30 

J. J. Davison 30 

Z. B. Holliway 30 

Perry Cossatt 30 

William Sperry 30 

H. Cossett. . . .' 30 

Hugh MeGrannahan 30 

William Anderson 10 

J. 11. Fairchilds 5 

William H. Martin 30 

John Martin 30 

Curtis Elliott 5 

Charles Ilavanna 30 

John I). Collet 30 

Thomas Smith 30 

James Haas 30 

John Cork 30 

Wesley Swisher 30 

Elijah' Hale 30 

Thomas Edward 30 

William Harrison 30 

Fulton Armstrong 40 

E. s. Towersen 30 

Fred Grooms 30 

R. B. Ray 30 

William Pilkerton 30 

Thomas Williams 30 

. lames Carter 30 

Barker Satterwhite 30 

J. A. Bradley 30 

Wesley T. Harris 30 

Samuel Thomas 30 

George Steely 30 

Mahlon Lewen 30 

George Ruth 30 

William Smith 30 

Frederick Tilton 30 

John S. Townsend 30 

Abel Tilton 30 

Samuel Bennett 30 



Simon Bennett 30 

S. W. Catches 30 

William Edwards 30 

V. R. Boardman 30 

J. R. Hoover 30 

Davis Pervines 30 

James II. Petty 30 

W. II. Compton 30 

Edward Fisher 30 

S. Y. Davison 30 

James R. Crandal 30 

Johnson Henderson 30 

James Conel 30 

Henry Boyd 30 

Isaac Cruder 30 

William 1. Allen 30 

Thomas Campbell 30 

John Yates 30 

John Litle 3o 

Chancy Dayton 30 

George R. Messic 30 

John Putnam 30 

Al Davis 30 

Frank May 30 

Fphraim Fdwards 30 

Samuel Merchant 30 

John Bivens 30 

John Smith 30 

W. D. Foulke 30 

Andrew Kerr 30 

William Ludlow 30 

William York 30 

L. M. Thompson 30 

John Sines 30 

Thomas McKibben 25 

Van B. Hass 30 

Bennet B. Crook 30 

J. R. Stewart 10 

('. O. Davis 30 

John Ellison 30 

Harry Brown 30 

William Ross 30 

Jacob Bottroff 30 

William Vining 30 

R. Pendergrass 30 

Henry Dayton 30 

Watts Finley 30 

E. I!. Jenkins 30 

John Bridgeman 30 



D. F. Baker 30 

Philip Holmes 30 

G. C. Davis 30 

Daniel Knight 30 

W. A. Boardman 20 

James Dayton 30 

A. H. Grenana 30 

W. I). Hanley 30 

A. M. Davis 30 

George Inglas 30 

John Davidson 30 

W. W. Harris 30 

E. F. Yates 30 

Brien Carter 30 

Jacob Dale 30 

O. P. Stufflebeam 30 

Miles Stufflebeam 30 

George A. Collins 3d 

Henry Calarsttern 30 

Isaac Dale 30 

Josiah Rivens :;o 

James M. Lane 3D 

Andrew Lane 30 

Joseph Lane 30 

Enoch Watkins 30 

Henry Conner 30 

Isaac Clapp 30 

William Kight 30 

John Holmes 30 

Ed Foster 30 

J. W. McKibben 30 

William H. Collins 30 

John W. Collins 30 

M. M. Allison 30 

E. McElhauey 30 

John Ell well 30 

J. J. Grant 30 

S. Andrews 30 

Lemuel S. Bigges 30 

William P. Hanah 30 

J. W. McTagget 30 

John A. Clapp 30 

William Salmons 311 

J. II. Johnston 30 

F. A. Randolph 311 

Enoch Rullock 30 

Bernard Pullers 30 

Thomas J. Jones 30 

J. J. Jones 30 



724 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



There were a few more whose names are not 
herein mentioned and whose contributions were 
obtained on the second round, nearly every one of 
whom gave as much more as is mentioned in the 
foregoing list, until the desired sum was raised to 
clear the township from a draft. Prior to this 
there had been raised about $5,000 in the township 
in the way of bounties. 

Mr. Armstrong has always taken an active part 
in the support of the schools and churches of Ross- 
ville and all the other measures calculated for the 
advancement of the people, socially, morally and 
financially. He controls the operations of his 
farm, hiring the men who live in his houses for 
cash and each one paying his rent in the same way. 
The work is let out by the job, and accordingly 
the man who works the hardest makes the most 
money. The plowing is done by the acre, the coin 
cultivated in the same manner and gathered by 
the bushel. Each man furnishes his own team and 
implements. Mr. Armstrong pays for breaking, $1 
per acre; cutting of corn-stalks, 15 cents per acre; 
harrowing, 15 cents per acre; planting, 17 cents per 
acre; cultivating, 35 cents per acre for each time 
gone over. Mr. Armstrong determines as to the 
time and manner in which all the work shall be 
done. This simple method of transacting business 
is at once understood by all concerned and settle- 
ments are made without any trouble. The career 
of Mr. Armstrong has been from the start distin- 
guished by this systematic manner of transacting 
business, and thus he knows at all times how he is 
standing financially. 

^p^EORGE D. HUFFMAN. To most minds 
[|| s -, there is something very praiseworthy in not 
^^J only the accumulation of property, but in 
transmitting that property from one generation to 
another; and almost invariably the homestead 
which remains with one family is regarded by the 
people as something possessing more than ordinary 
interest and value. The subject of this notice 
owns and occupies the old homestead of his father, 
which was built up by the latter from a tract of 



wild, uncultivated land, and which now stands as 
an illustration of what persevering industry and 
determination may accomplish. The Huffman 
family are widely and favorably known in their 
community, and represent its best elements. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Harrison 
County, Ky., May 14, 1829, and was brought by 
his parents to Illinois when a child four years of 
age. He is the son of Daniel P. and Elizabeth 
Huffman, who left the Blue Grass State in the fall 
of 1 832, and coming to this county, settled in Newell 
Township, not far from the present site of the fam- 
ily residence. The father only lived four years 
thereafter, his decease taking place in 1836. The 
mother survived her husband twenty-one years, 
dying in 1857. There being no burying ground 
within ten miles, the remains of the parents were 
laid to rest in a pleasant spot on the farm, a few- 
yards from the present residence, and a fine monu- 
ment marks the spot. The father's first purchase 
was 101) acres of land, and the property has never 
changed hands except to pass from father to son. 

Our subject, after the death of his father, was at 
an early age invested with much responsibility, and 
remained the main stay and support of his mother 
until her death. The farm was mostly developed 
by him, anil was literally transformed from a wil- 
derness to a valuable homestead. In his boyhood 
he attended the subscription school two winters, 
and this comprised the greater part of his educa- 
tion. He has, however, been a reader, and keeps 
himself well informed upon matters of general in- 
terest. He put up the comfortable house in which 
he now lives, and added all the other improvements 
which have combined to made a valuable estate. 

Mr. Huffman has been a man quite prominent in 
his community, serving as Road Commissioner six 
years, and has been a school Director in his district 
for a period of thirty years. He has taken a par- 
ticular interest in education, believing that the 
young should be given all the advantages which 
will fit them for honest and intelligent citizens. In 
politics he is a sound Democrat, and in religious 
matters is a member of the Christian Church. 

The 18th of September, 1865, was a day memo- 
rable in the life of our subject, made so by his 
marriage with Miss Mary, daughter of John and 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



725 




Elizabeth Cox. This lady removedjwith her parents 
from Ohio to Indiana, and after a comparatively 

brief sojourn there they came to this county. To 
Mr. and Mrs. Huffman there have been born seven 
children, the two eldest of whom John F. and Daniel 
P. died at the age of sixteen months. George D. died 
when three months old; Emily J. is the wife of 
John E. Grider; Mary E. married Charles Richie; 
Edna A. died when three years old; Ellie M. re- 
mains at home with her parents. All of the de- 
ceased children were buried in the family cemetery, 
and beautiful stones mark the spot. 



ENNIS II. ROUSE. Pleasant is tin- task 
of the biographer when employed in re- 
counting the life and history of those who, 
bravely enduring the hardships and priva- 
tions of pioneer life in western wilds, have by 
Laborious industry and sagacious management of 
affairs, secured a competence for their declining 
years, together with the respect and confidence of 
their fellow-citizens. Such a career is Hie one now 
given us to contemplate, and thus ii began: To 
Reason and Martha (Olehy) Rouse, of Scioto 
County, Ohio, Feb. 1 1, 1828, was born a son. our 
subject. His father is thought to have been born 
in Delaware, as it is known that his grandfather, 
Solomon Rouse, supposed from the besl informa- 
tion at hand to have been a native of England, re- 
moved in 1815 from Delaware to Ohio. He was 
an early settler in the Scioto Valley, where he 
boughl a tract of timber land anil improved it as a 
farm, spending thereon the remainder of his life. 
Here his son Keasoii grew up and married, his bride 
being a native of Frederic County, Va. She was a 
daughter of Dennis Olehy, who was burn in Ire- 
land, near Kilkenny, and coming to America in 
1790, settled in that county, and lived thereuntil 
his death. In 1831 Mr. Rouse sold out his interest 
in Ohio and prepared to remove with his family to 
Illinois. .Inst on the eve of their intended depar- 
ture he sickened and died. Two weeks later .Mrs. 
Rouse started with her six children and made the 
entire journey with teams, driving the stock before 



them. At that time this part of the country was 
but sparsely populated, the land being yet owned 
by the Government, the settlers selecting the tim- 
ber along the streams. Mrs. Rouse bought eighty 
acres of forest covered land, two and one-half 
miles from the present site of the court-house in 
Danville. The family spent the winter in a vacant 
log cabin near by. Before the close of the season 
the mother was taken ill, and in April, 1832, she 
died. After that sad event five of the orphan 
children returned to Ohio, and resided for the next 
three years with uncles and aunts, at. the end of 
that time coming back to Illinois. Our subject 
was taken into the family of his uncle, Dennis 
Olehy. in this county, whose sketch appears else- 
where in this volume. Mere he remained until he 
attained the age of nineteen years. The log house 
in which he received his fust schooling was a most 
primitive structure, window glasses being conspic- 
uously absent, a piece of paper, smeared with'grease, 
inserted in an aperture made by taking out a piece 
of a log, admitting the light somewhat dimly. 
Benches for scats were made of split poles fitted 
wilh wooden legs. When not in school young 
Rouse worked with his uncle on the farm, improv- 
ing the land. He distinctly remembers being sent 
out frequently in early spring to drive deer from 
the wheal field. Wild turkeys were common, so 
that the tables of our pioneers can hardly have 
lacked for game. For many years LaF.iyette, 
Ind., was the nearest market. A great deal of 
produce was taken on flatboalS to Xew Orleans. 
The boats were built on the Vermilion River, floated 
down that stream and the Wabash to the Ohio and 
Mississippi. At nineteen our subject took a new 
start in life by working out at 87 a month, continu- 
ing this for the next three years, lie then hired 
land and cultivated for live years. In this way he 
acquired means which enabled him to obtain a 
farm for himself. lie bought "eighty acres of wild 
prairie land in Catlin Township for 8 1 an acre. 
On this he built a frame house, in which he lived 
with his family until 1 889, when he left the farm 
in charge of his son Reason, ami moved with the 
other members of his household into Danville, 
where he now resides. 

On the 30th of October, 1850, took place the 



726 



PORTRAIT AND BIOG UAP1IICAL ALBUM. 



marriage of Dennis Rouse and Louisa Olehy, of 
Scioto County, Ohio. Two children were the fruit 
of this union — Reason A. and Dennis A. Reason 
married Feb. 20, 1889, Dolly J. Stewart, and lives 
on the home farm near Catliu. Mrs. Rouse was a 
daughter of John and Mary (Ritter) Olehy, of 
Scioto County, Ohio. A virtuous woman, looking 
well to the ways of her household, she has mater- 
ially aided her husband in the building of their 
common fortune. 

Mr. Rouse has met with more than ordinary suc- 
cess in the prosecution of his calling, and has con- 
tinued to add at intervals to his original purchase 
until he is now the owner of 1,090 acres of well- 
improved farm land, besides his city property. 
Having begun life a poor boy with two strong 
hands, a stout heart, and little more, he may point 
to his possessions with pardonable pride as the rich 
result of self-denying toil. A pioneer farmer, one 
who has taken the lead in reclaiming the wilderness, 
causing hitherto untilled soil to laugh with the 
harvest, is a public benefactor. His estate is more 
honorable than that of the lucky speculator in 
Wall Street. Laboring not for selfish ends alone, 
he has the satisfaction of knowing that he has 
materially increased the sum of the world's wealth, 
and has so far made it practically a better world 
to live in. 




jj)ERIAH HAWORTH resides on section 14, 
range 12, Elwood Township, Vermilion 
County, near the place where he was born, 
Sept. 15, 1847. The father of Beriah was 
named David, who is now deceased. Our subject 
was educated in Vermilion Grove Seminary, and 
has always followed farming as his occupation, and 
has lived in this township on his present farm as 
long as he can remember. 

Our subject was uuited in marriage with Miss 
Anna Lewis (Oct. 30, 1879), daughter of William 
Lewis (deceased) a pioneer of Crab Apple Grove, 
just across the line in Edgar County, HI., but has 
lived mostly in this county. Three children have 
come to brighten the home of our subject, uained 




respectively: Carrie M., born Sept. 13, 1882; Ho- 
mer, Oct. 12, 1881; and Mary, Dec. G, 1888. 

Mr. Haworth owns a farm of seventy-five acres 
of good land, and in connection with his agricultu- 
ral pursuits is engaged in stock-raising. His favor- 
ites are the Clydesdale and Morgan horses, Short- 
horn cattle and Poland-China swine. 

Our subject and his estimable wife are devoted 
members of the Quaker Church. Mr. Haworth, 
politically, votes the straight Republican ticket, 
but has carefully refrained from the cares and re- 
sponsibilities of office, preferring to give his time 
and attention to his farming interests. 



(^p^IIOMAS PRATT. This gentleman is a suc- 
cessful farmer and stock-grower, and stands 
among the leading agriculturists of Catlin 
Township, lie is a native-born citizen of Vermil- 
ion County ; the most of his life has been passed 
within its limits, and he is one of the many who 
have furthered its progress in various directions, 
till it stands in the foremost rank among its sister 
counties in this part of Illinois. He and his family 
are living on the old Sandusky homestead, on sec- 
tion 3, one of the pleasantest and most desirable 
estates in the vicinity, which he purchased some 
years ago, and has since greatly increased its value. 
It comprises 240 acres of land of exceeding fer- 
tility, well adapted to general farming, to which 
Mr. Pratt devotes it. He has been extensively en- 
gaged in buying and shipping stock of all kinds, 
and now makes a specialty of raising Short-horn 
cattle. Our subject owns, besides his homestead, 
seventy -three acres of fine land. 

Mr. Pratt comes of sturdy Indiana stock, his 
father, Jonathan Pratt, and his mother, Nancy 
(Stevens) Pratt, both being natives of that State 
the former being born in Ripley County, and the 
latter in Jasper County. They met and were mar- 
ried at Danville, in this county, and were among 
the earliest settlers of this portion of the State. 
They began their wedded life at Brook's Point, 
but subsequently removed from there into the Big 
Vermilion River district, and while living there, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Mr. Pratt enlisted in the Rangers soon after the 
Black Hawk War. He had served nearly a year, 
proving to be a fearless, efficient soldier, when he 
died of cholera, near Galena, within six days of 
the expiration of his term of service. The mother 
afterward married John McCarty, and removing 
to t lie vicinity of Westville, spent her last days 
there. 

Our subject was the youngest of the two chil- 
dren born to bis parents, a girl and a boy, and 
his birth took place Nov. (i. 1831, at what was 
then known as Brook's Point. He was reared to 
manhood in that place and in the vicinity of the 
Big Vermilion River, and received as good school- 
ing as was obtainable in those pioneer days. At 
one time be was engaged for a year in the butcher- 
ing business in Danville, and was also interested 
in a market in that city. He subsequently went 
to Westville, in Georgetown Township, this county, 
and was engaged in buying and shipping grain from 
that point the ensuing five years. For about fifteen 
years be was engaged in buying and shipping stock 
of all kinds in connection with farming. He con- 
tinued to reside in Georgetown Township with his 
family till the spring of 1880, when he removed 
with them to this township, having purchased the 
old Sandusky farm, as before mentioned. Me has 
his land under admirable t ilia ge. has a good class 
of neat and conveniently arranged buildings, and 
a home replete with all the comforts that add SO 
largelv to the enjoyment of life. 

Mr. Pratt was first married at Brook's Point, 
Feb. 20. 1851, to Miss Nancy Scott, who was born 
in that place Jan. 23, 1821b There her life was 
brought to a peaceful close ere it had fairly reached 
its meridian, and she fell into that sleep that knows 
no waking, Dec. 5, 1870. Bight children were 
born of her marriage with our subject, as follows: 
Laura, wife of J. B. Clayton;- Jonathan, who mar- 
ried Agnes Cherington; Margaret, the wife of 
Wesley Thompson; Vista, the wife of M. I). Hut- 
sonpillar; Henry C; Mary E., the wife of (lay 
Sandusky; Charles II.; and Lewis. May 20. 1871, 
Mr. Pratt was united in marriage with Miss Mary 
F. Clayton, his present wife. She is a native of 
Ohio, a daughter of Jonathan ('. and Esther (Sny- 
der) Clayton, the former a native of Virginia, the 



latter of Ohio. They came to Vermilion County 
from Ohio in 1854, when Mrs. Pratt was a child of 
nine years, and they spent their last years in George- 
town Township. They had nine children, six 
daughters and three sons. Mary E. being the sev- 
enth in order of birth. She was horn in Licking 
County, Ohio. Aug. 19, 1845. Her union with our 
subject has been blessed to them by the birth of 
two children, Esther N. and Thomas C. 

Mr. Pratt is a man of strong, decisive character, 
has a well-balanced mind, and is quite capable of 
thinking and acting for himself, and especially is 
this true in regard to his political convictions, and 
he is a firm advocate of the Democrat policy in the 
management of national affairs. He bears an un- 
sullied reputation, and is considered in every way 
a desirable acquisition to the citizenship of this 
community. 

|y| 1SS SARAH WEBSTER is the daughter of 
Reuben and Elizabeth (White) Webster, 
natives of Indiana and Ohio respectively; 
they eloped and were married in the former 
State and after a short stay returned home and 
were forgiven. The father farmed in Greene 
County, Ohio, for some time, when he went to 
visit a brother in Indiana, where he suddenly died 
attheageof about, fifty-six; he wasadevoted member 
of the Baptist Church, in which faith he died. The 
mother is still living in Dayton, Ohio; she is a de- 
vout member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
The father agreed with the rest of the celebrated 
Webster family of which he was a member, and 
was in politics a strong anti-slavery man, a Whig 
and a Republican. Seven children resulted from the 
union of the elder Webster and wife, named as fol- 
lows: Nancy A., Sarah, our subject, John, Minerva, 
Adelaide; Matilda died at the age of seventeen; 
and George, who died, when seven years old. 
Nanc\ married Mr. Ethan Cross, in Greene County, 
Ohio. They came to Illinois and settled in Ver- 
milion County. Sidell Township, where Mrs. Cross 
died and was soon followed by her husband; they 
had six children. John enlisted in the army at the 
age of twenty-three, and was killed in the first act 



728 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



ive engagement in which lie participated; Minerva 
became the wife of William Mullen and resides in 
Sidell Township on a farm; Adelaide is at home in 
Dayton, Ohio. 

Tbe families of the Sidells' and the Websters' had 
lived neighbors in Ohio for some time, and a strong 
affection grew up between the two mistresses. Mrs. 
Sidell having no girls, our subject then a child of 
eight years, was by mutual consent adopted into 
the Sidell family, and was a lady of twenty-two 
years of age, when John Sidell, the cattle king of 
Illinois, removed to the township which later bore 
his name. Mrs. Sidell died in Ohio, and Mr. Sidell 
was a second time married, his wife dying a few 
years after coming to this State, leaving three 
children. Oursubject continued to be the mistress 
of the Sidell mansion until the death of the owner, 
which occurred in Jan. 1889. She has, therefore, 
been almost a mother to the children by the second 
marriage. 

Miss Webster is very prominent in the religious 
and social circles of Sidell, being President of the 
Ladies Aid Society and a member of the Methodist 
Episcopal Chinch. She is also prominently iden- 
tified with the Methodist Episcopal Sunday-school 
of Sidell. 

^p^EORGE W. SMITH, one of the worthy 
!l| (— , and representative citizens of El wood Tmvn- 
5^41 ship is residing on section 18. He is a 
native of Washington County, East Ten n., where 
he was born, Sept. 27. 1819. His father, Jesse 
Smith, was a native of Virginia, having been born 
near Winchester in 1794. He followed the occu- 
pation of a tanner and farmer and migrated to 
Tennessee when a boy. Thence he came in 1832 
to this county and settled on section 18 which af- 
-terward became the property of our subject. Upon 
his settling here the land was in its primitive con- 
dition ; Indians were numerous; deer, turkeys and 
thousands of prairie chickens could be had for the 
shooting. Mr. Smith's entry of land consisted of 
I GO acres and which was subsequently added to by 
the purchase of many more acres. The mother of 
our subject, whose maiden name was Mary Carri- 



ger, was the daughter of Michael Carriger, now de- 
ceased. She was one of a family of seven children, 
five of whom are living, namely: William, John, 
Isaac, and Elizabeth, now Mrs. Baum. 

( >ur subject received a limited education in the 
subscription school held in a log cabin with its slab 
seats, wall desks, etc. This early training was sup- 
plemented by attendance at the schools in George- 
town, and Vermilion Grove which education fitted 
him the better for coping with life's difficulties 
when he should launch out for himself. Our sub- 
ject chose fanning and stock raising for his occu- 
pation and has had no reason to regret his choice. 
In those early days there were no steam cars rush- 
ing over the country and emigrants came in wagons 
bringing their few household effects along with 
them. In order to find a market for their stock 
they had to drive them to Wisconsin. Pork sold 
for $1.50 per hundred and good- cows for $10. 
They also hauled produce to Chicago and our sub- 
ject often drove a team to and from that now 
great city, and on the return trip loaded his wagon 
with salt. Upon his first trip to Chicago, that city 
was about the size of Ridge Farm at the present 
time. (1889.) 

On the 15th day of January, 1352, our subject 
took a very important step in his life, namely his 
marriage to Elizabeth Hester. Mrs. Smith's father, 
John Hester, was a pioneer of Tazewell County, 
this State. Mrs. Smith was born in that county and 
by her union with our subject has become the 
mother of six children, who bear the names of Mary 
J., Francis P., Amanda, Isaac, Perry and Delia. 
Mrs. Smith passed from earth Feb. 1, 1888. Both 
our subject and his wife have for many years been 
active and consistent members of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church at Ridge Farm. 

Mr. Smith holds a leading position among the 
citizens of his township and is one of its represent- 
ative farmers, owning 1,230 acres of land. This 
he has divided among his children, reserving eighty 
acres for himself. During the early settlement of 
the county, our subject sold a cow to George Geb- 
hart for $9 and took his pay in rail making at 
forty cents per 100. Soon after the State road was 
laid out, our subject, his father and brother secured 
six yoke of oxen and a team of horses and plowed 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



72!) 



the furrows in order to locates track from Elwood 
to Chrisman. This undertaking required all day 
and they received from Amos Williams, the con- 
tractor, $5. The many friends of Mr. Smith rec- 
ognize in him such character and personal worth as 
entitles him to a position among the representa- 
tive citizens of the county. 



ffiAMES F. HULL, M. 1)., followed his pro- 
fession in Indiauola for twenty-one years, 

but retired from ils active pursuits several 
years ago and now lives in the quiet enjoy- 
ment of his modest income at his comfortable home 
in the above named city. He is a native of Ross 
County, Ohio, and is a son of Daniel Hull, who 
was brought by his parents to thai county from the 
East, while in his early childhood. The father of 
our subject was reared in Ross County, where he 

received a g 1 common-scl I education, and 

after leaving school was apprenticed to a brick- 
roason. Upon completing his term of apprentice- 
ship to that trade, he returned to his favorite oc- 
cupation of farming, which he followed during the 
remainder of his life, varied with work at his trade, 
which was confined principally to building brick 
chimneys. When the United States came to blows 
with Great Britian in 1812, he enlisted in his coun- 
try's service and returned blow for blow, doing 
good service till the haughty British finally aban- 
doned the attempt to re-conquer the vigorous 
young Republic, which the Revolutionary heroes 
had established on the soil of America. lie de- 
parted this life at the age of seventy-four, in Cov- 
ington, Ind, whither he had removed in the fall of 
L829. 

The mother of Dr. Hull was Margaret Long, a 
native of Pick County, Ohio; she was born 
near C'ircleville, and passed her youth in that 
county, which was also the place of her marriage 
and residence during the early years of her wed- 
ded life. She died when our subject was but 
twelve years old leaving him and a younger 
brother and sister to the care of their father, who 



married a second time and became the parent of 
two more children. Following the loss of the 
second wife the father was again married. 

The subject of this sketch was born May 31, 
1821, and when eight years of age removed in the 
care of his parents to Covington. Intl., where the 
father entered eighty acres of land from the Gov- 
ernment and began farming. Ilis early life was 
passed in the usual manner of a farmer's boy until 
he reached the age of seventeen years when he was 
apprenticed to learn the tanners snd curriers' 
trade, which occupation he followed some six or 
seven years [during which time he was married, 
Nov. 1, 1843, to Miss Gemima Baum, a native of 
Ohio. The parents of Mrs. Hull removed to Foun- 
tain County, Ind., when she was only one year old, 
and that remained her home until her marriage as 
above stated in Covington, Ind. to Dr. Hull. 

The first records of the family of Mrs. Hull are 
found in Pennsylvania, where her mother's father 
figured as a German Baptist or Dunkard preacher. 
He was a good German scholar but never learned 
to cither speak or write the English language. 
Her paternal grandfather and mother were also 
German scholars and confined their reading and 
nearly all their conversation to that language. Her 
father, .lonas Baum served honorably throughout 
the War of 1812. 

Dr. Hull began the study of medicine in the 
office of Dr. Weldon, of Covington, continuing 
there some three or four years when he began the 
practice of medicine near Paxton, Ford Co., III., 
where he purchased a piece of land. He remained 
there about three years then removed to Higgins- 
ville, Vermilion County, in 1859, when after a 
short stay in that place he moved to Marysvillc, 
where he followed his profession until he finally 
located in Dallas now Indiauola. in 1869. 

Dr. and Mrs. Hull have had eight children, five 
of whom grew to maturity. They are named res- 
pectively: Francis M., Kissy B.. William W.. who 
died in infancy; Martha A.; .lames M. died an 
infant; John C. Freemont ; Emma S. died when 
four years old; and Edwin M. 

Dr. Hull has had an extensive practice ill his 
profession, as large, perhaps, as any physician in 
Indiauola, and was at one time quite wealthy not- 



730 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



withstanding his generous liberality, but his kind- 
ness was cruelly taken advantage of by a man 
engaged in the business of buying horses for the 
western trade. This man persuaded Dr. Hull to 
endorse his notes, but after securing the horses by 
means of the security furnished by them, decamped 
taking the animals but leaving the debts, which, of 
course, were collected off the unfortunate doctor 
and caused him the loss of several thousand dol- 
lars. 

The subject of this sketch has lived in retire- 
ment for the last four or live years, advancing age 
and delieate health compelling him to relinquish the 
calls made upon him except those whose urgency 
would not admit of refusal. He and his excellent 
wife are consistent Christians and liberal eontribu- 
ters to every good work and are worthy members 
of the Baptist Church. The Doctor is a Mason on 
holding his membership in the Vermilion Lodge 
No. 265. 

The pecuniary interests of Dr. Hull have all been 
centered at Indiauola. He was one of the incorpor- 
ters of the village and has served on the Village 
Board a position winch afforded him the opportu- 
nity of advancing the interests of his constituents. 
He was an old line Whig, but at the disruption of 
parties consequent upon the agitation of the slavery 
question, and the formation of new ones based 
upon that issue. He cast his lot with the Republi- 
cans, voting for John C. Fremont, after whom he 
named his son — I. C. Fremont Hull. 






^EQRGE W. ANKRUM who was born Oct. 
19, 1826, in Berkeley County, Ya., was 

i^|) raised at Ridge Farm where he lived with 
his father, who was a weaver, his mother and nine 
brothers, six of whom are living, viz: Anthony 
L.. John, Elwood, David, Wesley and Harrison; 
one of these died at the age of fourteen years and 
Asa who came to this county in lbo7 settling in 
this township, near Yankee Point, died at the age 
of forty -seven. 

The subject of this sketch received a primary edu- 
cation in a log cabin with puncheon floor, greased 



paper window panes, clapboard roof, and split-log 
seats. When still a boy he learned the weaver's 
trade at which he was very apt and soon became 
proficient in weaving double coverlets, carpets, 
woolen and cotton goods. He followed this trade 
until his health began to fail and then became a 
farmer. He plowed with the old fashioned plow, 
with wooden moldboard and had to carry a paddle 
with him to clean off the plow every few minutes. 

i >ct. 4, I860, .Mr. Ankrum married Sarah Canada, 
a daughter of Frederick Canada, a pioneer of this 
township. They became the parents of four chil- 
dren. They were named as follows: Donnie E., 
Harrison I!., Lilly A., and Frederick IS. Donnie 
was married to James L. Bell of this township and 
had one child, Georgia. Lilly married John II. 
Davis of the Ridge and has no children. 

He, of whom we write never sought official 
honors, but passed the remainder of his life at the 
Ridge where he had a fine residence and 250 acres 
of land. 



F PRICK PAT TON, late of section 29 El- 

*V wood Township and now deceased, first 
fc saw the light near Zanesville, Ohio, having 
been born March 27, 1830. His parents 
dying when he was quite small he accompanied his 
older brothers and sisters to Hamilton County, 
Ind.. to which they removed. His education was re- 
ceived in the primitive school house so many times 
described in this volume, with its puncheon floor, 
clapboard roof and split-log seats. Notwithstand- 
ing the many disadvantages which he labored under, 
our subject acquired a fair education and later 
turned his attention to agriculture, in which occu- 
pation he was successfully engaged until his death. 
The subject of this biography was married July 
14, 1852, to Miss Priscilla Mendenhall, daughter of 
James Mendenhall, deceased. This congenial union 
has been blest by the birth of seven children, five 
of whom are living. They were named respect- 
ively: Mahlon R., Mary J. (Mrs. Lancaster), Davis 
R., Lilla E. and Ira F. Mr. Ration, of this sketch, 
parsed from life Feb. 15, IH70. He was a devoted 
and consistent member of the Society of Friends, 




PORTRAIT AM) BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



731 



of which Society his family were also members. 

Our subject lived in such a manner as to command 
the respect of his fellow townsmen, and now that 
he has gone, will always he rememberer! as an active 

and useful member of the community. 



0' HARLES A.WRIGHT is a young man of 
great promise, universally esteemed for his 
many sterling qualities, prominent among 
which are courtesy, good judgment, ability and his 
exhibition of public spirit. lie came from a most 
excellent family, his father being one (if the lead- 
ing citizens of .Sidell Township. He has been par- 
ticularly active in furthering the advancement of 
his stirring little village, and his name will go 
down in its history as one of its earliest and most 
enterprising journalists. 

Mr. Wright is also a young man of considerable 
means, owning a large farm, printing office and 
other property. He may well look forward to a 
promising future. If Sidell ever becomes a huge 
town, its growth may be attributed in a large meas- 
ure to the enterprise and public spirit of Mr. Wright. 
The Sidell Journal was established May 1, by 
James E. Whipple, of Cayuga, Ind., who sold the 
plant, after operating it fourteen weeks, to Mr. 
Wright, who took charge of it August 1 . of that 
year. It was an eight-page folio, bright, newsy 
and well printed, and was one of the chief instru- 
ments in the growth of the town. Mr. Wright 
leased his office building and presses to T. M. Mor- 
gan, who is now publishing the Sidell Wayside. 

Mr. Wright is the son of Silas Wright, who 
came to Vermilion County in 1846, and who was a 
resident here for more than forty years. He died 
on the 6th day of May, 1886, his wife following 
him to the grave five weeks later. They were the 
parents of five children: William II., Charles A., 
Ella M., Mabel, and George A., who died at the 
age of six years. William is a farmer in Sidell 
Township; Ella M. is the wife of Charles Church, 
a miller of the same place; Mabel resides at home 
with her brother William. Charles, of whom this 
is written, was born April 15, 1860, iu this town- 



ship, on the old Wright homestead, where his early 
life was passed. He attended the public schools of 
this county, and at the age of twenty-three he en- 
tered the Normal School at Danville, where he 
continued his studies until his duties called him 
home to labor on his father's farm, which he inher- 
ited after the decease of his parents. In 1887 he 
went, to San Antonio, Tex., where he purchased a 
car-load of Texas ponies, and shipped them to 
Sidell, and there sold them, lie has also dealt ex- 
tensively in mules, purchased at St. Louis and 
Shipped north. On Dec. 12, 1*88. he was appointed 
postal clerk on the route from Chicago to Torre 
Haute, Ind., and in March, [889, he resigned this 
position. He is an advocate of temperance, hav- 
ing been a charter member of the Good Templars' 
Lodge at, Sidell. 

Although young in years, Mr. Wright has a large 
knowledge of the world, and is therefore well fitted 
to fill any position to which he may aspire. He is 
an enthusiastic Democrat, and will employ all hon- 
orable means for the success of his party, while 
he and his newspaper are potent factors in the Demo- 
cratic cause. 



pjVEY. DAVID COAKE, farmer and preacher 
of the gospel, a residentof Danville Town- 
ship, was born in Carter County. Ky., < )<;t. 
P 6,1848. His great-grandfather, of thesame 
name, came to America with his family in colonial 
times, and fought in the War of the Revolution. 
He settled in Scott County, W.Va., and there spent 
his last years. The grandfather of our subject was 
three years old when he came with his parents to 
this country He was reared in Scott County. 

After his marriage to Rebecca I- In ty, a native 

of Scott County, he removed to Lee County, where 
he was engaged in farming till his death. His son, 
Henry .1. Coake. father of our subject, was born in 
that county. Aug. 18, 1818. At twenty years of 
age, his father being dead, the young man went with 
his mother to Kentucky. He there married Lienor 
Rowe, daughter of Edward and Lienor (Littleton) 
Etowe, of Carter County. Mr. and Mrs. Coake re- 



7:i 2 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



sided in that county till 18G3, when they came to 
Illinois, and purchased the farm that he and his 
son now occupy, which is beautifully located on 
section 10, Danville Township. 

The subject of this present sketch was in his fif- 
teenth year, when he accompanied his father and 
mother to this place. He married in 1875 Miss 
Ann Willim, a native (if Carter County, Ivy., daugh- 
ter of Edward and Clara C. (Duncan) Willim. 
Of their happy wedded life one child has been 
born. Bertha. David Coake united with the Chris- 
tian Church when seventeen years of age, and be- 
gan preaching at thirty-six. Bred to agriculture, 
a lover of the country and its peaceful pursuits, 
Mr. Coake, in taking up the clerical profession, did 
not abandon the plough, and has not ceased sowing 
seed in material soil since he began the culture of 
spiritual fields. No doubt, in practice the blending 
of the two vocations is a benefit to both. Sharing 
on the week day, the labors of the people, yet not 
engrossed by them, partaking of their joys and 
anxieties, yet not bound up in worldly cares, he is 
better fitted to give counsel to the erring, advice 
to the inquiring, to lend a helping hand to the weak 
and stumbling, and to speak of heavenly things 
to those who are bidding farewell to things of 
earth. 



S£fe3' *s 




^ 1IARLES CHURCH, junior member of the 
firm of Rice & Church, general slock buyers 



mid shippers of Sidell, is also the proprie- 
tor of the Sidell Star Feed Mills. He was born in 
Catlin Township and reared there. His father, 
William A. Church, is one of the substantial farm- 
ers of this township, and is a native of this count}'. 
The grandfather, Alexander Church, is still living, 
is in his eighty-seventh year and was one of the 
lirst pioneers of this county, where he came in 
1821, from Virginia. Our subject's mother is 
Hester (Douglas) Church, a member of the Douglas 
family from which the Hon. Stephen A. Douglas 
came. Alexander Church and wife are the parents 
of five children, namely: Sarah 1)., William J., 
Annie L., Thomas W. and Charles S. Sarah is the 
wife of J. Acree of Danville; William is farming 



in Catlin Township; Annie L. married L. Bushy, 
who also farms in Catlin Township; Thomas W. 
lives at home with his parents. 

The birth of our subject occurred Feb. 9, 18G4. 
lie acquired his education in the public schools at 
Danville. At the age of twenty-four our subject 
met and married his wife. Miss Ella Wright. He 
came to Sidell Nov. 8, 1888 and bought village 
property and the feed mill the same fall. He then 
formed a partnership with Mr. W. J. Rice and 
they are now shipping hogs to Chicago and 
Indianapolis. 

Our subject owns a line farm of 100 acres north 
of Sidell, and has placed tenants on it. Mr. Church, 
in his political sentiments, is firmly established 
upon the Republican foundation, and is a young 
man of character, ability and enterprise. 



—23- 



.^-^A-i. 



|f£_oN. DAVID D. EVANS, Judge of the 
* County Court of Vermilion County, is 
regarded as one of the ablest lawyers of 
Central Illinois. A close student and an 
extensive reader, he is not only well versed in the 
duties of his profession, but in all respects is a 
man of more than ordinary capacities. Not alone 
has he distinguished himself at the bar, but in his 
private life and as a citizen possesses those traits 
of character which form the basis of all good so- 
ciety. In politics he is a sound Republican, and 
has had a sensible influence amid the councils of 
his party in Illinois, serving in various positions 
of trust and responsibility. In 187G he was a del- 
egate to the National Republican Convention that 
met at Cincinnati. 

The subject of this sketch was born near Ebens- 
burg, Cambria Co., Pa., April 29, 1829. His 
grandfather on his father's side was a freeholder 
in the north of Wales. Having a large family and 
bis land being subject to the English law of entail- 
ment, he concluded to sell his life estate to his old- 
est son and move to America, to give his other 
children a chance for fame and fortune in a free 
country. lit settled in Pennsylvania about the 
year 1780, but soon thereafter died, leaving only 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



733 



:m example of industry and energy, as an inherit- 
ance to his family. David Evans, father of the 
subject of this sketch, learned the trade of a stone 
mason and followed that, business as a workman 
and contractor until about the year 1810, when he 
married and settled on a farm near Ebensburg, Pa. 
He followed the business of a farmer and contractor 
the balance of his life, and died in Ebensburg, Dec 
19, 1859. 

Thirteen children were born to David Evans, 
one of whom died in infancy. Seven are still liv- 
ing.' His wife, Anna, was the (laughter of Rev. 
Rees Lloyd. Mr. Lloyd came from Wales about 
the year 177'.», and was a fellow emigrant with the 
father of ex-Gov. Bibb. The latter went to Ohio, 
but Mr. Lloyd settled in the woods where now 
stands the quaint old town of Ebensburg, Pa. 
There he chopped out a farm, fought the wolf from 
the door, preached the Gospel and raised Ins fam- 
ily. Soon after settling in these then western wilds 
he procured the organization of a new county, and 
caused it to be called Cambria, in honor of the an- 
cient name of Wales. He also donated fifty acres 
of his farm and laid out a town, which he called 
Ebensburg in honor of a deceased son, named 
Elien or Ebenezer, and procured its selection as the 
county seat of the county. 

In his old age Mr. Lloyd again became smitten 
with the spirit of emigration and the western fe- 
ver, and started for the village of Cincinnati, Ohio. 
Finding it only a few log huts among the hills, and 
not liking its scenery, nor foreseeing its future, he 
pushed on to the southern part of Butler County, 
that State, where he again met his friend and fel- 
low emigrant, Mr. Bibb. Here, with a part of his 
family, on the rich bottoms of Paddy's Run, near 
the village of New London, he spent the remain- 
der of his days, dying at the ripe old age of about 
ninety years. 

Mr. Evans, the subject of this sketch, worked 
on his father's farm until he was twenty-three years 
of age, with the exception of one summer, when 
he was employed in a blacksmith shop with a broth- 
er-in-law. His early education and advantages 
were extremely limited. He was a stranger to I lie 
inside of a school house until in his tenth year. 
For a few years thereafter he attended a country 



district school for about, two months each winter. 
Commencing in his twenty-fourth year, he attend- 
ed several terms of the Eclectic Institute at Hiram, 
Ohio, paying his way without assistance from any 
source, teaching school in the winter and working 
in the harvest field during the summer vacations. 
One of his fellow students at the Eclectic Institute 
wms the late Ties. Garfield. Upon leaving Hiram, 
.Mr. Evans went to Southern Ohio, where he taught 

scl 1 one term at West. Elkton, Preble County, 

and for five years and six months in one house ;M 
Miltonvillc, Butler County. While teaching he 
commenced reading law, entered the law depart- 
mentof the I'niversily of Michigan in i860, and 
was graduated with his class in 1863. 

While during the war of the rebellion, the gov- 
ernment had the support and warmest sympathy 
of Mr. Evans, his military service was of but little 
material assistance. Soon after going to the field 
he was attacked with a malignant type of typhoid 
fever which unfitted him for duty, and he was hon- 
orably discharged in the fall of 1864'. After his 
recovery he repaired to Danville, 111., taught school 
for a few terms, and in 1865-66 he was editor and 
part proprietor of the Danville Plaindealer. He 
commenced the active practice of law in the fall 
of 1866, and continued successfully until the sum- 
mer of, 1882. He then became a candidate for the 
Republican nomination for the office of County 
Judge. After a close and .somewhat acrimonious 
contest, he succeeded against a very popular oppo- 
nent, and was elected without opposition by the 
Democrats. He found the affairs of the office in 
exceedingly bad condition, straightened them out. 
Mini revolutionized the heretofore loose practice of 
the court. At the end of the term he wms renom- 
inated without much opposition, and wms re-elected 
Over m strong Democratic opponent by the largest 
majority of any Republican on the ticket. Hestill 
keeps up the business and till' vigorous practice of 
the court. lie is in excellent health, and good for 
twenty years more of active life. 

Judge Evans wms married to Mrs. Edwilda \. 
Sconce. Oct. 9, ISC>7. To them three children have 
been born, the eldest of whom. Lloyd Cromwell, 

died in the eighth year of his age. The second 
child. Ruth Edwilda, died in infancy. WaldoCarl, 



r.'w 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



the youngest, remains to his parents, and is now 
(1889) in his thirteenth year. Mrs. Evans was born 
in Berkeley County, W. Va., July 31, 1838, and 
is the daughter of Dr. Edward and Rebecca Bruce 
( Lemon) Cromwell. Mrs. Cromwell was the daugh- 
ter of John Lemon, who came from Berkeley 
County, W. Va., to Danville at an early day. Dr. 
Cromwell practiced in Kentucky, and died while 
Mrs. Evans was an infant. Mrs. Cromwell like- 
wise passed from earth many years ago. Their 
daughter, Edwilda A. Cromwell, was first married 
to George Fithian, a son of Dr. William Fithian, 
who is still living, and over ninety years old. Of 
this union there was born one child, Will E. Fith- 
ian, now of San Antonio, Texas. Mrs. Fithian 
was married the second time to Lafayette II. 
Sconce, of Danville, who only lived a short time 
after his marriage. 

Mr. Evans is a member of Olive Branch Lodge, 
No. 45, A. F. & A. M.,of Vermilion Chapter, No. 
82, U. A. M., and of Athelstao Commandery. and 
is also a member of Damascus Lodge K. of P. 

C. FREEMAN will be remembered as the 
polite and efficient gentleman who for fif- 
teen years has served the city of Danville 
as its City Clerk. Forced to resign that 
position, which he had creditably held for the last 
fifteen years, on account of being troubled with 
heart disease, he refused to again become a candi- 
date for the otlice. lie was born Aug. 7, 1832, 
at Beallsville, Washington Co., Pa., eight miles 
from Blaine's birthplace. His father, Lewis Free- 
man, was a very prosperous merchant, who died 
at the early age of thirty-five years. The subject 
of our sketch attended the common school until 
the age of fourteen, when he began to clerk 
at different points in the county until he was 
twenty-three years of age, when he came to Edgar 
County, this State, and worked on a farm until 
1861. He was subject to asthma, but the Western 
country agreed with him and in a great measure 
he regained his health. 

Miss Jennie R. Newkirk. who became the wife 




of our subject in 1859, was the daughter of George 
and Maria Newkirk, of Washington County, Pa. 
She came of a family distinguished for their hon- 
esty and patriotism. In 1859, the year of their 
marriage, she came to Illinois with her husband. 
In 1861 Mr. and Mrs. Freeman came to Fairmount, 
Vermilion County, where Mr. Freeman became 
Station Agent and Postmaster. In 1867 he was 
placed in charge of the station at State Line, Ind., 
also on the Wabash, and continued in the employ 
of the Wabash until 1872. In 1874 he was elected 
City Clerk, which position he held for fifteen years. 
His first wife lived about two years and left two 
children: Charles A., an infant who died a f^w 
days after the mother, and Ella Nora, now living. 
Mr. Freeman was married a second time in 1861, 
to Miss Mary W. Dustin. born in Enfield, N. II., 
and daughter of Sylvester and Marilla (Wells) 
Dustin, by whom he had five children: Harry L., 
Fred D., Albert I)., Nettie J. and Edmund G 

Mr. Freeman's life and position in connection 
with the Wabash Railroad Company, as well as 
with the city of Danville, has implied a great deal 
of responsibility as the custodian of thousands of 
dollars, both for the Wabash and the city. Mr. 
Freeman has been a Mason since 1854 and became 
a Knight Templar in 1882. He is a member of 
Athclstan Commandery of Danville, No. 15. He 
is also a member of the Knights of Honor, Frank- 
lin Lodge, No. 409. A very decided Republican, 
he with his son are the only members of the family 
belonging to that party. Since his retirement from 
office he has led a quiet and retired life at his home 
in 1 tanville. 



JONATHAN LAKRANCE, late a resident of 
section 35, Elwood Township, is a native of 
this county, having spent his entire life in 
}) the township where he first saw the light. 
Jan. 7, 1831. The parents of our subject, John 
and Ruth Larrance, emigrated to this county from 
East Tennessee in the fall of 1827 and immediately 
set about establishing for themselves a comfortable 
home, which they succeeded admirably in doing. 
The subject of this biography conned his first 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



735 



lessons in Vermilion Seminary, now Vermilion 
Academy, which was quite an improvement over 
the primitive log cabin in which the most of the 
youth of those days were obliged to get an educa- 
tion. Mr. Larrance. however, upon launching out 
in life on his own account, chose farming for his 
vocation and had no cause for regretting his choice. 

The first important step in the life of our Sllb 
ject upon establishing a home of his own was his 
marriage. Dec. 5, 1861, with Miss Hannah, daugh- 
ter of Alexander and Mary McGee, both of whom 
are deceased. Mrs. Larrance was limn in Tuscar- 
was County, Ohio, .Ian. 28, 1«.">7. and of her 
union with our subject has become the mother of 
seven children, sis of whom are still living, viz. : 
Perry M., horn Aug. ■.'•_'. 1862; John, May 27. 
1865; Alice, .March 5, 1867; Laura, Sept. 1. 1870; 
Mark, April 17. 1874; Martha E., Dec. 25, 1876. 
One son, Marion, horn Dec. to, 1868, died May (I, 
1870. Perry married Miss Nancy E. Black, and lives 
on a part of the old homestead; he is the father of 
a daughter. Annie; Alice was married to Charles 
Canady, of Georgetown Township, this county. 

Our subject was the owner of 295 acres of excel- 
lent farming land, which has since been divided 
among his heirs, lie also held a half interest, in the 
Ridge Farm Tile Factory, which has since been 
sold. lie passed from earth .Ian. 25, 1885, regret- 
ted and mourned by all who knew him. He had 
earned for himself a position among the honorable 
and upright citizens of the county. 

Mr. Larrance, although never seeking political 
preferment, always cast his vote ami influence on 
the side of right. Socially he was a Freemason, 
and religiously a member of the Society of Friends. 



FRSOM FRENCH was the son of George, and 
the grandson of Henry French. The latter, 
/l *~-i& ) after being married to Miss Elizabeth Ersom, 
left his home in Germany and sought, a new field 
of labor under the banner of freedom, in the land 
of liberty. After this worthy couple had been in 
the United States for some time, there was born to 
them a son, to whom they gave the name of George. 



His birth occurred in Mercer County, Ky. Henry 
French, when in Germany, had learned the trades 
of blacksmith and gunsmith. Besides their son 
George, who was the third son, they had six other 
children — two boys and four girls. After a happy 
and peaceful life the father and mother died, at the 
old homestead in Mercer County. George, the 
father of our subject, was brought up in Kentucky, 
where he married Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas 
Sterman, in about 1800. Miss Sterman's grand- 
father was a reliable, trustworthy man. which is 
evinced by the fact that as a guard he was with 
Gen. Washington for seven years during the Revo- 
lutionary War, after winch he took up his residence 
in North Carolina, or Virginia. In 1809 George 
French and his wife removed to Knox County, 
Ind., where Ersom, the subject of this sketch, was 
born, in April, I .s 1 1 . At the beginning of the 
War of 1812 the father took his family hack to 
Kentucky, left them with his parents and returned 
to Indiana, where he became wagoner for the 
soldiers. The road on which he traveled was that 
extending between Forts Knox and Harrison. 

On two occasions his wagons loaded with provi- 
sions were captured by Indians. They burned the 
wagons, look possession of the eatables, and had if 
not been for the tleeiness of his horse, George 
French would not have escaped as he did without 
injury. He drove a team of live horses, the leader 
of which was a remarkably swift mare. After the 
close of the war. Mr. French brought his family 

back to Indiana and settled theasl of Vineeunes. 

Altera few years, being dissatisfied with his resi- 
dence, he removed to a place near Terra Haute on 
the prairie, where he spent his last days, leaving 
eleven children, whose names were as follows: 

Umphery, Henry, John, Ersom, Mary, Erastus, 
Thomas. Elizabeth, George, Washington, and Mary 
J. Mrs. George French died at the age of eighty- 
two years; she evidently inherited in part her 
mother's longevity, that lady having lived to be 
ninety-three years of age. 

Our subject while in Indiana, was made ac- 
quainted with Miss Harriet Clem, whom he greatly 
admired, and in the course of time he married her. 
They had one daughter, named after her mother, 
Harriet. This daughter is now Mrs. Elijah Cheno- 



736 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



weth. Ills Hist wife died, and Mr. French took as his 
next partner in life Mrs. Eliza (Boling) Carrol, a 
widow, by which marriage he had three children. 
viz., Truman P., George, now deceased, and Algy 
D. In 1852 Ersom mine to Illinois and located in 
this township, where he has since lived. In 1850 
he traveled to Kansas, which he left later on ac- 
count of the frontier ruffians. He naturally found 
it difficult to live with men whose political opin- 
ions were so diametrically opposed to his own, 
especially on the subject of slavery, of which they 
approved and wished to have extended, and of 
which he as heartily disapproved and desired to 
have abolished. Our subject then located on a 
farm in this county, where he lived until the death 
of his wife, in February, 18K0. Since this event 
his son, Dr. Truman, and his family have lived 
with him, at his house adjacent to the village of 
Armstrong, which is partly on his farm. Truman, 
after having finished his studies in the common 
school, attended Rush Medical College, at Chi- 
cago, and in Indianapolis, Ind. The school where 
he commenced his studies when a child, was a pri- 
vate one, which had been built by our subject and 
three other men. After Truman's graduation, he 
first practiced in Ogden seven years, but finally 
came to this village, January, 1880. He has now 
had a good practice here for about seventeen years 
and still continues to be successful. 

On March 1, 1H77, lie was married to Miss Eu- 
genia I., daughter of Hiram and Mary A. (Ulan- 
chard) Robinson, of Peoria County, this State. 
I Its two boys, George M. and Morris D., are still 
living. The household was last summer increased 
by the birth of another child, a boy who died when 
seven weeks old. Together with two stoics and 
other buildings in the village, Truman French is 
owner of the farm, including eighty acres on which 
he lives. Our subject and his ancestors were mem- 
bers of the Methodist Church, and the family was 
well known for its knowledge and intelligence. 
A. D., one of the sons of Ersom and brother of Tru- 
man French, was also graduated at the Chicago and 
Indianapolis medical colleges; he practiced at Po- 
tomac, 111., until the spring of 18*0. He then went 
to Crete, Neb., where he now is busily employed 
with his profession. 



Algy I), was married at Potomac, 111., to Miss 
Mamie Morse. Their only daughter Gracie E. hav- 
ing died when two years of age, the parents are 
left childless. 

Truman 1'. French is the much respected Master 
of the Potomac Lodge, No. 782, A. F. A: A. M., of 
which he is a charter member. The duties of 
Ersom French and his sons have been of a brilliant 
nature and such as require the greatest and most 
solid as well as useful of the civic virtues, integrity, 
forethought, justice and steady, inexhaustible in- 
dustry. 



\ 



,11 WILLIAM McMILLIN, of Carroll Town- 

\/iJll SM 'l' ' s !l lla '' ve °f Somerset Township, 
WW Washington Co., Pa. His father, Robert 
McMillen, was a native of Maryland, and his 
mother, Elizabeth (Thompson'* MeMillin was a na- 
tive 'of Washington County, Fa., and of Scotch 
parentage. The grandfather also bore the given 
name of Robert, which he received in his native 
country, Ireland. The date of his emigration to 
America is not known for certain, but, it, was some 
time before the Revolution. 

The revolution of the American Colonies was 
completed; the Constitution was formulated and 
accepted by the requisite number of States; a new 
Nation aspired to a place among the Governments 
of the World, but although the ship of Slate was 
successfully launched on the ocean of progress, 
there were yet many dangers to be encountered and 
many difficulties to be overcome before the youth- 
ful Republic could establish its claim to a perma- 
nent position among the Nations of the earth. < )ne 
of the earliest questions to confront the new Con- 
gress of the United States was the one relating to 
the manner of securing a revenue adequate to the 
requirements of the recently adopted Constitution. 
After much consultation and mature reflection a 
system of taxation was adopted which seemed to 
the heads of the departments reasonable and just, 
but which created considerable opposition in some 
quarters; the farmers of Pennsylvania in particular 
conceived themselves aggrieved by the tax on 
whisky, a considerable quantity of which was man- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



73; 



ufactured by them and constituted a large part of 
their income; they therefore refused to pay it and 
organized a rebellion against the enforcement of 
the, to them, obnoxious tax. This event known as 
the Whisky Insurrection threatened to be formida- 
ble but the President promptly sent a force, com- 
posed principally of volunteers, against them, 
which speedily subjugated and reduced them to 
obedience. As a volunteer on that occasion the 
father of Mr. McMillin took an honorable part. 
serving in the Government ranks with great credit. 
On being mustered out of service at the conclusion 
of the trouble Mr. McMillin returned home and 
resumed work at his trade. 

The mother of the subject of this sketch died in 
middle life leaving three children who were care- 
fully reared by a sister of their father. Robert, the 
eldest, was born in 1 808, and although so old is 
still active and enterprising. He resides in Wash- 
ington County, Pa., and is the parent of eight chil- 
dren, who are all living. William, the second 
child, is the subject of this notice. Elizabeth is 
the youngest. 

William McMillin was born in 1810 and reared 
in Bentlysville, I'a. Although his father never 
acquired possession of any land, William was early 
put to work on a farm beginning the task of earn- 
ing his own living when a lad of only twelve, and 
commencing to plough at the age of thirteen when 
he received the sum of twelve and one-half cents a 
day, performing the work with an old fashioned 
w leu mould-board plow, lie continued to fol- 
low this occupation :i> long as he remained in 
Pennsylvania. In 1853 he was married to .Miss 
Mary Hill, a daughter of William and Annie 
(Lindsy) Hill, both natives of Crawford County, 
I'a. The father was a stone cutter and built many 
an abutment and arch for the bridges which span 
the Allegheny River. They were the parents of 
five children, namely: John, .lacob, Sheldon, Mary, 
and Alon/.a. 

Mrs. McMillin was a native of Crawford County, 
La., but removed to Washington County, where 
she made the acquaintance of our subject. The 
journey to Illinois was made overland in a wagon. 
After a short pause in Vermilion County Mr. Mc- 
Millin located in Edgar County, where he re- 



mained about one year, removing in the following 
spring to Vermilion Count}' where he purchased 
200 acres of land close by where Sidell now stands. 
The land was partially improved, and he continued 
to reside on it for some years but there were no 
schools and he had a family of children, so he sold 
out to John Sidell and once more removed, locat- 
ing the next time in Indianola. 

Mr. and Mrs. McMillin are the parents of six 
children. For several years they kept a hotel and 
Liter bought 150 acres of land two miles south of 
Indianola. which is their present home. Mr. Mc- 
Millin has been Justice of the Peace for the last 
twenty years and in all that time has never had a 
single decision of his reversed in the higher courts, 
which shows that his ability as a jurist stands de- 
servedly high. 

JONATHAN DILLON resides on section 
15, Elwood Township. He is a native of 
Clinton County, Ohio, having been born 
HP there Feb. 12, 1820. His father, Luke 
Dillon (deceased), was a native of Guilford County, 
N. C, and came to Ohio when seventeen years old, 
and engaged in farming, and in the fall of 1830 
purchased a large farm one mile north of George- 
town, when it was a wild country inhabited by a 
few settlers, and wild animals were many. 

The subject of this sketch was reared upon a 
farm, and received a limited education in the primi- 
tive log schoolhouse with split-pole seats, clap- 
board roof, clapboard ceiling, huge fireplace in 
one end of the room; stick and clay chimney, and 
log out for a window. The family to which our 
subject belonged first lived in a log house with one 
room which afterward had a kitchen built on it. The 
family consisted of ten children, six of whom are 
living: Naomi, James W.. 1 lannah. Jonathan, Will- 
iam and George. One son, John L., First Lieu- 
tenat of a company in the 38th Illinois Infantry, 
in the late war, was killed in the battle of Stone 
River; the others were: Sallie, Ruth and Jesse, all 
grown up and had been married. 

The marriage of our subject occurred Oct. 13, 



738 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



IK 11, to Charity Haworth, daughter of Dillon 
Ilaworth (deceased). By her union with our sub- 
ject there have been born three children, named 
respectively: Mary, Ruth (deceased) and Barclay. 
Mary married Joseph Henderson, of this township, 
and is the mother of five children — William, Lu- 
eretia K.. Minnie, Rosa and Josephine. Barclay 
married Lizzie Haworth, and resides in Graham 
County; Iowa; they have become the parents of 
six children. Mrs. Dillon died May 21, 1850, and 
subsequently Mr. Dillon was again married to 
Mas. Permelia Henderson. Dec. 26, 1853, widow 
of (ieorge Henderson and daughter of Charles 
Madden (deceased), a pioneer of this township. 
By this second union our subject has become the 
father of seven children, six of whom are living 
— Charles, Emily, Jane, Lucy, Lewis and Saliie. 
Charles married a Miss Emory, and lives in this 
township; Emily married John Pugh, of Edgar 
County, this State, and has six children; Jane 
married Garrett (). Heron; Lucy became the wife 
of John Canaday, of this township; and Lewis 
married Flora Wolf. 

The subject of this notice owns an extensive 
farm of 228 acres, and, in connection with his agri- 
cultural pursuits, devotes considerable time to 
Stock-raising. His favorites are the Poland-China 
swine and the Short-horn cattle. Religiously, our 
subject and some of his family are members of the 
Society of Friends, and he is a stalwart Repub- 
lican. 



\\ ILLER T. FINELY. In the history of 
countries and men the world over, it is an 
* acknowledged fact that those who have 
performed the grandest part on life's stage 
have arisen from an humble position in life and 
through difficulties which called forth their great- 
est energies. He who has succeeded under the 
stress of circumstances deserves all the credit 
which his fellowmen can bestow upon him; for 
where one has sueculed ten have failed and relapsed 
into obscurity. 

The career of Mr. Finley is one of more than 
ordinary interest, illustrating in a marked manner 




what a man may accomplish through steady per- 
se verance and a strong will. He is one of the 
oldest settlers in Grant Township, and occupies a 
farm of GOO acres on section 24, township 23, 
range 12. He also owns another farm of 300 
acres in the same township on sections 27 and 28, 
besides two acres of town lots and other property 
in Rossville. He had to begin with, a land war- 
rent for 160 acres from his brother David, who 
died in the Mexican War, and from that he has 
built up his present fortune with, it is hardly 
neeessaiy to say, the exercise of rare good judg- 
ment and great industry and economy. He is 
known to most of the people of this region, who 
have watched his prosperous career with the inter- 
est which is naturally felt in looking upon those 
who have achieved success under many disadvant- 
ages. 

Mr. Finley was born in Ripley County, hid., 
Jan. 26, 182G, but while he was a small child his 
parents came to this county, settling in 1833 near 
the present site of Catlin. The father took up new 
land and labored very hard to improve it. He 
was not destined, however, to realize his hope, and 
becoming involved in debt, a large portion of his 
property had to be sacrificed for much less than 
what it was really worth. Both parents died in 
1852 within three days of each other. Our sub- 
ject and his sister, Nancy, remained with their 
parents until the latter no longer needed their filial 
offices. Then the sister lived with her brother 
until her marriage with Capt. Samuel Frazier, of 
Danville, a sketch of whom will be found on an- 
other page in this volume. 

Before the death of his parents our subject had 
begun operating on his quarter section of land 
heretofore spoken of, and in due time added forty 
acres, and entered in earnest upon its improvement 
and cultivation. He put up a little frame house of 
two rooms and there later himself, his sister and 
his brother. Watts, lived engaged in farming and 
stock raising. As he increased the value of his 
land and there were furnished better facilities for 
the transportation of produce, he gradually aban- 
doned the live-stock business and gave his atten- 
tion more generally to farming. He invested his 
surplus capital in additional land, and is now one of 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



739 



the leading land-owners in the township. In 1874 
he completed a handsome and commodious resi- 
dence — one of the finest in this part of the conn- 
try — and upon which he expended $4,000. He 
has a fine barn also, occupying an area of 4(>xl 1 
feet with a solid stone basement and all the other 
buildings and appliances necessary to the complete 
equipment of the modern rural homestead. He 
avails himself of the most approved machinery and 
Weeps himself well posted upon both agriculture 
and politics. 

Although a stanch supporter of Republican prin- 
ciples, Mr. Finley has no political aspirations, bul 
no man rejoices more in the success of his partj 
as he declares that he would rather have lost 
a |500 bill than that Harrison should have 
failed of election. I'pon two different occasions he 
left the farm and removed to Rossville, deciding 
to retire from active labor, but found time hang- 
ing heavy on his hands and twice went back to the 
farm where, although not performing any of its 
duties, he is busily employed looking after its 
extensive interests. He is a member of the Metho- 
dist Church at Rossville. and has always con- 
tributed to the support of churches both at Hoopes- 
ton and Rossville. 

In preparing to celebrate Independence day in 
1867 Mr. Finley fortified himself with a congenial 
companion on the 3d of July that year, being mar- 
ried to Mrs. Rebecca Tate, an occasion both will 
remember as long as life lasts. They commenced 
their wedded lives together in Grant Township 
and is due time there were born to them three 
children — Nannie J., Gertie and Edith. They still 
make their borne with their parents and are being 
given the educational and social advantages befit- 
ting their birth and station. Mrs. Finley is a 
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of 
Rossville to which our subject has contributed 
generously, especially in the erection of their 
church edifice at Hoopeston. 

Mrs. Finley was born in Ripley County. Ind.. 
Sept. 2, 1830, and is the daughter of Jane and 
Nehemiah Morehouse who are now deceased. She 
remained a resident of her native county until her 
marriage with Mr. Pate, then came with him to 
this county, settling near Tallin, where the death 



of Mr. Pate took place in 18G7. David Finley, 
the father of our subject, was a native of 
Kentucky and lived till the advanced age of seven- 
ty-two years. He removed to the vicinity of Law- 
renceburg, Ohio, when a young man and was there 
married to Miss Nancy Miller. Upon leaving the 
Buckeye State they settled in Ripley County, Ind., 
whence they came to Illinois. Their family in- 
cluded seventeen children, thirteen of which lived 
to mature age. Mr. Finley followed farming all 
his life, the most of which he spent on the frontier. 
Her mother's maiden name was Henderson. 



^^^^r^^- 



W a wel1 

W of its t 



ILLIAM FITHIAN, M.D., for many years 
known resident of Danville, and one 
most popular practitioners, was born 
in Cincinnati, Ohio, on April 7. 1799. His father, 
George Fithian, a native of Elizabethtown, N. J., 
was reared and married in that State. Afterward 
he removed to the Northwest Territory, and was 
one of the earliest settlers of Cincinnati and the 
first to engage in mercantile business there. A few 
years later, however, he removed to Springfield, 
Ohio, where he lived but a short time. When the 
town of Urbana was laid out he removed thence, and 
erected the first house in the place. This was a 
commodious log building, which he opened as a 
publichouse and kept a tavern several years. 
Finally he and his wife came to this county, and 
spent their declining years in Danville with their 
son, the subject of this sketch, and their remains 
were laid to rest in Danville Cemetery. 

William Fithian was but thirteen years of age at 
the breaking out of the War of 1812. Most of the 
able-bodied men of the neighborhood enlisted in 
the service, and when the Indians became trouble- 
some the elder men were called into the service, 
leaving the younger ones at home. These latter 
organized themselves as homeguards, and young 
Fithian joined them. When seventeen years old he 
began the study of medicine under Dr. Joseph Car- 
ter, a successful and eminent physician of Urbana, 
Ohio. He commenced practice at Mechanicsburg, 

eleven miles east of I'rliana, and after t wo years 



740 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



formed a partnership with his preceptor, Dr. Car- 
ter, with whom he practiced until 1830. 

Dr. Fithian now decided to move to the frontier, 
and accordingly, accompanied by his wife, came 
overland by team to this county, settling in Dan- 
ville when there were bat few families upon its pre- 
sent site. Indians still lingered here, while deer 
and other wild game was plentiful. The surround- 
ing country was very thinly settled, the land being 
mostly owned by the Government and for sale at 
$ 1 .'if) per acre. The doctor had saved some money 
while practicing and began entering land, acquir- 
ing in due time a goodly area. He at once entered 
upon a successful practice, covering miles of the 
surrounding country, and even extending as far as 
Chicago. He pursued this prosperous course for 
upwards of fifty years, and became the owner of 
land not only in Vermilion County; hut indifferent 
parts of the State. He now has a well improved 
farm of 2,500 acres in this county, which is oper- 
ated by his sons. 

The doctor has been four times married. His 
first wife, Francis L. Shain, died two years after 
her marriage without children. He was then wed- 
ded to Miss Oleatha T. Berry, a native of Urhana, 
Ohio, who became the mother of four children, of 
whom George and John are both deceased. The 
survivors are Henry and Klisha C. 13. Mrs. Oleatha 
Fithian only lived eight 3'ears after her marriage. 
His fourth wife was Miss Josephine L. Black, who 
remained his companion for a period of sixteen 
years, and then she. too, passed away. 



a ^ ) LLEN LEWIS. It is fifty-one years since 
/I ^ r " L ew ' s ' the oldest living resident of his 
if IV township, first set foot upon the soil of Ver- 
<QJ milion County. He had emigrated hither 

from his native State of New York, coming on 
foot the entire distance, with the exception of four- 
teen miles, being about one month on the way. 
His purpose was to secure a tract of new land in the 
wild West, and which he hoped in time would 
prove to him a valuable acquisition, although the 
prospect then was anything but flattering. He 



entered ninety-seven acres on section 22. After a 
six months' stay, he went back to New York State, 
where he remained three years and was married to 
Miss Jeanette Green. 

Upon returning to this county for permanent 
settlement, our subject and his young wife made 
the trip from Chicago to Rossville in a " prairie 
schooner." They sojourned near Rossville fouror 
live years, then rented an hotel, which furnished 
one of the early stopping places for travelers com- 
ing fr Milford, and was the first house of its 

kind in this region. Mr. Lewis officiated as " mine 
host" three or four years. He had entered con- 
siderable land in the meantime, but finally con- 
cluding it was of little value, sold if at, $4 or $5 per 
acre. There were few people coming in at first, 
and wild animals, especially deer, were plentiful. 
Of these he believes that he has seen as many as 
300 in one day, so whatever else the settlers lacked 
in the way of provisions, there was plenty of wild 
meats, anil in the summer season there were quant- 
ities of gooseberries, mulberries, blackberries, etc. 

Mr. Lewis during his residence in this county 
has improved a great many acres of land. His 
present farm cost him only $1 per acre, and he set- 
tled upon it in 1853. Prior to the establishment of 
a postolliee at Rossville he was made Postmaster of 
a place called K'io, and this frequently was the re- 
sult of an income for the Postmaster of only $ 1.25 
per quarter or about $5 or $t> a year. Mr. Lewis 
was the first Postmaster in this part of the county, 
and held this office for about four years. He as- 
sisted in the establishment of the Erst school, and 
has a large portion of the time officiated as School 
Treasurer. 

To our subject and his estimable wife there were 
born four children, only two of whom are living. 
The son. Sylvester, married Miss Ilattie Clanahan: 
they have four children, and live three-fourths of 
a mile north of the old farm. Isabelle, the daugh- 
ter, is the wife of Albert Boardman, and they are 
living in Rossville, for the purpose of educating 
their two children. Mrs. Jeanette (Green) Lewis 
was born in Ontario County, N. V., and is the 
daughter of Benjamin Green, who was one of the 
early settlers of that region, and whose farm ad- 
joined that of the Lewis family. Mr. Green died 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



711 



some years ago; he was the father of Ira Green, 
who is represented elsewhere in this Album. 

The parents of our subject were Sylvester and 
Catherine (Dubois) Lewis, and the father was born 
ill New York State, near the Hudson River. He 
came to the West while it was a wilderness, living 
in the woods four years before seeing a wagon. He 
opened up a good farm upon which he spent the 
remainder of his days. He belonged to the Pres- 
byterian Church, while his wife was a Baptist in 
religion. They were the parents of nine children. 
Allen, our subject, in religious matters, inclines to 
the Presbyterian Church, of which he is a member 
at Rossville. lie is one of the oldest living resi- 
dents of his township, and has made for himself :i 
good record as a man and a citizen. 



bON. CHARLES A. ALLEN, member of 
I the Thirty-Sixth General Assembly from 
the Thirty-First District of Illinois, was 
'(£)) elected on the Republican ticket in 1884, 
188(3 and 1888, anil is consequently serving his 
third term. He has brought to his posit ion line 
natural abilities, a large experience, and a con- 
scientious fidelity to duty, which has enabled him 
to study the best interests of his constituents, to 
whom he has given uniform satisfaction. 

Mr. Allen is recognized as a gentleman of more 
than ordinary ability, and has been prominent in 
the councils of his party for years, both in Cen- 
tral Illinois and in the Legislative halls at the 
Capitol of the State. In 1885 he served on the 
Judiciary Committee and with several other im- 
portant bodies, ami in 1887 was Chairman of the 
Railroad and Warehouse Commission, being that 
year also on the .Judiciary Committee. In 1889 
he was Chairman of the Committee on Corpora- 
tions and Educational Institutions, while at the 
same time remaining with the Judiciary Commit- 
tee. During the lively discussion over the matter 
of Gen. Logan's appointment, he was the first man 
on the roll call, at that time a very important 
position. 

All the interests of Mr. Allen have been centred 



in this county and vicinity, and here he has spent 
nearly his entire life. He was born in Danville, 
July 2G, 1851, and two years later the family re- 
moved to the Ridge, in the northern part of the 
county, where they were the earliest settlers. 
Young Allen after leaving the district school en- 
tered the law department of the Michigan Stale 
University, by which he was graduated in 187(5. 
He began the practice of his profession in Ross- 
ville, where he remained until 1881, when the new 
town of Hoopeston began to assume encouraging 
proportions, and lie, accordingly, removed thither, 
where he has since made his home. In connection 
with his practice he has dealt considerably in real 
estate, and is now the owner of 1,200 acres of 
land, (n the meantime he became one of the most 
prominent attorneys of this part of the county, 
and he has held various responsible positions con- 
nected with local affairs. Socially, he is a charter 
member of the K. of P., and also belongs to the 
Masonic fraternity and the I. < >. 0. F. 

In Rossville, on the 4th of April. 1879, Mr. 
Allen was united in marriage with Miss Man 
Thompson, daughter of L. M. Thompson, a sketch 
of whom appears elsewheie in this volume. Of 
this union there have been born two bright chil- 
dren, both sons — John N. and Lawrence T. The 
family residence is pleasantly situated, and forms 
an attractive resort for its most cultivated and re- 
fined element. 

The father of our subject is William I. Allen, 
the first man to set lie along the Northern line of 
this county. He is still living, and is represented 
on another page in this work. 



re si . 

♦ >a ■ [--< ♦ 



-*$- 



S, AVID R. SMITH, one of the self-made 
men of Elwood Township, is engaged in 
farming on section 17. His native State 
was West Virginia, he Inning been born 
there Sept. 17. 1824. His father, Isaac Smith, now 
deceased, was a native of Kast Tennessee and his 
mother, whose maiden name was Martha lo>-*. 
claims Virginia as the place of her birth. The 
parental household numbered seven children, two 




7 42 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



of whom are deceased. Those living are named: 
Isaac, John, Lydia A., Hannah and David R , our 
subject. 

Our subject accompanied his parents to this 
county when a lad of ten or twelve years and re- 
ceived his primary education in the customary log 
school house with its puncheon floor, clapboard 
roof, slab seats and wall desks. His first step 
towards establishing a home for himself was his 
marriage April 8, 1856, to Lydia McNeese, daugh- 
ter of William McNeese, who is now deceased. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Smith have been born six 
children, only three of whom arc living — Alfred, 
Pleasant and Isaac. Alfred took to wife Mahala 
Biggs of Georgetown, they have no children; 
Pleasant married Miss Viola Biggs and resides in 
this township; they have one child a daughter, 
Edna. Our subject is the possessor of sixty acres 
of good farming land and which yields him a 
comfortable income. He has served his township 
several years in the capacity of School Director, 
and has also held the position of Patli Master and 
Constable, the latter office three years. Both Mr. 
and Mrs. Smith are members and active workers 
of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Politi- 
cally our subject casts his vote and influence with 
the Republican party. 

-—♦I-*I*HH" 

RS. MARY PATTERSON. Indianola claims 
one of the oldest children of Vermil- 
ion County in the person of Mrs. Mary 
Patterson. She was born in what is now 
Carroll Township, June 13, 1823, and is the daugh- 
of Simeon and Nancy (Mundle) Cox. Her father 
was a native of Virginia, where in the bracing 
mountain air he grew to manhood. While sojourn- 
ing awhile in Pennsylvania, he met and married a 
daughter of the Keystone State. Following his 
occupation of a millwright, he built a number of 
mills in his immediate neighborhood, but in the 
year 1823 emigrated to Carroll Township. lie 
also built several mills in this vicinity, although 
making a farm his home until his death. Mr. aud 
Mrs. Cox had thirteen children: Charles, Abner, 




Lot, Thomas, George, Adeline, Melinda, Mary, 
Jane, Louisa, Priscilla, Annie D. and Minerva E. 
The subject of our sketch attained to years of 
maturity in Carroll Township, enduring the vicis- 
situdes and enjoying the pleasures of pioneers of 
those days. When nineteen years of age she was 
married to Mr. Elijah Patterson, a native of Ken- 
tucky, but reared to manhood in Brown County, 
Ohio. Upon reaching manhood, stories of the 
Great West attracted him thither, but after his 
marriage he returned to bis old home in Ohio, 
where lie lived twelve or thirteen years. For a 
second time he cast his lot with those brave pio- 
neers of the desolate frontier, and. with his fam- 
ily, settled in Carroll Township, which was his 
home until death called him away in 1875, at the 
age of sixty two 3'ears. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Patterson were born ten chil- 
dren, as follows: George, Simeon, Eugene 1)., Ann 
E., Emma C, Franklin 1'.. Leander, John W., 
Mary J. and Louella. Of these, John and Mary 
died at the ages of four years and three months re- 
spectively. The others reside as thus stated; George 
lives in Chicago, being a commission merchant in 
the Union Stockyards; his sister, Ann E., resides 
with him. Simeon is a barber in Indianola, and 
Eugene D. is a carpenter in the same town; Emma 
C. married Mr. James J. Healy, who is a merchant 
in Indianola, and whose sketch appears in this vol- 
ume; Franklin P., Leander and Louella are still 
at the old homestead. 

Mrs. Patterson is an intelligent and devoted 
Christian, having been a member of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church in Indianola for a period of 
more than thirty years. During a long life of use- 
fulness she has made a large circle of friends, and 
is known and loved for miles around. Glancing 
back through more than half a century, and com- 
paring the condition of the country then with what 
it is to-day, she feels that the years have not only 
brought prosperity to the country, but have 
brought to her the right of enjoying well-earned 
repose in the bosom of her family. In her child- 
hood's home she could stand at the door, and as 
far as the eye could reach there appeared nothing 
but the seemingly boundless prairie, save where 
the solitude was broken by the fleeing deer or the 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



7 1 3 




wandering huntsman. Indians sometimes came 
near the lonely cabins, but even at that early date 
they were drifting toward the setting sun. The 
same child, now grown to be a prosperous and ven- 
erated woman, can still stand at the door of her 
comfortable home and witness the changes which 
time has wrought on the old familiar landscape. 
The former solitude is now as a blooming garden, 
with prosperous people and elegant residences. But 
among all these present residents the name of Mrs. 
Mary Patterson will be remembered with pleasure 
long after she has passed from among those who 
love her. 

- OOP - 
•— 5255— 

R. JOHN HOLE, a dentist of rare talent, 
makes his residence at Ridge Farm, lie 
^jvl<^ was born in Belmont County, Ohio, in 
1831, and is a son of Jonah Hole, a native 
of Loudoun County, Ya.. and who is now deceased. 
The mother of our subject was, Miss Elizabeth, 
daughter of Jonathan Ellis, a distinguished Quaker. 
.Mrs. Hole was a native of Culpeper County, Ya. The 
grandfather of our subject, Jacob Hole, married 
Mary Thomas, sister of Col. Thomas of Revolu- 
tionary fame. Jonah Hole, father of our subject 
was a Quaker minister and preached throughout 
Canada, the Carolinas, New England and the Mid- 
dle States. 

Our subject migrated to Champaign County, 
Ohio with his parents in 1840, where they settled 
nn a. farm. His education was received in the cus- 
tomary log school-house of those days. He remained 
with his parents until September 1 85 1 , at which 
Lime he went to Oregon, in the northwestern part 
of Missouri, remaining there only a year, when he 
retraced his footsteps to Illinois, settling at Ridge 
Farm where he has since resided, and bears the 
distinction of being the oldest settler but one of 
tint village. 

Margaret L. Rice became the wife of our subject, 
Aug. 13, 1853. She was a daughter of Lewis and 
Eliza Rice, both of whom are deceased. Eleven 
children have come to bless this union, seven of 
whom are living: Lewis W., Lydia, Oliver C, 
Margaret L., Charles W., Louisa J. and Frank. 



Lydia is the wife of Evans J. Arnold and resides 
at St. Augustine, Fla. : she is the mother of two 
children, Rolla and M. Pearline. Mr. Arnold is 
Grand Master of the I. O. O. F. of Florida; Oliver 
married Lucy Castle, is the father of one child. 
Melvin, and makes his home in Hutchinson, Kan.; 
Margaret became the wife of Hugh F. Gilkerson 
and resides at Ridge Farm, where her husband is 
Township Collector and architect; she is the 
mother of one son, Noble. 

Socially. Dr. Hole is a member of the Masonic 
fraternity and was Master of the lodge five years. 
Mis. Hole is an active member of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. The Doctor sympathizes with 
the Republican party in his political views. He 
was Railway Postal Clerk on the Danville and 
Cairo route for eleven years. In 1861 he estab- 
lished himself as a dentist and has since followed 
that profession with the exception of the eleven 
years above mentioned. Our subject has the 
marriage certificate of one of his ancestors — Wil- 
loughby Warder and Man Howell, who were mar- 
ried June 4, 1696. It is printed and written on 
parchment and bears the signatures of William 
l'enn. George Whitehead and other noted Quakers. 
He also has in his possession a lease given his an- 
cestors, to a part of the land where Philadelphia 
now stands, and which was executed in 1785. Of 
sterling worth and integrity. Dr. Hole is accorded 
that tacit respect earned by the pioneer of Illinois, 
and is a man whose word is considered as good as 
his bond. 



AMUEL THOMPSON, one of the well- 
known farmers, now residing on section 
35, Elwood Township, was born either in 
this or Edgar County. Oct. 6, 1835. His 
father, James Thompson, was a nativeof Kentucky. 
and came to the Blue River Valley, I ml., when a 
young married man, and removed to this county 
before the subject of this sketch was born. His 
mother was Elizabeth May, also a native of Ken- 
lucky, and died Sept. 11, 1858. The parental 
household numbered ten children, five of whom 
arc living, viz: William, Thomas, George, Isaac. 




744 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



and our subject. William and Thomas are resi- 
dents of this township; George lives in Prairie 
Township, Edgar County, and Isaac lives in Arkan- 
sas City, Kan. 

( )ur subject received his first education at a sub- 
scription school, held in a log cabin with puncheon 
floor, split-log seats with pin legs, and having for 
desks a log hewed and pinned to the wall. Greased 
paper also served for window panes; a huge fire- 
place in one end; clapboard roof. After receiving 
his education our subject began to shift for him- 
self, and chose farming for his occupation, which 
he has always followed successfully. 

Mr. Thompson was married Aug. 28, 1855, to 
Miss Osie Grosser, daughter of Jacob Crosser, now 
deceased, and who was also a pioneer of this 
county. Mrs. Thompson was born in this town- 
ship, and has become the mother of seven children: 
Sylvanus, Sylvester, Flora, Charlie, Dora. Amanda, 
and William C. Sylvanus married Lucy Mangus; 
lives in this township, and has two children — Frank 
and Osie. Sylvester married Minerva Jane Hol- 
lingsworth, and lives in this township; they have 
one child — Verne v. 

Our subject never was an otlice-seeker, and re- 
ligiously is a member of the Cumberland Presby- 
terian Church. His son. Sylvanus, is also a mem- 
ber of that denomination. Mr. Thompson is 
the proprietor of 175+ acres of fine laud. He 
turns his attention mostly to the raising of stock, 
his favorites being the graded Short-horn cattle 
anil Poland China swine. 

♦ 4<H-;JKs£:^ij(>-KH- «- 

JONATHAN KILBOURN was born in Ham- 
ilton County, Ohio, in 1817. His father, 
Joseph Kilbourn, was a native of Connecti- 
cut. His ancestors came to America among 
the first emigrants and became early settlers of this 
county. The father was reared in his native State 
and received a general education, which fitted him 
for teaching. He removed from Connecticut in 
the year 1805, and made the trip overland to Pitts- 
burg, Pa., and thence down the Ohio River to 
Cincinnati, then a very small place. He located 



near Mt. Pleasant, and bought a tract of timber 
land and built a log house thereon. He taught 
school during the winter and the rest of the year 
released land, and resided in Hamilton County 
until his death. The maiden name of the mother 
of our subject was Miss Rebecca Howe, a native of 
the same State as her husband, and who departed 
this life six weeks after his death, in Hamilton 
County, Ohio. 

Jonathan Kilbourn was a lad of five years when 
his parents died, and he was left to the care of his 
elder brothers and sisters until he could take care 
of himself, which he did at the age of twelve or 
fourteen years, when he worked out for $1 a month; 
he continued to work out. for several years. He 
saved his earnings and engaged in the mercantile 
business in Venice, Ohio, which he continued until 
the year 1854, vhen he came to Danville, Vermil- 
ion County, and bought sixty acres of land, en- 
gaged in farming, and resided there until 1868. 
lie then sold it and bought where he now resides, 
which consists of 2G0 acres of land on the east bank 
of the Vermilion River. He has retired from 
active labor and his sons run the farm. 

Our subject was married on May 12, 1840, to 
.Susan M. Lutes, a native of Butler County. Ohio. 
By this union there have been six children born to 
them, viz: Sarah married J. B. Bradford, and re- 
sides in California; Perley P. lives in Oregon; 
Emma, Andrew, William, and Herbert are still 
under the parental roof. 



*^m$-<-. 

WILLIAM PATTERSON is the owner of 100 
acres of prime land on section 34, Elwood 
Township, Vermilion County. He was 
born Feb. 22, 1824, in Granger County, East Tenn. 
His father was Andrew Patterson (deceased), native 
of the same State as his son, who brought his fam- 
ily to this county in 1827. They settled at Yankee 
Point, in this township, among Indians and wild 
animals, such as deer, wolves, wild hogs, and an 
abundance of turkeys, pheasants, prairie chickens, 
and other wild fowl. The pioneers settled in and 
along the timber, thinking the prairie could never 
be utilized for anything except grazing. They 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALIUIM. 



745 



went to Sugar and Coal ( 'recks, in Parke County, 
Ind., for their milling, but later mills were built 
over the country run by horse power. The bolting 
was done by turning a crank by hand. 

Our subject endured all the hardships and priva- 
tions incident to pioneer life. The maiden name 
of his mother was Amelia Golden, daughter of 
William Golden (deceased), who came from Gran- 
ger County. Tenn.. in 1824, settling in this town- 
ship at Yankee Point. She became the mother of 
six children, our subject being the eldest. The 
others are: Thomas, Sarah (Mrs. Campbell), John 
(deceased), Elizabeth (.Mrs. Campbell ). and Golden. 
All live in this county, the girls in Georgetown 
Townshipand the boys in this township. 

William Patterson led Mary Patty to the mar- 
riage altar, Jan. 16, 1853. She is the daughter of 
Eli Patty, deceased, who came to this county from 
Carroll County, Ind., in 1847. They have been 
blessed by the birth of seven children, four of 
whom are yet living, viz: John. Pleasant, Cathe- 
rine, and Lincoln. They are all single and slid 
under the home roof. In 1854 our subject went to 
Broadland, in the southwestern pari of Champaign 
County, 111., improved a fine farm, and was residing 
there when Mike Sullivan first started his noted 
Broadland farm; he remained there until tin- spring 
of 1861, when he returned to this township, where 
he has since resided. Religiously, both Mr. Pat- 
terson and his excellent wife are members in good 
standing of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 
where much respect is given this worthy old pio- 
neer. 

•fcgfe^ 



i¥'OHN EOLGER resides on section 25, Ilarri- 
| son's Purchase. Elwood Township, and was 
I born in the same township on Sept. 17. 1829. 
(j(®)//' lie was the son of Latham Folger, a whaler, 
who was taken prisoner while in whaling during 
the Revolutionary War, by the British, and because 
he would not consent to fight, was taken to a small 
rocky island, and left to starve to death, but to his 
good fortune an American vessel soon came along 
aud rescued him. He was then a resident of Nun- 
tucket Island. Benjamin Franklin's m other was a 



Folger, ami was related to Grandfather Folger. be- 
ing his first cousin. Ex-Secretary of the United 
States Treasurer Folger, was also a member of the 
same family. 

Latham Folger, the father of the one of whom 
we write, entered land in the Harrison Purchase. 
and was a tanner, shoe-maker and a manufacturer 
of horse collars. lie ran a tanners, and the above 
named trades in Elwood from the spring of 1829 
until 1845. when he settled on his land in the south- 
ern part of Elwood Township, where he carried on 
farming extensively. The mother of our subject 
was Elizabeth Starbuck. She became the mother 
of ten children, namely : Walter, Erasmus, Matilda, 
who married a Mr. Haworth, and is now deceased; 
Lydia, married Mr. Reynolds, and is a twin of Ma- 
tilda: our subject. Mary. .Mrs. Mills; Uriah, Sarah, 
(Mrs. Dubre), Rachael (Mrs. Ellis) and Thomas. 
The father died early in the year of 1852, and 
the mother departed this life in the fall of 1879. 

The early life of our subject was spent in the 
tan-yard, and later be worked on the farm. He ob- 
tained his education at the Vermilion Academy 
and at Bloomingdale, Ind., under Professors Thomas 
and Ilobbs. He then acted in the capacity of a 
pedagogue for three winters, but finally chose farm- 
ing for his life occupation. In September, !<s,VJ, 
occurred an interesting event in the life of our. sub- 
ject, namely, his marriage to .Miss Elizabeth; daugh- 
ter of Mahlon and Ruth Reynolds. Mrs. Folger 
first saw the light March 8, 1831, in Parke County, 
Ind., and remained a resident of that county until 
her marriage. 

The union of Mr. anil Mrs. Folger has been 
blessed by the birth of nine children, all living but 
two. Ida died at the age of I wenty -three years; 
she was a student in the state Industrial College, 
Champaign, III., and a bright and accomplished 
young lady. Her death was caused by hard study, 
which injured her brain and ultimately resulted in 
her death. The remaining children were named. 
respectively: Alonzo M.. Julius, Adolphus D., Ro- 
mania J., Rachael E., Clotillie and Lottie R. The 
eldest son, Alonzo, married Carrie Castle; they live 

in Dana. Ind.. and are the parent- of d i i 1 < 1 . a 

son, Ray. Julius was married to Annie .Ionian, is 
the father of two children, only one of whom is 



746 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



living, Alvin; he makes his residence in Pontine, 
Mich. Romania became the wife of Jacob M. IIol- 
lingsworth. resides in Prairie Township, Edgar 
County, this State, and is the mother of three chil- 
dren — Harry, Esther and an infant girl. 

Mr. Folger is the possessor of 154 acres of line 
fanning land, and has added stock raising to his 
farming interests. His favorites are the graded 
Short-horn and full-blooded Durhams. with regis- 
tered pedigree. He also has some fine horses of the 
Clydesdale, Norman and Whip breeds. His hogs 
are the Poland-China and Berkshires. 

Mr. and Mrs. Folger, together with their chil- 
dren, have for many years been active members of 
llu: Society of Friends, in which communion our 
subject was a minister. lie traveled quite exten- 
sively attending the annual meetings at Philadel- 
phia, Baltimore, and Lawrence, Kan., defraying his 
own expenses. He also attended many of the 
yearly meetings in Indiana and Oskaloosa. Iowa. 
He now tills the pulpit at various points in this 
State and in Indiana. Himself and wife are held 
in the highest possible regard by a large circle of 
friends, who recognize in them such character and 
personal worth as entitle them to a position among 
the representative citizens of the county. 



^-£^3-6- 



yfelLLIAM CHANDLER, a retired farmer 
and a resident of Bismarck, was one of the 
earliest pioneers of this county, coming to 
this region with his parents when a boy of seven 
years. The country was but little removed from 
its primitive condition and not many years prior to 
this was mostly the tramping ground of the Indian. 
Wild animals were still plentiful and only' here and 
there was erected the cabin of the adventurous set- 
tler. Some who came in grew discouraged and 
moved away, usually returning to their old homes. 
The Chandler family, however, had come to stay 
and they prepared themselves for every emergency, 
labored early and late, endured many hardships 
and privations and in due time reaped the reward 
of their toil and sacrifices. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Harrison 



County, Ky., Sept. 5, 1821, and was the fifth in a 
family of nine children, the offspring of .lohn and 
Polly (Jones) Chandler. The parents were mar- 
ried in the Blue Grass State, but in 1828 resolved 
to seek their fortunes in the West and made their 
way to this county, arriving here on the 16th of 
November, that year. They located on a tract of 
wild land in Newell Township, where the father 
tilled the soil and made some improvements, then, in 
I 853, sold out and took up his residence in the young 
town of Danville, where he spent the remainder of 
his life, passing away in 1859. The mother had 
died at the farm some time previously. 

Our subject remained a member of his father's 
household until reaching his majority, acquiring a 
limited education in the subscription schools. 
Then starting out for himself he settled on a tract 
of land a short distance from the farm of his father, 
becoming the owner of fifty-one acres. Shortly 
afterward, however, he sold this and purchased 140 
acres which he improved and which he occupied 
until 1864. Then selling out once more he changed 
his residence to Danville where he remained ten 
years. In 1874 he removed to Bismarck of which 
he has since been a resident. 

Mr. Chandler was married at the age of twenty- 
three years to Miss Melinda, daughter of William 
and Mary Cunningham. Mrs. Chandler was the 
eighth in a family of eleven children. She became 
the mother of five children and departed this life 
in 1863. Their eldest daughter, Mary G., is the 
wife of Andrew Claypool; Emma A. married James 
R. Hoover and is living at St. Lawrence, Dak.; 
Rosetta C; William J. and Laura E. is the wife of 
Howard S. Hicks of Milford. 111. In politics Mr. 
(handler uniformly supports the principles of the 
Republican party and at present holds the office of 
Justice of the Peace and Notary Public. He served 
two years as Assessor of Newell Township and is 
one of the representative men of this community. 
In religious matters he is identified with the 
Christian Church. He has been an interested wit- 
ness of the marvelous changes going on in the great 
West, since he came to years of discretion, and has 
pursued the even tenor of his way as an honest 
man and a good citizen, encouraging those projects 
calculated for the moral elevation of the people 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



7i; 



and Lending his influence to the enterprises calcu- 
lated to develop the county. The old settlers are 
fast passing away and in recounting their names 
and deeds the career of Mr. Chandler can by no 
means lie allowed to pass unnoticed. 



'. •'' .' 



fiHOSIAHS. SANDUSKY, one of the prom- 

I IT1£ 



Jinent farmers in this section of Illinois, and 
one whose operations as a stockman are 
among the first in this great State, owns and 
occupies 1,000 acres of land in Carroll Township, 
where he handles all kinds of stock and line road 
ami trotting horses. His stock dealings embrace 
the best strains of blood that can be procured, and 
in his selections he is aided by great experience 
and a natural aptitude for the business. 

His father r\nd mother, Abraham and Jane (Mc- 
Dowell) Sandusky, were natives of Bourbon 
County, Ky.. the former's birth occurring on March 
29, 171J3, while the mother was born on Dec. 10, 
171)2. The grandparents were among the brave 
pioneers whose fortitude aided in the settlement of 
Kentucky, and who were constantly in peril by 
reason of the desperate red men of that region I ic- 
ing particularly troublesome. The Sandusky 
family contains what is commonly known as " blue 
blood," as it descended from the nobility of Poland. 
The original Sodowsky, as he spelled ami pro- 
nounced his name, was a distinguished nobleman 
of that country, and by reason of his desire to aid 
the downtrodden, he was forever banished from his 
native land. He came to America in 1756, and 
soon was a great favorite with the American colo- 
nists. He married the sister of Gov. Inslip, of 
Virginia, and later on. while in the vicinity of 
Lake Erie, was brutally murdered by the Indians. 
who had been imposed upon by the whites, and in 
the fury of their revenge attacked the first white 
man they met. This happened to be Sodowsky, their 
best friend. They regretted their deed very much, 
and, in order to partly atone for the crime, sought 
to show their respect to their murdered friend by 
naming a bay in Lake Erie " Sandusky," from 
which was named the Ohio city. The mother's 



people were early settlers and patriots of this 
country, and the McDowell's weir a leading family 
of Kentucky. 

The parents of Josiah had five children when 
they emigrated to Illinois in 1837, where they 
settled on the land now owned by the subject of 
this sketch. The old cabin still stands close to its 
original site, which was where the magnificent man- 
sion, elected by Josiah in 1S72, now stands. The 
parents continued to prosper for a long time, and 
were indeed model farmers. Their memory will 
be cherished b\ all their acquaintances as noble 
people. The father died in 1st;."., while the mother 
passed away a year previous. Light children were 
left to mourn their loss, whose names are herewith 
given: Harvey, Elizabeth, Polly, Agnes (who 
died young), William, Abraham, Euphemia Jane, 
and Josiah. Harvey was the only one of the 
children who spelled his name in the Polish man- 
ner, the rest changing it to Sandusky. 

Josiah Sandusky was born in this county on 
Sept. II, L837, and in the township where he now 
resides he grew to manhood. His father was a 
most industrious man. and he expected his boys to 
follow his footsteps in this regard. At the age of 
six years Josiah was afflicted with the white swell- 
ing which crippled him in his left leg. lie attended 
the schools of the township and his education was 
gained from this source. He succeeded to the 
management of the farm of 500 acres given him 
by his father. 

Josiah Sandusky was married Dec. is. [873, to 
Miss Susan Moreland. who is a daughter of Thomas 
and Catherine (Hedges) Moreland. of English an- 
cestry. The latter came to Illinois in 1857, 
settling in Carroll Township, and were the parents 
of eight children, who lived to be men and women. 
Their names follow: Mary E., Margaret Susan. 
Fannie, William, Peter II., John. Carrie, and Katie. 
Mrs. Sandusky was a native of Bourbon County. 
Ky., and removed to Illinois with her parents when 
she was a little girl of six. She attended the 
Sister's School at St. Mary's, near Terre Haute, 
where she acquired a fine education, and is an ac- 
complished lady. Before his marriage Mr. San- 
dusky erected a brick mansion, upon which he 

spent 120,000 in building and in beautifying the 



748 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



grounds, and since that time lie Las added 500 acres 

to his farm, making it the most valuable place in 
this part of the county. His father was a great 
stockman, and his inclinations all tended to the 
In-ceding of tine stuck. So it will he seen that the 
subject of this sketch inherited his love for the 
business in which he is now engaged. He keeps 
constantly on hand a large herd of thoroughbred 
cattle and horses, which lie exhibits at the fairs, 
generally securing prizes and honors, lie has sold 
cattle for breeding purposes in nearly every State 
in the Union, and his mind does not run to cattle 
alone. He is a good judge of horses, and owns 
many tine animals that are prize winners, his 
specialty being road animals and trotters. He has 
several horses whose record reaches below 2:211. 
Sheep, swine, and poultry are also seen on this 
magnificent estate. 

The allurements clustering around official posi- 
tion have never had any charms for Mr. Sandusky, 
ami while heisa thoroughgoing, aggressive Repub- 
lican, lie never permits politics to interfere with his 
business in any manner. 

Mr. and Mrs. Sandusky are the parents of five 
children, three living, named: Pearl, born .Ian. 22, 
L878; Abraham J., Oct. 2, 1883; and William 11., 
May 27, 1880. Two died unnamed. 



^p^EORGE BARNETT is the son of one of 
III g- , Vermilion County's earliest pioneers and 
^^Ji most highly respected citizens, lie is pleas- 
antly located on his farm of 160 acres immediately 
west of the village of Sidell. 

Robert E. Barnett, the father of the subject of 
this sketch, was a pioneer of Vermilion "County, 
arriving there sometime in 1828 or 1830, coming 
from Bourbon County, Ivy., which was the State of 
his nativity, he having been born therein 1806. 
The mother of Mr. Barnett was Miss Rebecca 
Moore, a native of Ohio. The farm belonging to 
her father, on which she was born, is now embraced 
within the limits of Columbus. His grandfather, 
( teorge Barnett, emigrated to Illinois with his family 
about 1828 or 1830. and established himself on a 



farm southeast of what is now the village of Sidell, 
at the head of Little Vermilion timber. 

Robert E. Barnett was a young gentleman of 
twenty-two or three years when he tried his fortune 
in Illinois for the first time, but he had received a 
good education, which was a commodity rather 
scarce in the wilds of a new country at that time. 
and was correspondingly highly appreciated. He, 
therefore, found no difficulty in getting himself 
appointed to the position of teacher for the district. 
So far as known, his was the first school to be opened 
in the township, and he naturally felt somewhat 
elated to find himself occupying the elevated posi- 
tion of "schoolmaster;" however, pupils were not 
numerous, and he soon wearied of the monotony 
inseparable from a country teacher's life, so after 
teaching a few terms, he abandoned the profession 
and betook himself to a more lucrative, if not more 
congenial calling. He engaged in the business of 
general merchandise at Eugene, Ind. One of the 
prettiest young ladies in town was a customer at 
his store, and. being of an obliging disposition, he 
frequently found it convenient to call at her father's 
house, presumably to inform them of rare bargains 
to be had at the store, but hy-and-by the services 
of a minister were requested, and the ceremony that 
followed secured for the enterprising young mer- 
chant a partner whose interest in the business was 
equal to his own and who engaged for life. Im- 
mediately following their marriage the young couple 
began housekeeping, and remained residents of 
that city until after the birth of all their children, 
whose names were: Jane, Alice. Thomas (died 
unmarried at the age of forty), George, and John. 
Mr. Barnett continued in the mercantile business 
in Indiana until the spring of 1858, when he 
removed to Illinois, on to the farm which had been 
previously purchased by his father. He conducted 
the operations of the farm with such energy and pru- 
dence that he soon became quite wealthy, owning at 
one time some sixteen or seventeen thousand acres 
of excellent land, which was well stocked and im- 
proved, but unfortunately for the continuance 
of his prosperity, he, through misplaced confidence 
in a supposed friend and honest man. lost about 
$13,000, which necessitated the putting of his estate 
into the hands of a receiver at the time of his death. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



749 



He departed this life in 1886, at the age of eighty 
years. The mother survives and makes her home 
in Danville, at the home of her daughter Alice, 
where at the age of seventy years, she occupies 
"grand-ma's corner," and tells the little ones who 
like to surround her easy chair, story after story of 
the olden time, which are more fascinating to their 
youthful minds than the most thrilling fairy tales. 

Mr. George Barnett was born September 1. 1848, 
in Eugene; Iud.. and was a small boy when his 
father moved to the farm in Illinois. The public 
schools lit' Eugene numbered him among their 
brightest pupils, but before he had advanced far 
in his studies lie was obliged to leave consequent 
upon the removal of the family mentioned above. 
He pursued his studies for some time longer in the 
schools of Illinois, but was compelled to abandon 
the study of books in any regular fashion and 
betake himself to work at something that would 
assist the family in the struggle for a livelihood. 
His first work was begun on his father's farm, when 
he was about fourteen years old. After sonic 
months spent in that manner he was enabled to 
resume his pursuit of knowledge, and entered the 
Academy of Moreland. Ind.. where he continued 
one year, studying diligently and making good pro- 
gress, then returned to the farm and settled down 
to regular work, which he continued uninterrupt- 
edly until he reached his majority. 

Air. Harnett and Miss Lizzie Keys, a native of 
Washington County, Pa., were married in I s 7 7 . 
at the residence of the bride's parents. William 
and Emily (Mills) Keys, in Palermo, Edgar Co., 
Ind. The parents of Mrs. Barnett are well ad- 
vanced in years, and are passing the evening of life 
in the quiet enjoyment of their pleasant home in 
Palermo, Mr. Keys having retired from the active 
pursuit of his business. Mrs. Barnett was one of 
a family of eight children, their names being: Har- 
riet, Sarah. Richard. Cassey, Seth, Hugh, Will and 
Lizzie, who was a mere child when her parents 
removed from their home, in Pennsylvania, to 
Illinois. 

The family of Mr. Barnett has been increased by 
the addition of three children: Lena. Alice and 
• lane. The second daughter (lied when an infant, 
the other two arc at home attending school. where 



their bright minds and pleasant manners make them 
general favorites. Two years before marriage Mr. 
Barnett formed a partnership with his brother-in- 
law, L. T. Davis, of Palermo, and entered upon 
the business of general farming and stock raisin"-. 
They operate a farm of 960 acres of land, which 
they have managed for seven years, meeting with 
good success. 

As before stated, Mr. Barnett's father died in- 
solvent, but the two sons, by hard wort and good 
management, succeeded in rescuing a considerable 
portion of the large estate from the general wreck, 
SO that they now have a tract of 580 acres clear of 
debt and under good cultivation. In 1882, Mr. 
and Mrs. Barnett established themselves in their 
present home, which is one calculated to create in 
the hearts of the dwellers in crowded cities a long- 
ing for the delights of country life. Their home is 
indeed a charming one. and being situated only 
about 210 rods from the village postoffice of Sidell, 
they enjoy ail the comforts of rural life and the 
conveniences of town. 

Mr. Barnett was elected Township Clerk several 
years ago, and has been re-elected ever\ year since, 
so that he is now serving his sixth term with honor 
to himself and entire satisfaction to his constit- 
uents. 




. BNER SNOW was born at Butler's Point. 
^£Ji Vermilion County, Oct. 28, 1828, where 
i he has resided continuously since. His 
father. Marcus Snow, was born in Mont- 
pellier, Yt., while his mother, whose maiden name 
was Annis Butler, was a native of Chittenden 
County, the same State. Marcus Snow emigrated 
from Vermont to Ohio but did not remain there 
long, eventually removing to Vermilion County 
with .lames Butler in a very early day. The latter, 
I Mrs. Snow's father, settled at Butler's Point, where 
the father and mother spent their last days. The 
parents of Abner Snow were married in Vermilion 
County and settled where Westville now stands, 
but lived there only a few years when they re- 
moved to Catlin Township, locating on land that 
was situated on the Slate road, near the residence 



750 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



of Jesse Davis. Here the elder Snow and his wife 
prospered, lived and died. They were among the 
people who came here when Vermilion County was 
a wilderness for the purpose of building up a home 
for themselves and their children and they met 
with success. Their reputation in their neighbor- 
hood was that of honest, hardworking and intelli- 
gent people. Mrs. Snow, the mother of Aimer, 
outlived her husband and became the wife of Cyrus 
Douglas. Marcus Snow is the father of six chil- 
dren, five sons and one daughter, Abner being the 
second son. 

Aimer Snow, as has been stated, has always lived 
in this county, a larger portion of the time in 
Catlin Township. Here he has successfully followed 
agricultural pursuits, and is counted as one of the 
prosperous men in this section. By his inherited 
industry and good management he has accumu- 
lated a fine property and now owns 285 acres of 
good, rich soil. General farming occupied the 
most of his time. He was married in this county 
to a Miss Ashman by whom he is the father of five 
children: Albert, Jessie, William, Lucius M. and 
Bertha A. 

Mr. Snow is an active Republican, but the allure- 
ments of office has little charms for him. He is 
contented to carry on his fine farm, believing that 
the honors gained by making a home for himself 
and children transcend all others. 



'^>^^T^^- 




THOMAS M. MORGAN. The journalistic 
profession of Illinois finds a worthy repre- 
sentative in the able and popular editor and 
publisher of the Side! I Wayside, who is a man of 
excellent education, cultivated tastes and literary 
ability. Before entering upon the sketch of his 
life, it may be well to devote some space to his an- 
cestors. His grandfather, Daniel Morgan, was a 
member of a family of Scotch origin, which had 
settled in Virginia in colonial times. He was a 
nephew of Gen. Daniel Morgan of Revolutionary 
fame, and became the grandfather of Gen. John 
H. Morgan, who bore a prominent part in the Con- 
federate army during the late civil war. He set- 



tled in Kentucky about 1700 and resided there 
until the time of his death in 1869. The father of 
our subject when a young man learned the black- 
smithing trade. During the Mexican war he en- 
listed in the famous Kentucky regiment known as 
the Salt River Tigers, only seventeen men of which, 
out of an enrollment of 104, survived the san- 
guinary contests of that conflict. He was honor- 
ably discharged at Newport Barracks, Ky., after 
having served two years and eight days. He was 
married in 1852 to Martha E. Watson, who, like 
himself, was a native of the Blue Grass State, a 
member of an old Virginia family who settled in 
Kentucky at an early date. After following his 
trade for a short time in Kentucky he removed to 
Macon County, 111., and later to Wabash County, 
Ind., where he died in the year 1882 at the age of 
fifty-six. Our subject's mother is still living at 
the age of fifty-two, and resides with her parents 
near Moweaqua, Shelby Co., Ill, She is the 
mother of eleven chiidren: Thomas M,, Worth M., 
who died at the age of three; Sylvester V., Sarah 
J., Olive, Ida M., Mary B., who died at the age of 
one and a half years; Luella, who died at the age 
of fourteen; Delia A., Kstella and Charles W. 
Sylvester A', is now connected with a prominent 
Kansas City house; Sarah J. is the wife of Benja- 
min Phillips, and resides in Wabash County. Ind.; 
Olive is the wife of Wesley Pyle, a prominent 
young farmer of Wahash County, Ind. The re- 
mainder of the family, with the exception of our 
subject, are unmarried. 

Thomas M. Morgan was born in Anderson Coun- 
ty, Ky., May 10. 1853. He was but five years of 
age when his parents removed to Illinois, where 
two years of his childhood were spent in Macon 
Count}'. His parents then removed to Wabash 
Count}', Ind.. where his young manhood was passed. 
Having been crippled by an accident at the age of 
thirteen, his school days were limited to a period 
twenty months. This accident occurring at the 
very period of life when an active boy finds most 
enjoyment, he passed many weary hours while his 
youthful companions were enjoying the sports 
fitted to their years. For three years and a half he 
walked upon crutches, but his mind seemed to de- 
velop more rapidly on account of his bodily in- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



751 



firmity. He pursued his studies at home, earning 
on the work with great zest, and alone ami unas- 
sisted took up the studies of algebra, geometry, 
ancient and modern history, and carried on a 
varied course of reading. At the age of twenty 
he took up the profession of teacher, his first school 
being at Stockd ale, Wabash Co., Ind. From this 
time until 1882, he continued in this profession. 
teaching in different counties in Indiana and llli 
in lis. In 1882 he entered upon a more public life, 
taking the stump in Indiana as a .Submission Dem- 
ocrat, favoring the submission of the prohibition 
amendment to the people. In 1885, he came to this 
county and engaged in leaching in the district and 
graded schools. In thesuramer of 1887 he became 
city editor of the Danville Daily and Weekly Press, 
beginning his labors with its first issue, and contin- 
uing on the Press staff until the succeeding sum- 
mer, when he was obliged to withdraw on account 
of his frail health. In the spring of 1889 he took 
charge of the Si<lell Wayside. It is a bright, 
newsy sheet, a credit to southern Vermilion Coun- 
ty, and is deservedly, en joying a good circulation. 
Like a true journalist, Mr. Morgan conducts his 
paper according to his own best judgment, with- 
out regard to fear or favor. Politically the sheet 
is independent, although the publisher is looking 
forward to the time -when he can publish a red hot 
Democratic paper, he being a staunch adherent of 
the principles of Democracy. 

Mr. Morgan was married June 7. 1888, to Miss 
Lulu Montgomery of Coles County, 111. Her 
father, Rev. ('<. W. Montgomery, now of Newman. 
111., is a native of Tennessee and has been identi- 
fied with the clerical profession since his twenty- 
eighth year. He now belongs to the Foster Pres- 
bytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. 
His wife, formerly Miss Sarah A. Rankin, was also 
anativeof Tennessee, but grew up in Missouri, 
where she was married. She was the mother of 
twelve children, one of whom died in infancy. They 
are named respectively: John T., Mack A., Mary 
E., George W..- Samuel T., Laura M., U. Lincoln. 
Lulu S.. Carrie M., Donald P.. Finis K., the de- 
ceased infant having borne the name of Rosa. Mrs. 
Morgan was born in Caland, Coles Co., 111., April 
2. 1867, and grew to womanhood in her native 



State, living at various places, where her father 
served his different congregations. She became a 
pupil of Bethany Academy at the age of twelve and 
was also a student, in the Southern Illinois College 
for three years. She is a most estimable young 
lady of refined character and cultured mind and 
has been prominently identified with the educa- 
tional profession in this and in Coles County. 

Mr. Morgan is a very well read man and having 
decided literary tastes, covering a range from the 
precision and accuracy of Geometry and similar 
sciences to the imaginative and the descriptive 
charms of poetry, though perhaps he most enjoys 
historical writing. He is an ardent admirer of 
Buckle, Draper, Hume, Macauley, Hegel. Schlegel, 
Castelar and others. He is not only an admirer of 
literature in various tonus but himself wields the 
pen of a ready writer and has written dialectic, di- 
dactic and lyric [ ms. Among the former we 

mention '-Them 01' Fashioned Days:" "When the 
Days are Groin' Warm and the Fields are Gettin' 
Green;" "How we worshiped in the Forties." Of 
his lyric poems: ■•Songs Unsung;" "The Reward:" 
••Sorrow;" and "A New Year's Greeting." Among 
his didactic poems we mention but two: "Two 
Pictures" and '•Dream-seen Days." 

Airs. Morgan is a member of the Cumberland 
Presbyterian Church, while her husband strongly 
favors the Methodist doctrine. 



«>» •l y • S »ur» S » % » « 



ill — ,/>RANK CARTER is one of the most popular 

P^ merchants at Ind ianola. A prosperous busi- 
ness man in the grocery and queenswarc line. 
he has grown up in this neighborhood and is known 
and respected by everyone. His father. Abraham 
Carter, came to Illinois at an early date and was 
married, in Carroll Township, to Eliza A. Bacon, 
sister of Sarah and Oliver Bacon, sketches of whose 
lives will be found on another page in this volume. 
After marrying the father removed to Peoria 
County and resided there and in Tazewell County 
seven years. He farmed and was engaged in the 
butcher business at Peoria, and died in 1869 at 
Peoria at the age of forty-live years, leaving :i wile 



752 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



■iiul three children — Charles A., Frank A. and Will- 
iam II., now Deputy Circuit Clerk of Vermilion 
County. 

The subject of our sketch was born ( tet. 18, 18<i0, 
in Tazewell County, this State. About nine years 
old when his father died he began life under diffi- 
culties. His mother moved back to Carroll Town- 
ship, Vermilion Co., and our subject found a home 
with an uncle on "Woodlawn Farm" where he re- 
mained for twelve years. He attended school at 
Indianola during the winters and obtained a very 
fair education. As he grew older he became his 
uncle's show hoy and took great pride in leading 
the celebrated prize-winners from "Woodlawn" 
into the show ring. He remained with his uncle 
until 1884, and in 188(i engaged in the mercantile 
business with his brother, William II. The latter 
was the manager until two years ago when his 
brother Frank took the helm. Besides their store 
business they purchase wool at Indianola and 
Villa Grove, and also deal in all kinds of produce. 
The village of Indianola may well feel prom I to 
own two brothers of the sterling qualities that dis- 
tinguish these two estimable young men. Their 
aged mother is well provided and cared for by their 
filial love. Being yet in the noon of life Frank 
(alter may well look forward to a bright and pros- 
perous future. Mr. Carter was the choice of the 
Republicans of Carroll Township for Collector in 
18K;")-86-H7, which position he held with ereditand 
honor during his term of office. A member of the 
Indianola Republican Club he was delegate to the 
Republican County Convention. He is a charter 
member of the Indianola Building and Loan As- 
sociation, and is a strong Republican. 

ARON DALBEY. The late Civil War de- 
veloped some rare characters, the depths 
of which would probably never have been 
disturbed had it not been for this revolution 
which shook the country from turret to foundation 
stone. There were then brought to the surface 
that God-given quality — the love of the true man 
for his native land — and the extent of the sacrifices 




which he was willing to make to save her from dis- 
memberment. Among all those who are written 
of in this volume there was probabby no truer pat- 
riot during the war than Aaron Dalbey, and he 
justly esteems the period of his life spent in the 
Union Army as one of the brightest spots in his 
whole career. We give this matter prominence be- 
cause it is a subject dear to his heart and he has 
lost none of the patriotic affection which enabled 
him a quarter of a century ago to lay aside all per- 
sonal ties and give his best efforts to the preserva- 
tion of the Union. We now find him comfortably 
located in a quiet country home, embracing a well- 
regulated farm on section 11, in Vance Township, 
where, since the war, he has gathered around him 
all of the comforts and many of the luxuries of 
life. 

In reverting to the family history of our subject 
we find that his father, .lames Dalbey, was a native 
of Pennsylvania, a carpenter by trade and in politics 
an old-line Whig. He married Miss Sarah SewelLa 
native <>'' Ohio, April 4, 1820, the wedding taking 
place in Clinton County. that State. They lived there 
about fourteen years. Mr. Dalbey engaged as a 
groeeryman, a farmer and an hotel-keeper, con- 
ducting the old-fashioned country tavern after the 
most approved methods of those times. 

About this time the lead mines near Dubuque 
were being opened up and the demand for carpen- 
ters was great, so the father of our subject re- 
moved thither with his family in 1 835, purposing 
to work at his trade. He found the times very hard 
and the country peopled largely with desperate 
characters, among whom a murder was committed 
nearly every night. This state of things made it 
impossible for him to remain and so he established 
himself at Quincy, III., where he lived three years 
and worked at his trade. He then returned to 
( )hio, where he sojourned two years, and from there 
removed to Peru, Ind., but onlj T remained there 
eight months. In August, 1843, he came to this 
county, and on the 19th of October following 
passed from earth at the age of fifty-three years, 
lie was a well educated man and especially fine 
penman. 

The mother of our subject survived her first 
husband for the long period of nearly forty-eight 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



753 



years. She was born March 12, 1803, and died 
Feb. 26, 1885, when nearly eighty-two years old. 
The parental household was completed by the birth 
of six children, four of whom are living. Aaron, 
our subject, was the fourth in order of birth, and 
was born in Clinton County, Ohio, April 25, 1831. 
He attended school at Quincy, 111., and also in 
( Hiio a short time and in Indiana, and came to this 
county in time to avail himself of instruction in 
the subscription schools here. Being the eldest 
son, he, after the death of 1 1 is father, naturally in 
due time, assumed many responsibilities, and at the 
age of twelve years worked out for $3 per month, 
six months, from spring until fall. The year fob 
lowing he was employed by the same man. with an 
increase of salary of $1 per month. 

The mother of our subject was married a second 
time to James Elliott. Our subject was bound out 
for a term of six years to Alvin Stearns. Becom- 
ing dissatisfied with the arrangement, he served out 
only half his time, and went to Ohio to learn a 
trade. He came back to Illinois, however, a year 
later, and employed himself at whatever he could 
find to do, being at one time the partner of Aaron 
Hardin in splitting rails and cord- wood. Their 
best week's work was forty-eight cords of wood. 
cut split and piled, and this was done at twenty- 
five cents per cord, when rails were forty-five cents 
per ion. 

The next most importaut event in the life of our 
subject was his marriage, which occurred Dec. 23. 
1854, with Miss Martha E. Custer. The newly 
wedded pair commenced the journey of life to- 
gether at the old Custer homestead, which is now 
the property of our subject, and Mr. Dalbej there- 
after farmed on rented land until the outbreak of 
the Civil War. In 1862 he went one day to assist 
a neighbor with his work, and when he came back 
with his pitchfork over his shoulder, his attitude 
and bearing were such that bis wife exclaimed 
when she saw him coming, "there. I bet he is going 
to the war." He entered the house and asked for 
some clothing, and in ten minutes was off for Ho- 
mer, and joining some of his comrades, repaired 
with them to Camp Butler, and enlisted in Com 
pany E, 73d Illinois Infantry. 

Mr. Dalbey accompanied his regiment to the 



front, and first engaged in the battle of Perryville, 
Oct. 8, 1862. In the early part of the engage- 
ment he was in the front line of battle, and had 
only discharged six or seven shots when a rebel 
bullet struck him iu the right side of the abdomen, 
passing through the upper lobe of the liver, and 
came out at the right of the spine, grazing the 
point of one of the vertebra'. The hall, before en- 
tering his bod\ r , struck the cap box on his belt. 
passed through the box and his belt, through his 
coat, the waistband on his pants, then through his 
body, and returning cut through the waistband and 
'•body belt.." and knocked the handle off the 
butcher knife on his belt, leaving the blade in its 
scabbard and glanced off to the rear. He pulled 
out of the wound a bunch of the wood from his cap 
box. some cotton-batting from his coat, and a metal 
primer which he carried in the box. He was taken 
to the field hospital, and a rubber tube pulled 
through his body twice. He was then conveyed to 
the Perryville General Hospital, where he remained 
until October, 1863, and was then transferred to 
New Albany, Ind. He was discharged from the 
hospital there, Jan. 20, 1864. 

Mr. Dalbey now returned to his family, and al- 
though he has been almost wholly disabled for 
work since that time he declares he is read}' to fight 
tin battle over again if the occasion arises. He 
and his excellent wife have no children of their 
own. but have performed the part of parents to a 
boy and girl, the former the son of a comrade of 
Mr. Dalbey. who was discharged from the army for 
disability, and died. The boy Joe II. Summers, be 
came an inmate of their home at the age of seven 
years, and remained there until twenty-one. He is 
now married and lives in Mendon, Neb. The girl 
Mary J. Custer was taken by them when but eleven 
months old. and is still with them, now grown to 
womanhood. 

It is hardly necessary to say in view of his war 
record, that Mr. Dalbey. politically, is a decided 
Republican. He had two brothers in the army, 
one of whom. Albert, enlisted in Company C. 25th 
Illinois Infantry, and at Murf reesboro was wounded 
through the wrist and arm. At the expiration of 
his first term of enlistment he entered the veteran 
reserve corps from which he was honorably "lis- 



2_ 



754 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



charged. Another brother, William H. IT., the 
youngest of the family, was born in 1840, and en- 
listed in Company D, 63d Illinois Infantry. He 
was killed by the explosion of a magazine at Co- 
lumbia, S. C, Feb. 19, 1865, being terribly man- 
gled and blown into a river. He had strength. 
however, to swim ashore and was taken to the hos- 
pital where he died. lie had been promoted to 
the rank of Sergeant, Mr. Dalbey has officiated as 
Road Overseer, and is a member of Homer Post 
No. 263, <i. A. R. 

.Jacob M. Custer, the father of Mrs. Dalbey, was, 
with his wife, Elizabeth Ocheltree, a native of Vir- 
ginia. They came to Illinois in 184'.), settling in 
this county, but later removed to Champaign 
County, where the death of Mr. Custer took place, 
Sept. 17, 1865. His widow subsequently married 
John L. Myers, who has since died, and Mrs. Myers 
is now living at Homer, at the ripe age of seventy- 
nine years. She is the mother of nine children, six 
of whom are living and of whom Mrs. Dalbey was 
next to the eldest. She was born Sept, 4, 1836, in 
Fayette County Ohio, received a fair education and 
was married at the age of eighteen years. She is 
a very estimable lady of more than usual benev- 
olence, and is a member of the Homer Woman's Re- 
lief Corps, No. 69. She was at one time President 
of this body, and was presented with a very fine 
gold badge as Past President by the members of 
her corps as a token of their appreciation of her 
worth and services. She has never missed a meet- 
ing, either regular or special since its organization, 
in April, 1887. In religious matters, she belongs 
to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. 

Mr. Dalbey during the days of his early manhood 
was an expert hunter and has brought down many 
a deer in this county. He is naturally possessed 
of great courage and bearing, but is uniformly 
kind-hearted to all except the enemies of his 
country. 

•0*0 -ES"-S* — 



/^EORGE D. HUFFMAN. A man is usually 
if (=i judged by his surroundings, and if they are 
^^11 what he has brought about himself it is safe 
to say they are a good indication of his character. 
Mr. Huffman may usually be found at one of the 



best farms in Newell Township, a homestead which 
he has built up by his own enterprise, and which, 
with its substantial improvements and thoroughly 
cultivated fields, reflects greatly to his credit, his 
industry and his good taste. It is evident that he 
planted his standard high, and the evidences of his 
skill and thoroughness are on every hand. The 
farm buildings are neat, commodious and conven- 
ient; he has a goodly assortment of live-stock, well 
fed and comfortable, and he avails himself of mod- 
ern machinery in the cultivation of the soil, which 
yields him a handsome income. As a member of 
the community he occupies no secondary position. 
The subject of this sketch was born in Harrison 
County, Ky., May 14, 1829, and is the son of Dan- 
iel P. and Elizabeth (Switzer) Huffman, the former 
a native of Virginia and the latter of Maryland. 
The parents were taken to Kentucky when children, 
where they attained to manhood and womanhood 
and were married. There also their ten children 
were born, eight of whom lived to mature years. 
In due time they emigrated to Illinois, settling in 
wdiat is now Newell Township, Vermilion County, 
where the death of the father took place in Octo- 
ber, 1836, while he was in his prime. The mother 
survived her husband nearly twenty-one years, her 
death occurring in January, 1857. 

The Huffman family came to this region in 1832, 
where George D., our subject, reached man's es- 
tate and where he has since lived. He acquired a 
common-school education, and like his father before 
him chose farming for his vocation. After reach- 
ing the twenty-fifth year of his age he was married 
Sept. 18, 1856, to Miss Mary Cox. Mrs. Huffman 
was born in Parke County, Ind., Aug. 19, 1831, 
and is the daughter of John and Elizabeth Cox, 
who were natives of Butler County, Ohio. They 
left the Buckeye State in 1830, locating in Parke 
County, Ind., and in 1857 changed their residence 
to Newell Township, Vermilion Co.. 111., where 
Mis. Cox died in July, 1864. The father died in 
1872. 

The record of the seven ehildren born to Mr. 
and Mrs. Huffman is as follows: John F. was born 
June 21, 1857, and died October 30, 1858; Daniel 
P. was born December 1, 1858, and died April 3, 
I860; George D. was born Feb. 1, 1861, and died 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



755 



April .'5, following; Emily J. was born Feb. 15. 
1862; Mary E. May 22, 18G5; Edna A. was born 
Dee. 17, 1869, and died March 6, 187.°. : Ellie M. 
was born Feb. 5, 1875. Both Mr. and Mrs. Huff- 
man are members in good standing of tin' Chris- 
tian Church. 

Our subject in connection with general agricul- 
ture keeps a goodly quantity of live stock, and has 
by a course of econoni}- and prudence laid by suf- 
ficient to secure him against want in his old age. 
He has uniformly signalized himself as a liberal 
and public spirited citizen, taking a warm interest 
in educational affairs, and serving as School Di- 
rector and School Trustee for over thirty years. 
He was Commissioner ot Highways six years, and 
has held other positions of trust and responsibility. 
Without any desire for the spoils of ollice, lie lias 
kept himself thoroughly posted in regard to mat- 
ters of general interest, and gives his unqualified 
support to the Democratic party. 



/£=^)E0R<1E DILLON, Esq., was born in George- 
town, Vermilion Co., this State, Jan. Hi. 




1837. His father and grandfather were na- 
tives of North Carolina and removed to Ohio in 
the earl} - settlement of that State. They settled 
several miles south of Cincinnati, where they bought 
timbered land and resided there until the death of 
the grandfather. The father, Luke Dillon, was fif- 
teen years old when his parents moved to Ohio, 
where he grew to manhood and married and resided 
until 1830, when he came to Vermilion County ac- 
companied by his wife and six children. The 
journey was made with a six horse team, bringing 
his household goods, while the party cooked and 
camped on the way. He located near the present 
site of Georgetown and bought a tract of land, 
where be resided in a log cabin fur :i time, when he 
built one of the first frame houses in that section 
of the country and resided there until his death. 
His son George attended the early schools of his 
native county and resided with his father, assisting 
him on a farm until the death of the latter and 
then remained with his brothers and sisters until 



the age of twenty-one. He then brought a farm 
near Georgetown, where he remained until enlist- 
ing in the army, in 1862. He was a member of 
Company D. 25th Illinois Infantry, where lie served 
until February, 1865. He was in the battles of 
Perrysville, Ky., Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, 
and was with Sherman when he started from Chat- 
tanooga to the Atlantic and served in various bat- 
tles and skirmishes until June 7, when he was 
wounded in the right arm and sent to the hospital. 
where his arm was amputated close to the shoulder 
and he returned home in February. 1865. A strong 
Republican in politics he lias held several offices. 
In 1866 he was elected Town Clerk of Georgetown. 
In 1867 he was elected Assessor and Collector and 
re-elected in 1868. In the fall of L868 he was 
elected Circuit Clerk of Vermilion County, and 
twice re-elected and held ollice for twelve years. 
In April, 1889, he was elected Justice of the Peace 
and in 1887 was elected Assistant Supervisor. 

George Dillon married, in 1861. Miss Desde- 
mona F. Martin, born in Georgetown in 1841. She 
was the daughter of Henry and Mary .Martin, who 
were among the early pioneers of Vermilion 
County. They had six children: Lucretia, Alma. 
Hannah, William S., Grace, Joseph G. and Robert 
M. Since hi- retirement from public life he has not 
been engaged in any active business but has dealt 
some in real estate. Mr. and .Mrs. Dillon are active 
and energetic members of the Christian Church and 
are among the most respected and estimable people 
in the community. 

[TELL TILLOTSON, a skillful, practical 
farmer, is quietly and prosperously carry- 
ing on his farming operation- on hi- farm, 
■^ one of the best and most highly productive 
of Pilot Township, very pleasantly located on see- 
tion 36. He is a native of Indiana, born in War- 
ren County. Sept. 2.'!. 1847. His grandparents on 
both sides of the house were pioneers of Ohio in 
the early days of its settlement. Ilis father, 
Ephraim Tillotson, was born in .Miami County, 
that State, in 1811. his ancestors being of English 




750 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



origin and he a descendant of the same branch of 
the family ns that famous English divine. Arch- 
bishop Tillotson. The mother of the subject, 
whose maiden name was Mary A. Cronkhite, was 
also horn in Miami County. After her marriage 
with the father of our subject, they came westward 
to the State of Indiana, and located in Warren 
County, and from there removed to Vermilion 
County, III., where the father died in 1884. The 
mother survives at an advanced age and makes her 
home on a farm in Vermilion County. Of her 
marriage twelve children were bom, of whom the 
following eight are living: Walter, a farmer of this 
county, married Ltieetta Endieott; Madison, who 
lives in Louisiana, married Kate Goodwine, and 
they have three children: Luther, a farmer, mar- 
ried Mary E. Myriek, and they have five children; 
Wallace, a farmer of this county, married Emily 
French, and they have three children; Unell is our 
subject; Sarah married Edward Foster, of Indiana, 
now living in this county, and they have seven 
children; Rebecca married J. K. Buettz, a retired 
farmer of Potomac, and they have six children; 
Frances married Alonzo W. Knight, a farmer of 
this county, and they have four children; Mary 
married Frank Henry, a retired farmer of this 
county, and they have two children. 

Buell Tillotson gleaned a good education in the 
common schools, and a practical training at home 
that fitted him to cope with the world when he 
became independent. He came to Illinois in 1856 
with his father. When he began life on his own 
account he did not have the wherewithal to buy 
land for himself, and as he was very desirous to 
carry on farming he rented a farm. lie met with 
such good success in that venture that in a few 
years, by unremitting toil and frugal economy, he 
was enabled to lay up money enough to buy a 
farm of his own, and he became the possessor of 
one comprising 160 acres of land of unsurpassed 
fertility, and now has it under good cultivation, ami 
has made many substantial improvements that have 
greatly increased its value, and he has established a 
cozy, comfortable home for his family. He is en- 
gaged in mixed husbandry, and besides raising 
grain and other products common to this climate, 
raises stock, all that his farm will carry. 



Mr. Tillotson was married April 8, 1885, to Miss 
Lizzie Wiles, daughter of Aaron and Margaret 
Wiles, residents of Vermilion County, 111. She 
was born in this county, and was one of three chil- 
dren, of whom two are living at the present time, 
Mrs. Tillotson and her brother, Lankford Wiles. 
The father, Aaron Wiles, died in 1869, and his 
widow married again in 1873, being then united 
with Thomas P. Mryic, by whom she had one child, 
a daughter, Myrta, now ten years old. The wedded 
life of our subject and his excellent wife has been 
blessed to them by the birth of two children, of 
whom one alone lives, Lucetta. 

The great-uncle of our subject, Simon Buell, 
(who was also an uncle of Major-General 1). ('. 
Buell of the late war) was a Revolutionary soldier, 
Indian fighter, and pioneer, and could tell many 
interesting and thrilling stories of adventures and 
hair-breadth escapes from Indian tomahawks, in 
connection with the settlement of eastern Ohio and 
western New York. When a boy lie was once 
captured by the Indians, but escaped in company 
with two men, and with them traveled night and 
day until they arrived at an American settlement. 
One night they slept in a pit, around which some- 
thing stealthily crept all night, peering over at 
them with eyes like coals of fire. The lad saw and 
watched all the movements of the animal with 
quivering but suppressed excitement, but the 
others slept through the danger, and he feared to 
awaken them lest the noise would endanger their 
lives, and as he was between the two he thought if 
it jumped on any of them it would be on those 
outside. When morning came the animal left with 
wild, mournful screams that made the woods ring, 
and then they discovered that it was a panther. 
Another incident illustrates the animosity existing 
between the Tories and Whigs at the close of the 
Revolutionary War, as well as the coolness and 
courage of one of those brave veterans. Mr. Buell had 
returned to his farm only to find it devastated by 
the invading armies, and was one day walking over 
it, viewing the ruins and thinking how best he 
could rebuild the burned house and fences, when a 
bullet whistled close to his ear. He knew at oriee 
that it was from a Tory enemy, and also concluded 
from the interval between the whistle of the bul- 




f&sveknce of JOHN N.ENGELMANNaSsws^^ (TMft.72)GcMai Totunshf/t. Verveiition Courttyr 







c ^esfc/em.v3 0jTQt^.O. l^NW&NRS. £*<?#. 7&72, <Z>ccm*ilfe Town&hifi, Vh-rmiiian County? 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



r.v.t 



let and the report of the gun that it was at long 

range. Instantly his mind was made up, and with- 
out stopping or changing his gait in the least he 
leisurely sauntered on, wishing to make his enemy 
believe he had not even heard the shot. The ruse 
was successful, as the shot was not repeated. 

Our subject is a quiet, unassuming man, with 
much force and decision of character, however, 
and his place in this community is among its best 
and most deserving c itizens. He and his wife are 
worthy members <>t' the Christian Church, as i> 
attested by their conduct in the every-day affairs 
of life. Mr. Tillotson is a firm ally of the Re- 
publican party, taking an intelligent interest in 
political matters. He has served on several juries, 
and is in every way lilted to perform the duties 
attendant upon good citizenship. 



^fJOHN N. ENGELMANN is entitled to rep. 
resentation in this Biographical Album as 
an intelligent, p-actieal member of the 
^^Jj farming community of Vermilion County 
He is classed among our self-made men. as he be- 
gan life with no capital, but a. sturdy, self-reliant, 
capable manhood, and has become independent 
and prosperous, and, as old age approaches, finds 
himself in possession of a comfortable competence, 
and well fortified against want and poverty. 1 1 is 
farm on section 22, Callin Township, is provided 
with an excellent class of buildings, and its 
soil is admirably tilled, yielding abundant harvests 
in repayment for the labor and money bestowed 
on it. 

Our subject was born in Prussia. July 2!t, 1828, 
and is the son of John Nicholas and Margaret 
(Kimmel) Engelmann. The wife died in Ger- 
many. The father subsequently emigrated to this 
country, and after a time removed to I)u Quoin, 
111., where he died. The boyhood and youth 
of our subject were passed in his native country, 
but in the earl}' years of his manhood he deter- 
mined to cross the Atlantic and seek in the 
United States of America the prosperity denied 
him at home. In March. 1854, he left the beloved 
Fatherland on an American-bound vessel, and 



twenty-eight days later the ocean was between 
him and the familiar scenes amid which he had 
been reared, lie disembarked at New York and 
made his way from that city to Summit County, 
Ohio, where he engaged in digging coal, which 
employment he had followed in the Old Country. 
He lived in different places in Ohio till 1K57, when 
he came to Vermilion County to avail himself of 
the many advantages it offered a poor man to 
make his way to comparative alliuenee. Liking the 
country here, he decided to remove his family to 
this county, and settle here permanently. At first 
they lived in Danville Township, but a year later 
Mr. Engelmann came to Catlin Township with his 
wife and children, and rented a farm live years; 
ami at the same time he worked in the coal mines 
in the winter, carrying on his farming operations 
during the other seasons of the year. In 1801 he 
had been so prudent and industrious, that he 
had managed to save up quite a little sum of 
money, and was enabled to purchase eighty acres 
of land, which is included in his present farm. In 
the busy years that followed he made many val- 
uable improvements, erecting a substantial, well- 
built dwelling, a good barn and other neccessary 
outbuildings, and placed his land under a high stale 
of cultivation, devoting himself entirely to agri- 
cultural pursuits. He bought more land, and his 
farm now comprises 120 acres of line farming land 
that compares in fertility and productiveness with 
the best in the township. 

During these 3 T ears of toil Mr. Engelmann lias 
not been without the assistance of a good wife, 
who has been to him all that a faithful helpmate 
could be. They were united in marriage in their 
native Prussia, in September, 1853. Her maiden 
name was Maria Schuetz, and she was bom Dec. 
18, 1834. She is the daughter of Michael and 
Maria (Craser) Schuetz), who emigrated to this 
country and were buried in this township. Their 
happy wedded life has been blessed to Mr. and 
Mrs. Engelman by the birth of eight children, as 
follows: Nicholas, Jacob, Mary F., Margaretta 8., 
John W., Sophia, Charles ami Elizabeth; all arc 
living. 

In our subject his fellow-townsmen find those 
desirable qualities and manly traits of character 



reo 



PORlRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



that make liim a useful citizen and a good neigh- 
bor, one in whom they may place their trust with 
a surety that it will not lie abused. In polities he 
is a Republican, and faithfully supports his party 
at the polls. Religiously, he and his wife are ex- 
emplary members of the Lutheran Church, and 
carry their Christian faith into their everyday 
lives. 

A hue lithographic view of the handsome resi- 
dence, farm and outbuildings on the place of Mr. 
Engelmann is shown elsewhere in this work. 

if_^ENRY Pl'ZEY. Colonies of Englishmen 
Iff)) have settled in various portions of the West, 
iW' composed of people who were well-to-do in 
(|P their own country and the sons of wealthy 
parents. In a great many instances they have 
found the country contrary to what they pictured 
it, and becoming discouraged, have returned to 
their native country. The majority of the people 
spoken of came here imbued with the idea that dol- 
lars grew on bushes, and that it required no effort 
to inarch along to prosperity. In all this they 
were mistaken. Labor is its own reward in America. 
as well as in other parts of this world. The man 
whose name heads this sketch was a well-to-do and 
representative business man of London, having 
been connected with one of the leading dry goods 
houses of the metropolis of the world. He is a 
gentleman of refinement, education, and possesses 
knowledge of the world, and without any previous 
experience that agriculture gives, he came here to 
win a place as a farmer, and he has met with un- 
qualified success. All the characteristics of Mr. 
Puzey bear out the assertion that he is a typical 
English gentleman. 

His" father, Joseph Puzey, was a native of 
England and a man prominent in his country. His 
mother was descended from Erance and her name 
was Beatrice Blanche before her marriage. Un- 
people during the time of the French Revolution 
sought safety on the British Island ami eventually 
became English subjects. The father died in Eng- 
land, and was seventy years old, while the mother 



is still residing in England ami is eighty-five years 
of age. She reared ten children to maturity, of 
which but three are living in America: Henry, 
Thomas and Albert. Henry, of whom this sketch 
is written, is the oldest child, and was born Aug. 
16, 1820, in Berkshire, England. His early educa- 
tion was such as was obtainable in the private 
schools of his own class and those connected with 
the Episcopal Church. He passed his entire child- 
hood under his father's roof on the farm in Berk- 
shire, and as he grew up he desired to enter 
mercantile pursuits, and under the direction of his 
father be was apprenticed to the dry goods house 
owned by his father's brother, Henry Puzey, at 
Bow, London, where for five years he served an 
apprenticeship, his father paying forty pounds ster- 
ling as tuition, clothing him beside. Showing a 
great deal of natural aptitude for his chosen voca- 
tion, he remained with this house during the five 
years of his apprenticeship and four years longer, 
receiving an annual salary varying from twenty to 
forty pounds sterling from his first to his last year 
in that business. 

The years of manhood were now dawning upon 
him, and as time passed by his inclination grew 
stronger to see more of the world, and so his at- 
tention was naturally directed to America. His 
experience in London was very valuable to him as 
a business man. In the latter part of April, 1850, 
he crossed the Atlantic, landing at Castle Garden, 
New York City. From the metropolis of the New 
World he came directly to Vermilion County. 
Land was very cheap in Illinois at that time, yet 
with all his money he could scarcely buy forty 
acres. Here he was, almost at the end of civiliza- 
tion, without means and without experience save 
as a dry goods clerk in London. He was about to 
conclude that he had made the great mistake of his 
life, but a determined will to succeed kept him 
steadily and persistently following out his original 
idea of growing up with the American West. 
After remaining here seven years he returned to 
England, where, in 1857, he was married to Miss 
Hannah, daughter of .lames and Elizabeth Rymer, 
who were well-to-do farmers of Gloucestershire, 
England. Both her parents were born at the same 
place, and after a lifetime of industry and prosper- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



761 



ity, died at seventy and sixty years respectively. 
Mrs. Puzey was brought up in Gloucestershire, 
where she was educated in good private schools, 
and her early religious instruction was in the Epis- 
copal Church. Mr. and Mrs. Puzey remained 
eighteen months in their native land, before they 
took their final departure for their new home in 
America, where they arrived, after a pleasant jour- 
ney, in the latter part of 1858. Through the in- 
telligent use of his opportunities and enhanced by 
an endowment from his wife's estate, Mr. Puzey 
ha- prospered and become independent, financially 
speaking. He lias become a most excellent farmer 
and is a thorough American at heart. 

Mr. Puzey owns two farms, the homestead con- 
taining 340 acres, and operated by himself, and a 
quarter section upon which he has tenants. Mr. 
and Mrs. Puzey have five children : Joseph, .lames 
R., Thomas. Francis E. and Henry, all of whom 
are at home. Mr. Puzey's career is a brilliant 
illustration of the fact that a poor man is better off 
in America than in England, and that success is 
always a reward of industry. This worthy couple 
air members of the Episcopal Church of England. 




77 I, ANSON N. ALBRIGHT. Farming, thei 

is little doubt, stands at the front of a 



re 
II 
the industries, for without it men could 
scarcely exist and carry on the multitu- 
dinous labors of the world. As time passes it is 
coming to be looked upon in its true light as an 
art and a science, and is being prosecuted b\ some 
of the most intelligent and able men living. While 
many are interested in other projects besides, be 
who has a surplus amount of capital invests il 
wisely when he devotes a portion of it to the 
acqisition of lauded estates and the tilling of the 
soil. The reputation of this county as a dwelling 
place, the richness of its resources and its standing 
to-day is mainly due to the excellence of its fann- 
ing population. Among the men who have assisted 
it to its present position may be most properly 
mentioned the subject of this sketch. 

Alanson Albright represents valuable farm prop- 



erty to the amount of 100 acres of land in Ross 
Township, and occupies a well-regulated home- 
stead on section 20. After bringing his land to a 
good state of cultivation he turned his attention 
largely to live-stock, and thus laid the foundation 
of a snug fortune. His career has been signalized 
by that honesty and integrity which has gained 
him the respect of hi- fellow citizens and raise. I 
him to an enviable position in his community. He 
was born June 12. 1824, in Ohio, and is the son of 
David Albright. His father was George Albright. 
Jr.. he was the son of George Albright. Sr.. the 
two latter natives of Switzerland, where the great- 
grandfather of our subject reared his family and 
spent his entire life. 

George Albright. Jr.. the paternal grandfather of 
our subject, emigrated from the land of William 
Tell with his brother Jacob, when they were boy-, 
and they sold themselves to a Lancaster County, 
Pa., farmer. Mr. Grubh, for three years to pay their 
passage across the ocean. In view of this fact it 
is believed they ran away from home. Grand- 
father Albrighl served his three years and then un- 
married in Berks County. Pa., to Miss Barbara 
Cradlehaugh. prior to the Revolutionary War. As 
the conflict increased in importance he finally left 
his young wife and shouldering a musket entered 
the arm}' and served under Gen. Anthony Wayne 
for seven years. Jacob was also in the army at the 
same time. After the close of the war Jacob Al- 
bright located in York County. Pa. Notwithstand- 
ing his early escapade he was piously inclined, and 
turned his attention to religious matters, organizing 
the Albright Church, and giving his life to the 
ministry thereafter, lie spent his last years in 
York County. Grandfather Albright settled on 
Dunkin's Island, in Perry County. Pa., where lie 
spent the remainder of his life. At that place was 
born his son, David, the father of our subject. To 
the old Revolutionary hero there was awarded by 
the Governmenl 640 acre- of land in what after- 
ward became Ohio Territory and upon which is 
now situated the City of Columbus. This prop- 
erty naturally fell to David, and he. in 1 7911. visited 
it. and considering it of little value, returned East 
and located in Virginia, where be employed him- 
self at his trade of distiller two years. At the 



7(52 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



expiration of this time, returning to Pennsylvania, 
he was married to Miss Phcbe Newman. In due 
time there was formed a little settlement in Fair- 
field Bounty, Ohio, and the father of our subject 
traded his land for a mare, a cow and $25 in money. 
The family removed to that county in the mean- 
time, and there our subject was born, in Perry 
Township. June 12, 1824. Soon afterward his 
parents removed to Pickaway County, in the same 
State, where he was reared. 

To the parents of our subject there were born 
the following children, namely: Samuel. Betsy, 
Hannah, Alanson N., Louis, Jackson, Polly, Oliver 
P. and Frederick. Five of them are living and 
located mostly in this county. In 1810 the parents 
resolved upon another change of residence, and 
re veil to Clinton County, Ind., where they ex- 
perienced all the hardships and privations of fron- 
tier life. George Albright was an expert hunter, 
a sport in which he took great satisfaction and de- 
light. He lived to be about ninety years old. The 
mother passed away at the age of eighty years. 

Our subject was a youth of fifteen years when 
he removed with his father's family from Ohio to 
Indiana. About that time he started out for him- 
self, and engaged by the month to drive cattle from 
Indiana to the Eastern markets. He was then em- 
ployed until the fall of 1855. In the meantime he 
was married, Jan. 10, 1854, to Miss Jane, daughter 
of William Beevens, of New York State. In 1843 
he made his way to this county and herded and 
drove cattle, prior to the time of any settlement 
within its limits. It was he who named Bean 
Creek. About 1858 he began farming in Vance 
Township, but afterward made several trips East 
with stock. He also visited the South, selling 
stock in several of the Southern States, as well as 
the Eest. 

The parents of Mrs. Albright came to this State 
probably early in the fifties. Mrs. Albright died 
in 1 859, while a young woman, leaving no children. 
Our subject, on the 17th of November, 1861, con- 
tracted a second marriage with Miss Aina Plevins; 
of this there was two children, one is still living. 
His second wife died in 1858. The daughter's 
name is Hannah Jane. His third wife was Athinda, 
daughter of Henry and Fve (Hamaker) Groves. 



This union resulted in the birth of seven children, 
namely: Susan, Mrs. W. R. Braden of this county; 
George W. 1)., Mary E. C, Frederick R,, Charles 
P., Aaron J. K. and Laura A. M., all of whom are 
living. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Albright 
was George Grove, a native of Holland, where he 
spent his entire life and reared his family. Her 
parents were natives of Pennsylvania, their mar- 
riage occurring in Dauphin County, Pa. They 
settled in Sangamon County, 111., in 1824, where 
they spent the remainder of their lives. The 
Hamaker family also located there at an early day. 
Grandfather Grove and his wife were devout mem- 
bers of the German Baptist Church. Grandfather 
Hamaker was a preacher in this Church. Mrs. 
Albright belongs to the Christian Church. 

Mr. Albright cast his first Presidential vote for 
Gen. Taylor. Further than keeping himself well 
posted upon current events, he has had little to do 
with public affairs or the responsibilities of office, 
lie is, however. President of the Agricultural 
Society of Ross Township, and belongs to the Ma- 
sonic Fraternity, Lodge No. 527, at Rossville, of 
which he is a charter member. He has been a 
Mason for the long period of forty-five years, be- 
coming identified with the fraternity in Circleville, 
Ohio. 



^ WILSE TILTON is a prominent merchant 
and Postmaster in the township, in which he 
lives. His father Enoch Tilfcon, was born 
in Fayette County, Pa. His mother Elizabeth Wil- 
son, was born in Beaver County, of the same State. 
They settled in the place of her birth, and from 
there moved to Ripley County, Ind., in 1844. It 
was here that Mr. Tilton died. Not long after 
this, his wife also died at Potomac, this county, in 
1887, leaving a family of nine sons, of whom our 
subject was the second. The place of his birth was 
Beaver County, Pa., and the time Jan. 8, 183G. In 
1862 he traveled to this county, and taught school 
for four years. Thus far thirteen years of his 
life had been spent in teaching, as he had been a 
school -master nine years prior to his coming to 
Vermilion County. He then found employment as 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



763 



clerk under the late Richard James. This position 
he kept for two years, after which, in 1868 he 
formed a partnership, and went into business for 
himself. Eventually Mr. Tilton bought out the en- 
tire business, which he has sinee conducted in his 
own name. He carries an unusually fine stock of 
merchandise. In addition to his store at Catlin, he 
owns one whieli is operated by his sun. 

Mr. Tilton was appointed Postmaster under the 
administration of Cleveland. lie had held the 
office of Superintendent, and almost all the offices 
in the township. For fourteen years he was con- 
nected with the Vermilion County Agricultural So- 
ciety, being its President for three months, and its 
Vice-President for several years. Our subject is a 
member of the Catlin Lodge A. F. & A. M.. No. 
285, and was Master of the lodge five years. 

Our subject's life is a noble record of vast en- 
ergy, untiring labor, and fervent, and unfading 
courage. Those who knew him familiarly, loved 
and valued him more and more, the longer their 
intercourse lasted. 1 1 is marriage with Elizabeth 
Albright, occurred in Ripley County. Ind. They 
had three children: Charles Virgil, who is in com- 
pany with his father; Flsie Venus, who is the wife 
of A. McGregor; and Bertie Victor. Mr. Tilton 
has been a correspondent of the Danville News for 
fifteen years. Mr. Tilton is rather a reserved man. 
and boasts very little of the good and loveable 
traits and sentiments which he so happily possesses. 



J i OHN W. GIDDINGS, a prominent citizen 
of Danville, and a native of that place, was 
born April 21. 1842. His father. William 
Giddings, was born in Bedfordshire, Eng- 
land, and was there reared anil married. He was 
the only member of the family that came to Amer- 
ica. He learned the trade of a wagonmaker in his 
native land, and was a journeyman till 1837, when 
He sailed from London early in that year, and was 
a journeyman till 1837, when he sailed from Lon- 
don early in that year, and in due time landed at 
New York. He came directly to Danville, the 
journey being made by the way of the lakes, canal 



and teams. When he came to Danville he was 
wealthy in everything but money, that is to say, 
he was in the possession of good spirits ami of any 
amount of hope. The town was then a small place. 
lie at once commenced work at his trade as a 
journeyman, and with his savings he bought his 
employer's business, and engaged in the manufac- 
ture of wagons and plows. The plows he first 
made were constructed with wooden mould hoards. 
The forests were searched to find trees that had the 
right shape for this portion of the plow. Later he 
manufactured carriages, wagons and steel plows, 
and in this business he built up an extensive trade, 
in which he was engaged until the time of his 
death, which occurred in September, 1875. For 
many years there was no railroad built to Dan- 
ville, and he procured his supplies from Cincinnati 
by teams. After a. few years Chicago became the 
commercial center, and he changed his place of 
buying to that place, but still the only mode of 
transportation was with horses or oxen. The 
maiden name of his wife and tin' mother of the 
subject of this article, was Caroline Kitchener. She 
was born in Bedfordshire, England, and died in 
Danville in 1874. Herself and her brother Charles 
were the only members of her family that came 
to America. Charles settled near Worcester, .Mass., 
and is now deceased. In the family of William 
Giddings were nine children, eight of whom are 
living: Fannie is tin' wife of John J. Partlow, and 
lives in Danville; Caroline is dead; Charles, George 
and Albert live in Danville; Eliza married Harvey 
Riggs, and is now residing in Spink County. Dak.; 
Laura is the widow of Edwin Martin, and lives in 
Danville. 

John \V. Giddings was educated in the schools 
of his native city, and when but a bo\ commenced 
work in his father's shop, and thoroughly learned 
the art of carriage painting, lb' thus continued at 
work until May, 1862, when he enlisted in Com- 
pany A, 71st Illinois Infantry, for the period of 
ninety days. He was sick nearly all the time of 
his service, and was discharged in October. 1862, 
when he returned home, remaining ill for one year 
after his return. He again entered the army, in 
May, 1864, this time enlisting in the 135th Illinois 
Infantry, serving until the following fall, when he 



ro-l 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



was discharged on account of the expiration of his 
term of service. In 1865, with his brother Charles, 
and brother-in-law, 0. S. Stewart, a partnership 
business was formed under the linn name of Gid- 
dings, Stewart & Co., the firm succeeding to his 
father's business. This firm continued four or 
five years in business, when he and his brother 
bought the interest of Mr. Stewart, and so con- 
tinued until 1876, when he purchased his brother's 
interest also, and was thus the sole proprietor. In 
1879 he formed a partnership with James A. Pat- 
terson, adding to the business. 

On the 13th of January, 1867, Mr. Giddings 
married Samantha A. McKee, who was born in 
Georgetown, this State. She was the daughter of 
Elijah and Abigail (Starr) McKee. Mr. McKee 
was born in Fleming County, Ky. Mr. McKee's 
father, the grandfather of Mrs. Giddings, was born 
in Pennsylvania, and emigrated to Kentucky at 
an early day. He resided there until 1838, when 
he came to Vermilion County, the trip being made 
with teams. He settled two miles east of Dan- 
ville, and bought timber land and built a log house. 
lie resided on the old farm until his death. The 
father of Mrs. Giddings was eighteen years old 
when he came to this county, lie taught school 
several terms, and at the time of his marriage was 
learning the trade of a wagon-maker. He fol- 
lowed this occupation until I860, when he was 
elected to the office of Clerk of the Circuit Court, 
a position he held eight years. His death occurred 
March 5, 1869. Mrs. Giddings maternal grand- 
father, Absalom Starr, removed from Ohio to this 
State in 1821. The journey was made with ox 
teams. They remained awhile near Palestine, Ind., 
and while there the mother of Mrs. Giddings was 
bom. They came to Danville in 1821. and Mr. 
Starr is among the first settlers of Vermilion 
County, his deed being the first one ever recorded 
on the county books. The land is located two 
miles west of Georgetown, and was originally heav- 
ily timbered. He resided here on the old home- 
stead until his death. His wife survived him 
many years, dying at the age of eighty-seven. 

John W. Giddings has inherited, in a full meas- 
ure, the characteristics of his father. He is an 
energetic, capable and honorable business man, and 



though his father came here a poor man, and at 
the time of his death was one of the wealthiest 
men of Danville, there is no doubt but that the 
junior Giddings would have followed in the foot- 
steps of his worthy father had he been placed in 
his position, Mr. Giddings has a beautiful resi- 
dence, built in 1887, and located on Hazel street, 
where he lives happily with his family. Mr. and 
Mrs. Giddings worship at the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, and he is a member of the Odd Fellows. 



il jfl K. U MAIN J 

\rJli man in a world containing so much of sin 
\fm and sorrow, shines out like the noonday 
sun and redeems the earth from the gloom which 
would otherwise envelop it. The early settlement 
of the Great West developed many brave and cour- 
ageous spirits who encountered untold difficulti- 
ties in the struggle of life on the frontier, and who 
in addition to bravely fighting the battles which 
immediately beset them, also lent a helping hand 
to their fellow creatures, stimulating them to ex- 
ertion at the time which tried men's souls and en- 
abled them to breast the waves and reach a safe 
harbor. 

These thoughts are suggested in recalling the 
history of Mr. Chandler, now of Bismark and who 
has been a resident of this county most of the time for 
the long period of sixty-one years, having come 
here as early as 1828. It is hardly neccessary to 
say that the soil of this region had then scarcely 
been pressed by the foot of a white man. Indians, 
prairie wolves and other dangerous creatures were 
plentiful, also deer and wild game of all kinds. It 
was some years before rapid settlement commenced, 
and he, who first ventured into these wilds practi- 
cally took his life in his hands. The extraordi- 
nary change which has passed over the face of the 
of the country during the last half century has 
been witnessed by our subject with that warm 
interest and satisfaction which can only be felt by 
the intelligent and thoughtful mind. Now over a 
once uncultivated waste are seen beautiful farms 



PORTRAIT AND IHOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



765 



and prosperous villages and a vast population oc- 
cupying themselves with agricultural and various 
other industries needed to serve so great a country. 
In bringing about this condition of things, Mr. 
Chandler may be properly classed among those 
men who have contributed their full quota to the 
present wealth and well-being of Illinois. 

A native of Harrison County. Ivy., Mr. Chand- 
ler was born Dec. 5, 1821, and is the son of Jehu and 
Polly (Swinford) Chandler, the former a native of 
Wilmington, Del., and the latter of Harrison 
County, Ky. The parents of our subject came to 
Illinois in 1828. locating first in Newell Township, 
Vermilion County, where they resided until 1854. 
Then, laying aside the more active duties of life, 
the3 r removed to Danville, and Jehu Chandler 
rested from earthly labors in February, 1859. 
The mother that same year returned to Newell 
Township, where her death took place in April, 
1862. Their remains rest side by side in Walnut 
Corner Cemetery, Newell Township. 

The subject of this sketch was in the seventh 
j'ear of his age when he came to Newell Township 
with his parents, and tbis with the exception of 
ten years has since remained his home. He fol- 
lowed carpentering in Danville from 1864 to 1874, 
then returned to Newell Township and still con- 
tinued to work as a carpenter until 1880. In 1882 
he commenced buying and shipping grain of all 
kinds, paying the highest market price and realiz- 
ing therefrom a handsome profit. In the meantime 
he became prominent in local affairs and was rec- 
ognized as one of the most liberal and public- 
spirited citizens of his township, lie served as 
Assessor during the years 1859-60 and in 1860 was 
elected Justice of the Peace, which position he 
held four years. Prior to this he was elected 
School Director aud Township Trustee, and ever 
maintained his warm interest in the cause of educa- 
tion and all of those projects having for their ob- 
ject the moral welfare of the people. 

Mr. Chandler was again brought to the front in 
1885, being elected Justice of the Peace, serving 
his time acceptably, and was re-elected in 1889. 
To the duties of this office he has brought that 
sound judgment and temperance of action which 
have gained him the esteem and confidence of all 



with whom he has dealt. From 1885 to 1889 he 
officiated as a Notary Public. 

The marriage of our subject with Miss Malinda 
Cunningham was celebrated Nov. 21, 1844. This 
lady was the daughter of William and .Mary Cunn- 
ingham, both of whom were natives of Pennsylva- 
nia. The latter soon after their marriage removed 
to Harrison County, Ky., and thence, in 1829, to 
Newell Township, Vermilion Co., 111., where they 
spent the remainder of their days. The mother 
died in September, 1841. .Mr. Cunningham sur- 
vived his wife a number of years, passing away in 
May, 1852. Their remains were laid to rest in 
what is known as Brierly Cemetery, in Newell 
Township. Mrs. Chandler was reared principally 
in Newell Township, and by her union with our 
subject became the mother of the following children: 
Mary J., Emma, Ann, Rosetta ('.. William J. and 
Laura E„ all of whom are living, but the mother 
passed to her long home Sept. 5, 1863. She was 
a lady of many excellent qualities and a consistent 
member of the Christian Church, in the faith of 
which she died. Her remains repose in Brierly Ceme- 
tery. Mr.Chandler has been identified with the Chris- 
tian Church forty-three years. In 1874 he took 
up his residence in Bismark, which was laid out in 
1872. He keeps himself well posted in regard to 
State and National affairs, and is a strong Repub- 
lican in politics. No man in the county stands 
higher, and none are more deserving of the esteem 
and confidence of their fellow-men. 





HARLES W. WARNER, editor and pro- 
prietor of the "Hoopeston Daily and Weekly 
Chronicle" is conducting the only daily 
paper in the county outside of Danville. He is 
making of it a newsy, local sheet, pleasing to the 
people most concerned and in connection there- 
with is budding up a thriving job department. He 
is a gentleman enterprising and intelligent, an easy 
and forcible writer and evidently possessed of the 
proper idea in connection with running a local 
paper. The interests of the people of this section 



TOG 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



are held uppermost and the Chronicle has become 
one of its indispensable institutions. 

The first three years of the life of our subject 
were spent in Montgomery County, Ind., where la- 
wns born Jan. 24, 1857. In 1 «t>0 his parents re- 
moved to West Lebanon in the same State, where 
they lived four 3'ears, then changed their residence 
In Rossville, in this count}', and in this latter place 
Charles W, completed his education by attendance 
at the High School. lie subsequently taught school 
two terms in Champaign County, near Homer. 
Later he assumed the duties of Deputy County 
Clerk under John W. Dale at Danville and from 
there came to Hoopeston in February, 1879, and 
became associated with the Chronicle, assisting in 
In ilh the editorial and mechanical departments of 
the paper. With the exception of four months 
spent as a Clerk in the State Legislature during 
the session of the Thirty-second General Assembly, 
he remained in this capacity until duly, 1882. He 
then leased the plant of the Chronicle, the ''Daily" 
then having been started only three months before. 
Its continuation was consequently an uncertainty. 

Mr. Warner, however, renewed his lease from 
year to year at the same time enlarging the circu- 
lation of the paper and introducing new facilities 
for the prosecution of job work. In 1887 he pur- 
chased the entire concern and the prospect is that 
the Chronicle and its appurtenances will continue 
to prosper and grow strong. In addition to this 
business, Mr. Warner is connected with the Illinois 
Canning Company of which he has been Secretary 
since its organization, in 1887. In the K. of P. he 
stands high, being the firstCommander of his lodge. 
He has had no political aspirations for himself, 
but labors vigorously in behalf of the Republican 
party and is occasionally sent as a delegate to the 
various party conventions. His industry and good 
judgment are made serviceable in many respects in 
local affairs, both social and political. June 15, 
188',). he was elected by his Republican friends, pa- 
trons of the Hoopeston post-office, to the position 
of Postmaster. He was immediately appointed by 
President Harrison and now holds that position. 

The marriage of our subject with Miss Lillian 
M. Clark was celebrated at the bride's home in 
Hoopeston, Dec. 13. 1883. Mrs. Warner is a na- 



tive of Wenona, this State and was born May 'J, 
1864. She came to Hoopeston with her parents in 
1873. The latter were W. R. and Henrietta B. 
(Fillon) Clark, who continue residents of this 
place. She is possessed of great skill as an artist 
and decorator. 

The parents of our subject were Abner and 
Mary (Cadwallader) Warner, the former of whom 
was born in Ross County, Ohio, April 11,1811. 
He spent his boyhood and youth in the Buckeye 
State and prior to his marriage removed to Indiana, 
settling near Crawfordsville where he met Miss 
Cadwallader and they were married March it, 1851. 
Mr. Warner was a farmer by occupation during 
his early manhood, but after his removal to Ross- 
ville engaged in mercantile business which lie pros- 
ecuted until 1876. He then retired from active 
business and departed this life July 15, 1888. 
lie was a plain and unassuming man and a member 
of the Society of Friends. 

The mother of our subject was born near Craw- 
fordsville, Ind.. and lived there with her parents 
until her marriage. Her union with Mr. Warner 
resulted in the birth of four children, only two of 
whom are living — our subject, and Perry M., the 
latter residing on a farm near Rossville, and the 
mother makes her home with him. The paternal 
grandfather of our subject was Isaac Warner, a na- 
tive of Philadelphia. Early in life he emigrated to 
Ohio where he became the owner of land and en- 
gaged in agricultural pursuits. He married Miss 
Mary Winder, who also died in Ohio. 



--a!',^ 




U LBERT G. OLMSTED is a worthy de- 
lJji scendant of Puritan ancestry, his fore- 



fathers having been numbered among the 
early settlers of New England. In a 
later day and generation his grandparents and 
parents became pioneers of Vermilion County, and 
here the most of his life has been passed. He has 
not only been a witness of the marvelous growth of 
this section of the county in the fifty years that he 
has lived here as boy and man, but it has been his 
good fortune to aid in its upbuilding. For many 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



769 



years he has been intimately connected with the 
material prosperity of Catlin Townshipas a progres- 
sive and skillful agriculturist, and as one of its most 
influential public officers. lie owns a farm on 
section 2:>. that in all its appoint ments and improve- 
ments is equal to any 'other in this locality, and 
here lie and his wife have an attractive home, to 
which they welcome many friends, as they have a 
warm place in the hearts of the entire commun- 
ity. 

Stanley Olmsted, the father of our subject, was 
born in the city of Hartford, Conn., to George 
Olmsted, Sr., and his wife. Hannah (Roberts) Olm- 
sted, natives of New England. They came to 
Vermilion County from Ohio in 1839, and he died 
here two years later. His wife did not long survive 
him, dying in September, L843. Their son, Stanley, 
married Almira Green, a native of Vermont, and 
they began the journey of life together in .lames- 
town, Chautauqua Co., N. Y.. where he was 
busily engaged for several years in constructing a 
farm from the primeval forests of that section of 
the country. He subsequently removed from there 
with his family to Marietta. Washington Co., Ohio, 
but after living there live years, he came with 
them, in 1839, to Vermilion County, making the 
journey down the Ohio River, up the Wabash 
IJiver to Perrysville, and thence going to what is 
now known as Batestown, and settling in that 
vicinity among the pioneers that, had preceded them 
to this] then wild, sparsely settled country. The 
father operated a sawmill known as Olmsted Mill, 
and besides manufacturing lumber, engaged in 
building Qatboats, that being the only mill where 
such boats were built, and the most of those that 
were made in this section of the country were 
built there. He was a member of the Masonic fra- 
ternity and quite a prominent man in his commun- 
ity, and his death, in 1848, was considered a loss 
to the township. His widow was re-married about 
ten years afterwards, becoming the wife of Thomas 
VV. Douglas, and is still living in Catlin Township 
at an advanced age. She holds to the Presbyter- 
ian faith, and is a sincere Christian. 

Of the ten children that blessed the union of 
Stanley Omsted and wife, our subject was the sec- 
ond in order of birth. He was born in the vicinity 



of Jamestown, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., Oct. 11, 
1831. He was a lad of about eight years when he 
accompanied his parents and grandparents to this 
county, and the remaining years of his boyhood 
and his youth were passed in Danville and Catlin 
townships. His education was obtained in the old 
log school-house of those earl}' days. He early be- 
gan life for himself, as he was but seventeen years 
of age when his father died, and the main charge 
of the family devolved upon him. he renting land 
and working at farming to support those depend- 
ent upon him. When he was twenty-four years 
old he married and rented a farm in Catlin Town- 
ship the ensuing seven years, the place belonging 
to Harry Sandusky. After that he bought a small 
place in Catlin Village, and continued renting land 
for three years. The second year after the pur- 
chase of the Count}' Farm in 1867, he was ap- 
pointed Superintendent of it, and he was found to 
be the right man in the right, place, faithfully and 
eonseienciously discharging the duties of that oner- 
ous position, by his skillful farming improving the 
land, and treating the poor people under his charge 
with firmness and kindness. He retained that office 
eight years, and then tendered his resignation, as 
he decided to in vest some of his money in land and 
go to farming on his own account. Soon after he 
took possession of the laud he now owns and op- 
erates, it having been the homestead of the parents 
of Mrs. Omsted, of which she inherited a portion. 
The balance was purchased by Mr. Omsted. His 
present farm consists of 180 acres of land, exceed- 
ingly rich and productive, and he has been con- 
stantly making improvements till the place is 
considered ;one of the best in the neighborhood. 
He has erected a good set of farm buildings ami a 
pleasant residence, finely located somewhat back 
from the highway. 

This homestead formerly belonged to Mrs. Olm- 
sted's parents, Thomas N. and Mary Brown (San- 
dusky) Wright, early pioneers i ■!' Vermilion County, 
anil here she was born and bred, ami on this spot, 
under an apple tree in the yard, her marriage with 
our subject was solemnized July 22, 1855, ami here 
her life has thus far been spent happily and se- 
renely. She has never been very far from this 
home of her birth, ami has never ridden in the 



770 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



cars, or even beyond the limits of tbe county. Mrs. 
Olmsted is a notable housekeeper, and is well 
versed in the art of making those about her com- 
fortable, and everyone who crosses her threshhold 
is sure of a cheerful welcome. Her parents were 
born in Bourbon County. Ky., and when the father 
was nineteen years old and the mother twenty, 
they came to Vermilion County, and were united 
in marriage six weeks later, in the year 1831, near 
Indianola, and immediately settled on the farm 
now owned by Mr. Olmsted. Mr. Wright built a 
log cabin, and in that humble abode they began 
their wedded life. May 31,1851. Mrs. Wright 
died, leaving five children, of whom Elizabeth 
Ann, Mrs. Olmsted, was the eldest. The father 
was afterwards married to Nancy Dougherty, and 
he died Nov. 18, 1K72, on the homestead that he 
had eliminated from the wild prairies. Mrs. Olm- 
sted was born Sept. 22, 1832. In this home of her 
girlhood and womanhood five children have blessed, 
her wedded life with our subject, namely: Mary 
B., the wife of John H. Palmer; Charles, who mar- 
ried Agnes Emmett, who died Nov. 17, 1887; 



William C, who married Miss Eva Beck; George 
E. ; and Albert C. 

Mr. Olmsted has been a valuable citizen of this 
section of Vermilion County since attaining man- 
hood, as he is a man of good personal habits, is just 
and honest in his dealings, wise and safe in coun- 
sel, and has always exerted his influence to advance 
the interests of his community morally, socially 
and educationally. He has taken an active part 
in the public life of this township, has held the 
office of Supervisor two terms, and for eleven years 
was School Trustee. He is a valued member of 
Catlin Lodge No. 285, A. F. <fe A. M. He has 
been Master of the lodge. In politics he sides 
with the Democrats, and is a strong supporter of 
party principles. Both he and his wife are faith- 
ful members of the Presbyterian Church, and the 
nets of their daily lives show them to be consistent 
Christians. 

A fine lithographic view of the handsome home 
and surroundings of Mr. Olmsted is shown else- 
where in this volume. 




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



771 






■•..'. \ •■ -..v., 1 , •.',: , l '.,v..', 







: i 1 : i' : .' : v : ■■ : ■■ : ,' :. ,■ : .■ ; .■ ; .' : ,' : ,' .- ■ .■ -. '■ ■■■-.■■ -. ■■ •. ■. -. '■ -. >,: <, : '■ :\ , ..y..v.. | i 




-s-i-&^^*«-*— 



&&& (IJIK of the fairest, most pro- 
ductive counties of the great 
Prairie State lie upon its East- 
ern border, and among the 
chiefest of these is Vermilion 
County. Although settlers 
came in here at an early ih.ty , 
vet the commencement of its 
rapid growth was not until many 
years later. It was the railroad that 
i did so much toward the encourage- 
ment of sturdy tillers of the soil to 
come to the fair and fertile prairies. 
Since then the county has enjoyed a 
steady growth, until to day itstands 
among the foremost counties of the 
great Northwest. In the growth 
and development of her vast resources, in her agri- 
culture and stock-raising, in all departments of la- 
borin which busy man is engaged; in herchurches 

and schools, in civilization and culture. Vermil 

County has taken a front rank. Well may her peo- 
ple be proud of their product; well may her pio- 
neers turn with pride to their achievements. With- 
in a half century a wilderness has been subdued and 
converted into beautiful farms and thriving, popu- 
lous cities, and a community established c mainl- 
ine the admiration of the country. 





Tlio Wabash Railway. 

•IIIS was the pioneer road of Vermilion County 
and consequently contributed most to the de- 
velopment in the early days of Danville, 
and the extensive coal and agricultural interests of 
the county, and still continues to do so. Its main 
line from Quincy and St. Louis, to Toledo and De- 
troit, traverses this county from Eastto West. At 
Danville connection is made with all the main 
roads. Centering there, it has about fifty miles of 
road including side tracks in the county. And at 
Tilton are located commodious round houses for the 
accommodation of this division. Its present traffic 
facilities, are not surpassed by an}' road in the 
West, with its extensive Eastern. Northern, West- 
ern and Southern connections, its customers have 
all the benefits of the great marts of trade and com- 
merce in this country. The Wabash is now i f 

the most extensive railway systems of the country, 

and owing to its splendid facilities and lections 

with the seaboard traffic, and the principal Southern 
and Western cities, is destined to do more toward 
the development of the agricultural and material 
resources of the Mississippi valley, than any Other 
road, with its continuous line from Detroit and 
Toledo to St. Louis, where it crosses the Mississippi 
on the mosl magnificent steel bridge in the world. 
From there its lines traverse northwestward through 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Missouri and Iowa, to Kansas City, Omaha, and Dcs 
Moines; it has borne no unimportant part in the de- 
velopment of those three great commercial empori- 
um*. At Kansas City and Omaha it receives its 
full share of the vast commerce of Kansas, Nebraska, 
and the Northwest. At Des Moines it taps the 
great agricultural heart of Iowa. Now having 
spoken of its Eastern and Western lines, we call the 
attention of our readers to its two lines which en- 
ter Chicago, the great metropolis of the Northwest. 
All the lines of this road, including the Chicago 
branch, have steel rail track, well ballasted road- 
beds, and together constitute one of the greatest 
railroad systems of the West. It is certainly one of 
most enterprising roads in the country, and the 
finest passenger coaches on the continent, are run 
on its lines, and every effort put forth for the com- 
fort and safety of its patrons. The number of 
miles now operated, are lines east of the Mississippi 
1,310, lines west of the Mississippi 640. Grand 
total for all lines of 1,050. Its terminal facilities 
are unsurpassed both for freight and passenger 
traffic, and its increasing and growing popularity 
speaks well for its able management. 

Ohio, Indiana and Western. 

fe^^IIIS line has, including side tracks, about 




twenty-eight miles of road in Vermilion 
County, and traverses the county due east 
and west from Danville. At the latter place con- 
nections are made with the roads centering there. 
Danville is the most important station. Fithian 
and Oakwood are also situated on this line. 




Chicago and Eastern Illinois. 
JbHIS road has more miles of track than any 
other line in the county, and extends 
through the county on the east side from 
north to south. This is the great coal road of the 
county and has exercised a superlative influence 
in the development of that industry in Eastern 
Illinois. 

The most important station is Danville, where 
connection is had with several roads centering 
there. There are many important stations on this 



line in Vermilion County. At Ridge Farm, in the 
extreme south, it crosses the line of the Toledo. 
Cincinnati & St. Louis Railroad. Georgetown is 
also an important station for the shipment of agri- 
cultural products. Further north at Grape Creek 
the immense coal fields are tapped. At Alvin it 
intersects a branch of the Illinois Central, passing 
on through Rossvilleto Iloopeston, where it crosses 
the line of the Lake Erie <fc Western. 

Cairo, Vincennes & Chicago 
Is being operated by the Chicago & Eastern Illinois 
Railroad and is mentioned in the reference made 
in regard to that road. 



-K>-<- 



The Danville, Olney and Ohio River Road, 

S likewise operated by the management of tin' 
Chicago and Eastern Illinois Railroad Com- 
pany. The important stations on this line in 
the south part of the county are Nidell, Indianola, 
and Sandusky. 




Illinois Central Railroad. 

TIE Leroy & West Liberty Branch of the 
Central traverses through Ross and Middle 
Fork townships from east to west. At Alvin 
it crosses the line of the Chicago & Eastern Illinois. 
That point is also the most important station in 
this county. Ileming, Potomac and Armstrong 
arc other stations on the line in this countv. 



Toledo, Cincinnati and St. Louis Railroad. 

f£ s AS about eleven miles of road in the extreme 

\ ] > southeast corner of the county, the import- 




ant station being Rida;e Farm. 



*-^-j — — 

Lake Erie and Western. 

■s^i^^IIIS road traverses the extreme northern part 
^ of the county from east to west and has 
contributed in a large measure to the build- 
ing up of the thriving town of Iloopeston, the 
second town in the county. At that point it 
crosses the line of the Chicago & Eastern Illinois 
Railroad. 



~wv-.H<s|*!£>=| 3 .s.>.-<v> — 

BIOGrjpEfjKgpIx. 



^*s^i^5& i^z — : ■ ». 



Abbott, Franklin E 288 

Adams, Ellis 200 

Adams, John 21 

Adams,JohnQ 30 

Albright, Alanson N 761 

Albright, Samuel 314 

Alexander, F. M 467 

Allen, George 27b 

Allen, Hon. Charles A -41 

Allen, Win. I 700 

Allhands. F. M 692 

Amis, James T 407 

Amis, Mrs- Nancy 407 

Ankrum, Asa 4g6 

Ankrum, A. L 453 

Ankrum, George W 530 

Arbuckle, A. T 451 

Armantrout, Hiram 195 

Armstrong, Thomas 721 

Arthur Chester A 99 



B 



Hat ib, 1 ra 430 

Baker, C« A 654 

Baldwin, F. ...214 

Baldwin, J. R 208 

Ball.S.O 644 

Bandy, John W 198 

Bandy, William 247 

Banta, J . H ... .509 

Banta, William F 490 

Bantz,Ezra J 429 

Barnett, Geo 74 8 

Barnett, R. E 748 

Barnett, F. V 639 

Barnett, James 603 

Bass, Henry 596 

Baum, C. C 505 

Baum, Charles M 199 

Baum, Charles W 45 6 

Baum, Frank A 518 

Baum, G. T 504 

Baum, Oliver P 683 

Baum. S. W 668 

Bennett, Henry J 458 



Bennett, D. C 663 

Be ve ridge, John 1 171 

Bissell, William H i 5 , 

Blair, Samuel 595 

Blakeney, T. W 495 

Blakeney, John ..489 

Board ma 11, V. R 2 i 7 

Boggess, J. \\ '., M. It 22i 

Bolden, John E 489 

Bond, Shadrach m 

Boyce, Henry G 240 

Brady, John . . w4 

Brady, Thomas 676 

Branham, A 528 

Brewer, J . W .,1 ^ 

Brooks, John 557 

Brown, William 519 

Buchanan, James 75 

Buchanan, W. W.... 300 

Buhl, Charles 197 

Burroughs, Major Wilson ...387 

Busby, I. N 575 

Bushnell, H. L 198 

Builer, W. T 226 



Cadle, Philip 275 

Campbell, 1.) 270 

Campbell, J. J. 693 

Canaday, G. W 517 

Canaday, Henry F 487 

Canaday, William, Sr 347 

Cannon, Hon. J-G 225 

Caraway, C. T 680 

Carl in, Thomas 135 

Carter. Frank 751 

Cassell, Eliza S 476 

Cast, Wilbur 589 

Cast, William.. . - 227 

Cat her wood, A.T.. 319 

Gather wood. J. S 720 

Caub'le, William B 281 

Cessna, John 313 

Cessna, Win 37a 

Chace, Henry L 246 

Chandler, Wm 746 

Chandler, W. R 764 

Christman, J. S 235 

Church, Charles 732 

Clark, John G 466 



Clarkson, George 242 

Cleveland, G rover S 103 

Clifton, James 367 

CHngan, J. S 475 

Clipson, Wm 290 

Cloyd, J. P., M. I> 478 

Coake, Rev. David. 731 

Coffman,S. A, M D ; 6S 

Cole. John 321 

Coles, Edward 115 

Collier, Alexander 533 

Collins, John ...566 

Cook, Amos. .516 

Cook, J.F.... 474 

Cook, James P . .528 

Cook, Joseph B 414 

Cook, Samuel .236 

Cooper, Charles 479 

Cooper, Mrs. Lucinda .665 

Cooper, John E 695 

Copeland, Wm 259 

Cotton, Henry 484 

Cox, Thomas 324 

Crane, John S \g 

Crane, O. H 196 

Cranson, John B 239 

Crimmins, John Al .712 

Cullom, Shelby M 175 

Cunningham, W. 249 

Current, H. B 669 

Current, Isaac 256 

Current, J- M 657 

Current, W. W [84 



Dalbey, Aaron 752 

I 'alley, Samuel 447 

Daniel, O. M 362 

Da mall, A. J 522 

Davis, Henry 229 

Davis, H. V 393 

Davis, James 337 

Davis, Jesse 877 

Davis, Jonah M 674 

Davis, Judge O. L 382 

Davis, William 301 

Dazey, Jacob 271 

Dicken, David S 548 

Dickinson, William 312 

Dickson. David 593 



Dickson, Silas 537 

Dickson, S. S 455 

Dillon, Jonathan 737. 

Dillon, Geo. 75^, 

Dixon, Alfred M 341 

1 >odson, Geo. W 255 

Donovan, S. P 576 

Dougherty, B. F 689 

Douglass, D. B s , 5 

Douglass, J. M 338 

Downing, C. L 5 6 9 

Downs, W. H 68ft 

D una van, A 567 

I l um an, Joseph 1^1 



Eaten, Adam .-667 

Edens, Dr. Geo 

Edwards, Ninian. ng 

Elder, A. W, 62Q 

Elliott. Clayton B 538 

Elliott, H. C 549 

Elliott, John M 623 

Elliott, Robert 708 

Elliott Wesley. 583 

Engelmann, John N 759 

Evans Geo. M ..272 

Evans, Hon. David D 732 

Ewing, William L. D 127 



F 



Fagner, I hristian 652 

Faurot, Ira .250 

Fifer, Joseph 183 

Fillmore, Millard 07 

Finley, M. T 738 

Finley, Watts 441 

Fisher, J no. W 650 

Fisher, Michael 628 

Fisk, J. W 550 

Fisk, R. W. S7 s 

Fithian, K. C. B 666 

Fithian, Wm., M. D 739 

Fleming, W 701 

Fletcher, Henry 558 

Fletcher, Jn« 521 



INDEX. 



Folger, John 745 

Folger, Uriah 581 

Forbes, C. W 662 

Ford, Thomas 139 

Frazier, Samuel 704 

Freeman, A. C 7M 

Freeman, H. L. .. 282 

French, Augustus C*. 143 

French, Ersom 7 J 5 

I nil/, Jacob 546 



G 



Gaines, Francis 539 

Gardner, Wm- H 699 

Garfield, James A 95 

G aria ugh, H 661 

Geddes, J. M = '3 

Giddings, Albert 344 

Giddings, Jno. W 763 

Goings, I. V 402 

Goodwine, J. W 207 

Gossett, M. B 436 

Grant, U.S 87 

Graves, Levi H 556 

Gray.C. F 635 

Gray, William 624 

Green, Eingham C 694 

Gritten, Laben 231 

Grundy, A 559 

Gurley, Daniel 464 

Guthrie, Andrew 604 

Guthrie, Thomas 44J 



H 



Hacker, F. M 618 

Hag ley, T. K 401 

Hamilton, Jno. M 179 

Harper, A 588 

Harrison, Be nj- F 107 

Harrison, William Henry 51 

Hawkins, William 357 

Haworth, Beriah 726 

Ha worth, Tli os 468- 

Haworth, W. B 510 " 

Hayes, R. B gi 

Hays, James 359 

Hay ward, Martin 520 

Healy, James J 497 

Heileman, Geo 542 

Henton.C. D ...380 

Herron,, William G... 285 

Hester, Cassius M . .480 

Hester, William .536 

Hewes, T. F 713 

Hildreth, John B 651 

Hillman, Charles 379 

Hinshaw, Dr. D. C 560 

Hoagland, Geo 303 

Holloway, Z. C 232 

Hole, I>r. John 743 

Holton, Henry C. M .D 530 



Honeywell, A 713 

Hoopes, Thomas 506 

Hopper, Lewis 32y 

Howard, Guy C 262 

Huffman, Geo. D 754 

Hull, C, F 53* 

Hull, J. F., M. D 729 

H umphreys, Thomas B 454 

H umrichous John 49S 



Jack, Reuben 3&3 

Jackson, Amos 348 

Jackson, Andrew 43 

Jackson, Jno. L 238 

Jackson, J. L 684 

J e fie r son, Thomas 27 

Johnson, Andrew 83 

Johnston, David 625 

Jones, A 7>7 

Jones, E. P 210 

Jones, F 271 

Jones, Geo. Wheeler, M . D - .292 

Jones, Ira G -50 8 

Judy. William 33= 

I urgensmeyer, William J5 8 



K 



Kelly William 4*4 

Kent, W. W 679 

Keplinger Thomas, -.340 

Kimbrough, A. H., M. D....s*8 

Kilbourn, Jonathan 744 

Kingsley, V.C. T., M.D.... 338 

Kinsey, Jno- R 59S 

Knox, R. M 445 



Langley, Casper J 697 

Larrance, Jonathan 734 

Larrance,M. L.. 49Q 

Lay ton, D 685 

Leach, Benj . F 538 

Lee, Thomas 211 

Leeka, Dr. Jesse 333 

Leemon, Jno 297 

Lemon, TheodoreM. D 715 

Lewis, Allen 740 

Ligget, Jesse 442 

Lincoln, Abraham 79 

Lloyd, Henry 304 

Long, Anthony 650 

Lytle, J. R., M. D 4 33 



M 



Madison, James 3 

Makcmson, Hiram 71 



Makemson, John 583 

Mann, A 671 

Mann, W. J .462 

Manning, L. V 486 

Matkin, T 580 

Matteson, Joel A 147 

M c Broom, W ill iam 216 

McCal.e, John M 265 

McCaughey, T.C., M. D... 3 gi 

McCaul, Michael 287 

McDowell, Archibald 477 

McDowell, J.I 448 

McDowell, Mrs. E. C 434 

McGee, John F -33* 

McKee, T. D 201 

McMellan, James 566 

McVey, John ... 220 

McMillin, William 736 

Mendenhall, John 648 

Mendenhall, Silas 610 

Miller, Geo. W 403 

Miller, J. W 526 

Miller, William -••579 

Mills, Henry 571 

Mills, Milton <62 

Mills, William H 552 

Mitchell, James N 570 

Monroe, James 35 

More land, Mrs. C. T 673 

Moreland, Thomas R 6/3 

Morgan, S. Ross 559 

Morgan, T. M -750 

Moses, J. S 585 

Moss, Joseph 703 



N 



Newell, Henry 1 1 586 

Newkirk, Jno. R 614 

Newlin. Jno. W 616 

Norris, N. J., M D 561 

Neville, Geo. N 423 







Oakes, Daniel 628 

Oakwood, H.J 420 

Oakwood, Hon. J. H 637 

Oakwood, Michael . 266 

Odle, Miles -361 

Oglesby, Richard J 163 

Olehy, F. M 418 

Olehy, William J 584 

Olmsted, A. G 700 

O'Neal, Perry 435 

Orr. James W 719 

Owen, A lexandcr D , . , 606 



Padgitt, John L 596 

Palmer, John M 167 

Park, Timothy 339 



Parrish, John H 261 

Partlow, Asa 351 

Partlow, John J 280 

Pasteur, F. J 572 

Pate,B.C 38! 

Patterson, Golden 568 

Patterson, Mrs. Mary 742 

Patterson, William 744 

Pa tton, Merrick 730 

Pearson, Gustavus C .410 

Peirce,Hon. Wm- P.. 245 

Peterson, Philip Y ..208 

Pierce, Franklin 71 

Pratt, Thomas 726 

Price, W. H 317 

Poettken, Rev. F, A 600 

Polk, James K , . 59 

Pollard, John 065 

Pugh, Granville 540 

Pugh, Martin 525 

Puzey, H 760 



R 



Rees, William 604^, 

Reid, D. IJ 6; 4 

Reid,L. A 58* 

Reynolds, John 123 

Reynolds, Moses 565 

Reynolds, Theodore 672 

Reynolds, Thomas 655 

Rice, Daniel 710 

Rice, J. J 682 

Rice, T. R 645 

Richardson, F. A 700 

Richardson, Joseph 709 

Richardson, Margret 709 

Rickart, W. V 4 i 7 

Riggs, Luther A 653 

Robertson, J, J 599 

Robertson, Zachanah 719 

Robinson, H M 702 

Rodrick, William H 675 

Ross, John E 696 

Ross, Mrs. Susan E 696 

Rouse, Dennis H 725 

Rowand,John F 633 



Salladay, Jno. C . . .369 

Sanders, George F 615 

Sandusky, Guy 364 

Sandusky, A 473 

Sandusky, James 493 

Sandusky, J. S 747 

Sandusky, William 500 

Sandusky, W. T 37S 

Sconce, Mrs. Emma 191 

Sconce, James S 191 

Sconce, William H 698 

Shaw, S- S 707 

Sidell, J. J 251 

Sinkhorn, A. J 323 



I NO FA. 



Slaughter, K. S 651 

Smith, David R 741 

Smith, F. P 620 

Smith, Geo. W 328 

Smith, George W 728 

Smith, Jno.E 218 

Smith, R. B 670 

Smith, William 461 

Snow, Abner 749 

Snowden, H. F 309 

Snyder, E 615 

South worth. J.J 258 

S perry, O 286 

Spry, G. M 399 

Stadler, Adam 664 

Soilings. J 718 

Stark, Samuel 373 

Stearns, Alvin 422 

Stearns, Calvin 452 

Stevens, Jas. H 579 

Stevens, Samuel T 535 

Stevens, W. T 609 

Stine, James M 409 

Stufflebeam, O. P 693 



Sullivan, Geo. M . 
Swaim, Dr. P. H.. 



.fo 7 

-620 



Talbott, II. E. P 463 

Taylor, Buford, M D 619 

Taylor, Thomas A- 432 

Taylor, Zachary 63 

Thomas, John 679 

Thompson, James 613 

Thompson, John E 289 

Thompson, J. R -299 

Tillotson, Buell 755 

Tillotson, Luther 3 18 

Tilton, Fred .483 

Tilton, G. W 762 

Thompson, Samuel 743 

Trimble, M 627 

Trisler, John 545 

Truax, Capt- Joseph 278 

Turner, Dr. J no- W 327 

Tyler, John. 5S 



V 



Van Allen, J no. H 342 

Van Allen, William P 389 

Van Buren, Martin . 47 

Van Duyn, John 658 

Van ne man , Win. A 646 

Vanvickle, Enoch 334 

Villars. G. M 398 

Vinson, Levin 392 

Voorhes, Albert. 388 

w 

Warner C. W 765 

Washington, George 19 

Webster. Miss Sarah 727 

Wherry, Joseph 712 

White, A. L 343 

While, James E 383 

White, William 353 



Whitton, Chas E 260 

Wilkins, Judge J. W 608 

Williams, Nathan 585 

Williams, Thomas 408 

Williams, Truman . . .352 

Williams, William 354 

Winter, Carl C 310 

Winters, W.V 643 

Witherspoon, W. P 5 8q 

Wood, John I55 

Worlhington, R. R ..(130 

Wright, Charles A .731 

Wright, Hugh 2 gr 

Y 

Yates, Richard 159 

Yerkes, Hiram 307 

Young, Charles S 555 

7. 

Zeigler, Benjamin 374 




Adams, John 22 

Adams, John Q 38 

A mis , J a mes T 406 

Arbuckle, A. T 450 

Arthur, Chester A 00 

Bantz, Ezra J 427 

Bantz, Mrs. E. J 426 

Beveridge, John L 170 

Bissell, Wm. H 150 

Bond, Shadrach no 

Burroughs, Maj. W 386 

Busby, Isaac N .574 

Buchanan, James 74 

Canady, William 346 

Cannon, Hon. J. G 224 

C.irlin, Thos.. 134 

Cauble, Willis B..M .D 281 

Cleveland, Grover S 102 







♦^•C* 



Clifton, James ... 366 

Coles, Edward 114 

Cullom, Shelby M 174 

Davis, O. L 382 

Dickson, David 592 

Dougherty, Benjamin F 683 

Douglas, Dor man B .513 — 

Douglas, Mrs. D. B 512 

Duncan, Joseph 130 

Edwards, Ninian 118 

Ewing, William L. D 126 

Ford. Thos 133 

French, Augustus C 142 

Fifer, Joseph W 182 

Fillmore, Millard 66 

Garfield, James A 98 

Grant. Ulysses S 86 

Hamilton, John M 178 



Harrison, William H 50 

Harrison, Benjamin ... 106 

Hayes, Rutherford B 90 

Hcrron, W. G 2 8 4 

Jackson, Andrew 42 

Jefferson, Thos- 26 

Johnson, Andrew 82 

Lincoln, Abraham . . 78 

McCabe, John M- 264 

Madison, James 30 

Nfatteson, Joel A 146 

Monroe. James 34 

Ogelsby , Richard J 162 

Palmer, John M 166 

Peirce, Hon. W. P 244 

Pierce, Franklin 70 

Polk, James H 58 

Reynolds, John 122 



Rowand, John F. 630 

Sandusky, Abraham 470 

Sandusky, Mrs. A 47 i 

Sandusky, James 492 

Sconce, James S 190 

Stevens, Samuel T 534 

Taylor Zachary 62 

Thompson, James 612 

Turner, John W 326 

Tyler, John 54 

Van Buren, Martin 46 

Washington, George 18 

Wood, John 154 

Yates, Richard 158 

Yerkes, Hiram 306 

Young, Charles S 554 



Ball, Selim, O 642 

Barnett, James 602 

Cadle, Philip 274 

Caraway, Charles T ...502 

Cassell, Eliza S 336 

Collins. J 564 

Christman, Joseph S 234 

Current J . M 502 

Elliott. J. M 622 

Engelmann, J. N - 




I inky. Watts 438-439 

Fisher, Michael 376 

Fultz, Jacob sj4 

Goodwine, John W 204-205 

Gray, William 622 

Guthrie, Andrew 602 

Hawkins, William 356 

J urgensmeyer, W 356 

Kelly, William 336 

Kent, W W 678 



K insey. John R 254 

Leemon, John. 294-295 

Mann, William J 460 

Miller, J. W 524 

Olehy, F. M 416 

Olmsted, Albert 354 

Owen, A. D 502 

Pate, Bird C 336 

Pollard, John 376 

Price, W m . H 316 



Pugh, Martin 524 

Reynolds, Moses 564 

Rickhart, W. V 416 

Sconce, W. H 376 

Smith, William 460 

Stearns, Alvin 254 

Tilton, Fred 482 

Thomas, John 678 

Trisler, John... 544 

Villars, G. M 758 

Winters. Wm. V 642 



